HD tow adequate cooling?

[andrew_s]

Been reading conflicting information on if the HD tow is good enough to cool. I have also read that there are many different coolers offered on the 3rd gen expedition anything from a 11, 7, and 5 plate setup. Mine has 8 plates that looks to have 6-7 actual usable plates at ~23" long so it looks like I have the "updated" HD trans cooler.

My wonder is how well the standard system cools the engine and transmission in high heat/humidity that I typically haul in. Should I be concerned? Should I look into aftermarket coolers? or am I good enough with the "updated" HD setup?

 

[montecarlo31]

I haven't towed with my '13 yet but my 08 EL (mechanical fan) never had issues cooling even in the Florida heat with stop and go traffic pulling a 28' center console boat (about 11/12K lbs full of fuel, beer, water, etc). The fan would draw some serious air (clutch driven) but never felt like it was running hot.

I will say my '13 seems to run A LOT hotter than the 08, the new electric cooling fans are always on but then again the a/c is also always on (which commands the fans to run to allow air flow over the a/c core).

 

[andrew_s]

I haven't towed with my '13 yet but my 08 EL (mechanical fan) never had issues cooling even in the Florida heat with stop and go traffic pulling a 28' center console boat (about 11/12K lbs full of fuel, beer, water, etc). The fan would draw some serious air (clutch driven) but never felt like it was running hot.

I will say my '13 seems to run A LOT hotter than the 08, the new electric cooling fans are always on but then again the a/c is also always on (which commands the fans to run to allow air flow over the a/c core).

This is great news! I have always been a fan of efan + mechanical fan. Adds more cooling and redundancy. Sadly my jeep was a year too new and got the crappy hydraulic fan which cooled awesome but always had problems. Mine on 95-100 with 80+ humidity people hauling never goes close to half. So far Im VERY impressed.

 

[Static54]

Towed with my '13 limited. Not sure what size cooler it has but towed my 7x16' enclosed trailer from Phx to Illinois through the mountains up i17. Didn't have any heat issues. Not sure how heavy trailer was but definitely gave the expy a work out

 

[cekkk]

Interesting thread. My DW's 2013 King Ranch has just short of a thousand miles and will have just broken through that number when she follows me 800 miles to the Phoenix area in a few weeks towing about 4000# of flatbed, toys and tools. I'd not be surprised if, while giving us trailer brakes, etc., Ford would skimp on cooling. The transmission cooler on my '02 7.3 Powerstroke was pathetic and required my installing a cooler from a 6.0 to bring my temps down where they belong.

I'll have to see what she has on this new Expy. I should say that she had no trouble pulling that load with her '04 Expy up the Beeline Hwy's steep northbound grades with temps in the 90s.

 

[chuck s]

No problems with my HD Tow '07. Engine coolant temperature runs just at 200°F and the transmission temperature typically runs 100°F above ambient temperatures across the mounts in PA with a full size albeit only 5000 pound travel trailer. Trans temp only exceeds 200°F in heavy city driving in high summer and only for a few minutes.

If in doubt get a gauge, I did.



-- Chuck

 

[andrew_s]

No problems with my HD Tow '07. Engine coolant temperature runs just at 200°F and the transmission temperature typically runs 100°F above ambient temperatures across the mounts in PA with a full size albeit only 5000 pound travel trailer. Trans temp only exceeds 200°F in heavy city driving in high summer and only for a few minutes.

If in doubt get a gauge, I did.



-- Chuck

What guage is that and how does it tie in? I have one in the jeep that has its own block and wiring that I hooked in at the pan using a PML cast aluminum pan.

EDIT: Ok Im at thier site and it says OBD connector so Im assuming it plugs into that and reads the factor data as opposed to using a stand alone setup. I much prefer the ease of this to a separate block and having to run a whole mess of wires. Ill be def looking into this setup as a trans temp guage was in the cards to begin with. Thanks!

 

[ndpuckhead]

I just got back from a trip from Michigan to Bristol, TN pulling a 6000# TT. I have an 07 EL and used the Scangauge II. Trans temps were mostly 200-205 in the mountains, with a peak of 218, but only once when it was really working to get up a hill. Outside temp was between 75-82 for the whole trip.

 

[andrew_s]

During normal driving with a moderate load in the back and family in tow I see between 130-190F not towing. When I was baling hay it was low 90s and towing well past the tow rating for my expedition the temps never got above 175F but then again I was only towing across the field to the barn.

I am more then satisfied with the factory HD tow. Will I upgrade the cooler one day and add an oil cooler? Probably around the same time I start modding other things.

 

[ospreyfe55]

Hey guys this is my first post but I've been looking around and just wanted to get some more information on my 12' Expedition. My wife and I are looking to purchase a 30' Travel Trailer, it weighs just shy 5800# empty. Our current Expi Limited does not have the HD tow package. So I went to the local dealership to get part numbers and prices on what I would need to set up the HD tow package. I without a doubt will install a brake controller, however is the factory Trans cooler sufficient? Should I replace the radiator for the Super cool one Ford offers? I have a list of part numbers if someone wants me to post them. I would just like to set my truck up to make it safe and efficient. Also currently I live in the panhandle of Florida and we are moving to New Mexico in the spring. The altitude in NM is about 5300' and we plan on towing through out Colorado and Arizona. And just incase someone says get a new truck, thats not really an option since I just got the truck and we are a family of 7!

 

[chuck s]

The only difference between the 6000 pound standard maximum towing capacity and the 9000 pound max with the HD Tow package is the two radiators and some electrical wiring. You need all three.

Towing capacity is calculated with the truck empty. You're adding six (6) bodies so subtract 1000 pounds from the towing capacity. This means you're currently at 5000 pounds and will get only to 8000 pounds when you've done the mechanical work.

I suspect you have 3.31 (?) axles and not 3.73 which will make towing something this heavy difficult. The altitude ain't gonna help either.

Me? I'd not be comfortable towing your proposed 30-footer even with the modifications.

-- Chuck

 

[andrew_s]

I towed 200-230 70 pound bales of hay + trailer that was every bit of 3000+ across the farm (pretty hilly) with 3.31 and it wasnt sluggish at all. Going up a mountain might be different, but remember the 3.31 have a slightly higher tow rating then the 3.73.

 

[bedrck46]

going up a mountain will definitely be different I once had a 32 ft trailer and towed it with a Chev Sub. Had 3.23 rear couldn't pull it up my driveway from a dead standstill. Had to get a running start switch to the same engine but with 3.73 rear and it would walk up the driveway For towing I would prefer the 4.10 or something in that range Mileage may suffer when not towing but the power and torque would be where you need it

 

[cekkk]

I towed 200-230 70 pound bales of hay + trailer that was every bit of 3000+ across the farm (pretty hilly) with 3.31 and it wasnt sluggish at all. Going up a mountain might be different, but remember the 3.31 have a slightly higher tow rating then the 3.73.

19,000 pounds?

 

[ospreyfe55]

Thanks for the input and reply guys. I looked at my sticker and my axle code is 16 which I believe is the 3.73 non-limited slip. Not sure if that will help or not. I have already got the parts to correct the wiring and parts list for the Radiator and Trans Cooler, but just incase I am currently looking for another vehicle that will tow what we need and fit the family. Llike it back to Chevy since there is noting in the Ford lineup that will work for us. I looked at Excursions but they want 10k over book for a Diesel! So it looks like its back to Chevy since there is noting in the Ford lineup that will work for us.

 

[bedrck46]

Why not get the Toyota It can tow the space shuttle
Ospreyfe55 No matter what, all the best to you in your choice

 

[ospreyfe55]

I would love to have the toyota! But not all my kids would fit. But I just looked at an 09 Suburban 4x4 and the towing capacity is 1k less than my current Expi EL. I wish Ford would bring back the Excursion.

 

[bedrck46]

what engine and axel ratio did the 09 Suburban have

 

[ospreyfe55]

6.0 and 3.42, my current Expi EL is 5.5 with 3.73

 

[bedrck46]

is your 4x4