long distance towing
03-18-2015, 12:58 PM
#1
ethan82000
Thread Starter
long distance towing
Im about to tow a 2013 ford fusion on a car dolly from alaska to virginia with my 2006 ford f150 4.6l 4x4. The fusion weighs about 3400 lbs. i keep up with regular maintenance and the trucks in good running condition, anyone have any input, ideas or suggestions to account for? Ive just never hauled for a long distance with this truck.
03-18-2015, 05:22 PM
#2
Senior Member
I would Check on tires and heat on car dolly hubs, also strap downs at every fill, if over heat the hubs on the dolly you will have a chance to take out the whole hub assembly.
03-19-2015, 07:01 AM
#4
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If it's been a while since you changed your trans fluid, I'd recommend changing it and the filter before starting the trip. I didn't have to switch off my o/d-but then again I have the 5.4L engine. I like synthetic ATF for towing, use Mobil 1. Also check your brakes would be a good idea too.
03-19-2015, 10:11 AM
#5
ethan82000
Thread Starter
03-19-2015, 12:27 PM
#6
Senior Member
If the transmission lock in and doesn't always change gear, you 'll be fine with the O/D on.
it's the often gear change, not locking that kill transmission.
other then that: hook it up and go!
it's the often gear change, not locking that kill transmission.
other then that: hook it up and go!
03-19-2015, 02:41 PM
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Yes, I ran with O/D off all the time. I could tell the transmission was straining in fourth, along with downshifting at every rise. Plus, my owners manual says to lock out fourth if pulling a trailer.
It is possible we do not have the same transmission and final drive ratio. I have 3.55 rear gears and 2wd with no towing package. The biggest problem I had was the huge ratio gap between 3rd and 4th. At 65 MPH, 3rd ran at 2,700 RPM while 4th dropped it around 2,000. I would have liked a gear between the two.
Something you might want to check. I bought mine used with 42,000 miles. Right before I left I put a finger in the level plug on the differential and could feel no fluid. It took almost a quart to bring fluid up to the hole.
Good idea to change transmission fluid if you haven't.
It is possible we do not have the same transmission and final drive ratio. I have 3.55 rear gears and 2wd with no towing package. The biggest problem I had was the huge ratio gap between 3rd and 4th. At 65 MPH, 3rd ran at 2,700 RPM while 4th dropped it around 2,000. I would have liked a gear between the two.
Something you might want to check. I bought mine used with 42,000 miles. Right before I left I put a finger in the level plug on the differential and could feel no fluid. It took almost a quart to bring fluid up to the hole.
Good idea to change transmission fluid if you haven't.
Last edited by tfisher309; 03-19-2015 at 02:44 PM.
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03-20-2015, 10:14 AM
#8
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I have the tow pkg, with the 3.73 LS axle. I changed my rear axle fluid @ 30K and added the Ford Friction Modifier. Wasn't noisy before the change, but I could tell it was happier and quieter afterwards.
03-20-2015, 10:45 AM
#9
Moderator (Ret.)
Does your truck have an automatic transmission oil cooler? It was an option from Ford (if you got the tow package option), but easily installed if you don't.
For that distance, the money would be well spent to help keep the automatic transmission cooler, as heat is the number one reason they fail. A cooler can be bought for 50 bucks, and simply installs in series with one of the transmission lines that run to/from the radiator. Don't just bypass the radiator, but rather install the cooler in series with the existing transmission lines to the radiator (as the factory cooler does it).
For that distance, the money would be well spent to help keep the automatic transmission cooler, as heat is the number one reason they fail. A cooler can be bought for 50 bucks, and simply installs in series with one of the transmission lines that run to/from the radiator. Don't just bypass the radiator, but rather install the cooler in series with the existing transmission lines to the radiator (as the factory cooler does it).
Last edited by Mod (Ret.); 03-27-2015 at 04:54 AM.
03-20-2015, 12:30 PM
#10
ethan82000
Thread Starter
I do have 3.55 gears, i have changed all diff and transfer case fluids within the last 5k miles. The truck already has a trans cooler.
The only thing i havent done is the trans fluid. I didnt want to do anything with the transmission right before this 5k mile trip, because is perfectly fine right now and i dont wanna chance it. I was going to change it when i got to virginia though.
The only thing i havent done is the trans fluid. I didnt want to do anything with the transmission right before this 5k mile trip, because is perfectly fine right now and i dont wanna chance it. I was going to change it when i got to virginia though.