5 Star Tuner

[tomtex13]

Any input from users of the 5StarTuner on the F-53 V10 6.8 would be
appreciated. I am considering purchase and would like any pros or cons to
the install/use etc. At nearly $500.00 , I want some reassurances...Thanks for
any input.

 

[powercat_ras]

Any input from users of the 5StarTuner on the F-53 V10 6.8 would be
appreciated. I am considering purchase and would like any pros or cons to
the install/use etc. At nearly $500.00 , I want some reassurances...Thanks for
any input.

Improves the driving experience for pre 2016 Ford F53s, makes the 5 speed transmission stay in higher gears longer. Can't say on the 2016 F53s that have a 6 speed transmission, but lots of these have been sold to those of use with 2015 and earlier F53 coaches.

It's supposed to slightly increase the horsepower curve and slightly increase the fuel economy when cruising but the deltas are very small. As I stated the big change I saw was how the 5 speed automatic transmission shifted.

You can get a few bucks off the normal 5 Star price if you mention "IRV2 group buy" when you purchase.

 

[HerbZilla]

I just installed it a few weeks ago. Very straight forward. Noticed better acceleration right away when getting on the highway. Not having the screaming down shift is the main reason I got it and it is wonderful. If you can get it with the group buy it does save some money. Highly recommend it!!!!


Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - RV Forum

 

[HerbZilla]

I just saw on another thread that they are extending the group buy till April 25th or so. Price will be 429 plus shipping.


Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - RV Forum

 

[Don and Dale-WO]

Had it on previous unit and LOVED it. Working with 5 star tune now to get update for the new coach. Can't wait to get the hand held programmed and installed.

I would highly recommend it.

 

[tomtex13]

Thanks for the response ya'll. I will definitely contact 5 star again. Thanks,
Tomtex13

 

[Sask66]

Just traded my 2013 vista for a bigger 2012 vista. When I drove it home I noticed it shifted so much smoother than my trade. I didn't realize it had the 5 star tune done until I got it home and noticed the tuner included in the info bag. It really changes the performance, most noticeably the smoother shifting. It did seem to cruise at a higher rpm than my stock unit however. I don't know how that will affect mileage. I didn't buy it but after experiencing the results I think it would be worth the cost.

 

[Todd7]

We bought a used 2012 Itasca. I suspect that it has been reprogrammed. Since, it hasn't been difficult to keep the trany from dropping down 2 gears. Other than this I don't know how to tell for sure if 5 star has been implemented. Short of buying one, is there another way to tell?

Todd 7

 

[rme]

There has been a lot of discussion about this on Ford Chassis forum. I can't ever remember reading anything negative about it. Do a search on that forum and you will be reading for days. I have a 2016 and supposedly there will be a 5-star tune available for the 6-speed.

 

[tsut]

We bought a used 2012 Itasca. I suspect that it has been reprogrammed. Since, it hasn't been difficult to keep the trany from dropping down 2 gears. Other than this I don't know how to tell for sure if 5 star has been implemented. Short of buying one, is there another way to tell?

Todd 7

I was told (by 5-Star) the best way to determine if you have a program loaded is to (try to) drive above 75 MPH. Without tune, the V-10 is governor-limited. Mine wouldn't go above 77 (indicated) MPH.

(And yes, I found a 'safe, legal area' to go 75… or so. )…

Tom
P.S. Love the smoother shifting, and LOVE_LOVE the ability to use the cruise control now without all the down-shifts.