Just wondering if anyone has tried installing performance chips in there TV for better performance when towing. I know very little about them but have been reading some online about performance modifications for engines. My specific engine is a 4.6l in an F150 4x4 3.73gears . It has a towing package and tows my 3050lb (empty) camper fine, but a little more bang is better if it is not too expensive. Some of the more expensive chips have dash mounted displays which would seem to be helpful in monitoring the engine / trans etc. Edge is one brand I read about. runs about 300-350.00. Just wondering if anyone had tried such a thing.

".....modifications for better towing...." is very subjectiveTo me, that would be lots of safety margin in ratings, components, braking thatboils down to sizing of the TV vs the trailer in questionPlus setting up the whole system correctlyTo me, a more appropriate subject or title to your question would be".....modifications for FASTER towing...."

I have a bully dog gt (gauge/tuner). I bought it primarily to correct for a gearing change and larger tires, but is is very handy as it can display up to 4 gauges at a time. My favorite is the trans temp because it also shows when the torque converter is locked. I have also used the air intake temp gauge, which has shown that my intake temps are only a few degrees above outside air temp. It has a fuel economy mode as well, but I have not tried that. I got it for really good price from a factory authorized seller brand new on ebay. oh, and it has a performance mode and a towing mode. I have not tried the performance mode yet.

As you increase engine power, you impact durability. What may last 250k stock & empty, may last 5k tuned and hooked to a trailer.If you want to improve things, look at cooling and braking. Both of those have almost no downside (other then cost).That said, I have a tune on my truck, but it cut it back to nearly stock when towing.

A programmer in the 4.6L might be about to add about 25HP. Not bad, but not really enough to make a dramatically batter towing experience.If you want to wake it up, slap a supercharger on it! Lots of goodies are out there for your motor.

If you have a GM Duramax or a Dodge Cummins, you can take advantage of custom tuning by diesel shops that tune with EFI Live. They can custom "tune" the ECU in your truck to optimize power in a safe manner. You can also have turbo braking on diesels that have VVT. If done properly by a knowledgeable tech, you can improve fuel economy, power and driveability without sacrificing engine longevity and you can have several modes available for towing, enhanced stock tune, valet (governed power) or whatever you would like, including high performance-not recommended for towing. The key is in finding someone who knows what they are doing.

modifications for better towing | Good Sam Community

33 Replies

christopherglen
Explorer
Jun 12, 2013
As you increase engine power, you impact durability. What may last 250k stock & empty, may last 5k tuned and hooked to a trailer.
If you want to improve things, look at cooling and braking. Both of those have almost no downside (other then cost).
That said, I have a tune on my truck, but it cut it back to nearly stock when towing.
kevden
Explorer
Jun 12, 2013
I have a bully dog gt (gauge/tuner). I bought it primarily to correct for a gearing change and larger tires, but is is very handy as it can display up to 4 gauges at a time. My favorite is the trans temp because it also shows when the torque converter is locked. I have also used the air intake temp gauge, which has shown that my intake temps are only a few degrees above outside air temp. It has a fuel economy mode as well, but I have not tried that. I got it for really good price from a factory authorized seller brand new on ebay. oh, and it has a performance mode and a towing mode. I have not tried the performance mode yet.
BenK
Explorer
Jun 12, 2013
".....modifications for better towing...." is very subjective

To me, that would be lots of safety margin in ratings, components, braking that
boils down to sizing of the TV vs the trailer in question

Plus setting up the whole system correctly

To me, a more appropriate subject or title to your question would be
".....modifications for FASTER towing...."

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modifications for better towing

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