modifications for better towing

If you`re gonna tune a Ford go with a 5 Star Tuner. they have a very good reputation for custom tuning on Ford trucks. I have one on my V-10 Excursion and it is night and day compared with stock. the biggest thing I wanted it for was the improved shift strategy. I have 3 tunes (89 octane, they have tunes for different octanes). I have the 89 economy, towing and performance. let me tell you the tow tune really woke up my X. they aren`t cheap, but are well worth the $$$$.

Goose2448 wrote:
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Best mods for towing are things like air bags, some lights for backing up at night, maybe a reverse camera, that kinda thing.

Well yes to the lights, Air bags are most used to solve an overloaded condition, many times severely overloaded axle and tires. There are those the swear by them to solve chucking issues, which would also indicate not enough spring on the truck. I solved mine with better shocks on the truck, and adding shocks to the 5er.
The other great mod was the addition of a Pacbrake exhaust brake, if you are towing heavy it is nice to have extra Whoa power.

I chipped my Duramx. Get 360 HP and about 1.5 MPG better so it paid for itself in 1 trip to FL from VA and back.I'm going to find out how it does in the Rockies in August.

No point in tuning a gasser. Add a CAI, like S&B, and call it good. Canned tuners are not that great to begin with, and there is not much you can do with a stock gasser and tuning. EFI is available on the GM gassers, Duramax, and 07.5-10 Cummins. Problem is all the GMT900 GMs, 07.5-new record everything flashed in the computer and the toque values. When something major happens, GM requires a snap shot of the computer, and can and will deny claims because of tuning. Doesn't mater if the tuner says its not traceable. I run EFI from Kory Wills and love my tow tune. 60hp at the wheels and turbo brake at 2000+ RPMs. Works great and I have not even towed with it yet. The problem is not the engine, its the trans. Most stock auto trans can handle a little more than stock power and thats it. Add in all the extra weight of the trailer, its even less power it can handle.

Best mods for towing are things like air bags, some lights for backing up at night, maybe a reverse camera, that kinda thing.

pronstar wrote:
Many diesel tuners with multiple programs, have "tow" settings are close to stock.

And their higher HP settings are usually not recommended for towing.

There is also one out there that claims that it can not be traced or detected by a dealer if it is returned back to stock before returning it to the dealer for service.

Many diesel tuners with multiple programs, have "tow" settings are close to stock.

And their higher HP settings are usually not recommended for towing.

OEM's knew about the boy racer stuff, but could not 'prove' it easily...that was
'then'...'now' they can with all of the computing systems (yes, most of today's
vehicles have many computerized systems

Add RFID and now the components and sub-systems can 'tell' the master computer
what is going on. I'll bet that strain gauges will also become common

During the evolution of computerized controls...the first had volatile memory
Now disconnecting the battery will NOT erase memory and it will remember what
you did to the computer, how you drove (there are many lawsuits over black
box rentals that told it went over 100MPH, etc), etc.

I'm a boy racer and have been modifying my vehicles ever since high school, but
take the responsibility of that and will not lie to the dealer if I should need
warranty work like so many out there and here providing advice: "sure you can...
I have been doing it for decades with no problems"

Read up and learn how these modifications 'can' increase torque and therefore HP
How that then reduces margins and longevity. How to then redesign (if it can be)
to accommodate those modifications or mitigate to gain back 'some' of the margin

I will probably do nothing but will continue to look and learn more about chips, cold air filters , etc...don't cost anything to look...better to find the good and bad before spending than after.

I had about decided to put in a K&N air filter but now I read that they don't actually filter as good as a Fram or OE filter, although they may give better air flow and that should / could be good. I guess that is what you folks are calling a cold air filter?

I've always heard the saying if it ain't broke don't fix it. My truck runs fine so unless I were to buy a bigger rv I should be ok. Probably put that money towards a factory replacement engine if I keep the truck or toward a new truck. Thanks for all the info. Will learn and then decide.

riven1950 wrote:
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.

mfg have started getting wise to performance tuning and warranty claims. My son's new (2013) ford f250 work truck has a sticker under the hood above the radiator that basically says installation of any performance enhancing devices that are not CARB approved will result in warrany exclusion for any failures. See your owners manual for further warranty exclusions.

Since they specifically state that exclusion you won't be able to fall back on MM warranty act to get coverage either since MM says mfg can set exclusions on warranty coverage for aftermarket parts if it is called out in the warranty.

Now try finding a tuner that has a CARB approval number!

Now, if your out of warranty, your on your own anyway.

riven1950 wrote:
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.

My pure stock truck pulls my 5er as fast as I want to go,can pass semi's going up hills,will accelerate the rig on on ramps as fast as the design of ramp will allow. All this without worrying about overheating coolant,turbo,tranny or my nerves. Has worked just fine for the last 8 1/2 years and 151k and counting. Happy travels.