ST Towing Experience

[John Reitz]

I'm considering some long distance towing of a camper with my ST . Does anyone have any experience, recommendations, etc. I have hauled a utility trailer before with success, but was looking for some personal experience feedback. I'm aware of the limited power with the V6 on hills and such, but any modification recommendations, or 'don't do this', don't spend the money' type of feedback would be appreciated. Thanks, John Jr

 

[Scott Tanner]

Do a search on the main board (you're under the off topic section) with the word "Towing" in the search box, and you'll find gobs of info... I tow a 27' TT w/ an '02 4x2 ST, and have travels close to 15,000 mile on it towing since 2003... pics in library



Here are a few threads:





http://www.mysporttrac.com/shared/msgboard9e.asp?BOARDNAME=MSG&VIEW=1264058&REPLYCOUNT=8&sitename=mysporttrac

http://www.mysporttrac.com/shared/msgboard9e.asp?BOARDNAME=MSG&VIEW=1259701&REPLYCOUNT=6&sitename=mysporttrac

http://www.mysporttrac.com/shared/msgboard9e.asp?BOARDNAME=MSG&VIEW=1256204&REPLYCOUNT=5&sitename=mysporttrac&LAST=7/23/2010_5:27:24_PM

http://www.mysporttrac.com/shared/msgboard9e.asp?BOARDNAME=MSG&VIEW=1256154&REPLYCOUNT=6&sitename=mysporttrac&LAST=7/23/2010_5:27:24_PM

http://www.mysporttrac.com/shared/msgboard9e.asp?BOARDNAME=MSG&VIEW=1250014&REPLYCOUNT=21&sitename=mysporttrac&LAST=7/23/2010_5:27:24_PM

http://www.mysporttrac.com/shared/msgboard9e.asp?BOARDNAME=MSG&VIEW=1246321&REPLYCOUNT=7&sitename=mysporttrac&LAST=4/19/2010_1:05:27_PM

http://www.mysporttrac.com/shared/msgboard9e.asp?BOARDNAME=MSG&VIEW=1245924&REPLYCOUNT=2&sitename=mysporttrac&LAST=4/19/2010_1:05:27_PM

http://www.mysporttrac.com/shared/msgboard9e.asp?BOARDNAME=MSG&VIEW=1234101&REPLYCOUNT=7&sitename=mysporttrac&LAST=4/19/2010_1:05:27_PM

 

[Robert Thomas]

Gen 2. I don't think you can compare the two, but for what it's worth.



Gen 2 - 6 cyl - auto



760 miles - I-95 mostly - 70 to 75 mph - 13 hour trip including stops - 22.3 mpg



Return trip - 55 to 65 mph- Overdrive Off - Towing 24 foot boat with 4 wheel trailer and surge breaks - 7520 lbs - 18 hour trip including stops - one heavy rainstorm with wind - Easy tow everything considered, never passed another vehicle, no shake or shimmy - porpoised one time after a large bump (slowed down without breaking and it stopped), breaks worked great. Never had any concern for safety. Lost speed over inclines, but never had to hit overdrive (I think I would have had problems in the hills with speed lost). 9.8 mpg



Picture in Library

 

[Christopher Comeaux]

ive towed a weight of 9280 lbs with my truck on a 200 mile round trip with no problem

 

[Jacob Dryer]

4500 lbs 6x12 enclosed trailer - towed from Norfolk, VA to San Diego, CA

3000 lbs 18ft boat - towed from San Diego, CA to Oak Harbor, WA



Through the mountains I took OD off.. on the flats I didn't find it necessary to disable. I had a CAI, and throttle body for HP mods.



The enclosed trailer had electric brakes which was a huge improvement over the boat without any brakes.



Don't plan on good gas mileage thats for sure.. I always drained and filled the trans pan before and after long towing trips. It's not the same as a flush but I just sold my ST with 115k miles and never had any issues with the trans.

 

[John Reitz]

Sorry about the off subject! Thanks for your feedback guys.



My main issue has been what I can pull with my ST, vs. a full size F150. I'm really happy with my ST for 98% of my driving and can't justify buying a F150 for just pulling a 24" Hybrid camper at this time. JR

 

[Christopher Comeaux]

so a long distance heavy haul do i turn off my over drive or leave it on



when i did my trip i turned if off and had around 2500 rpms at 11.8 mpg with non-ethenal fuel came back had same rpms but with ethenal fuel and had 11.2 mpg

 

[Scott Tanner]

Yes, I would tow anything heavy w/ the OD off.. I also turnit off while driving just the truck through hilly ares..







a 24' hybrid will tow fairly easier, no need for the F150.... add a bake controller and tranny cooler, as well as a flush and fill...

 

[John Reitz]

I agree with the tranny cooler and the brake controller - a must. I'm on the road next week end, so I'll let you know how I made out. Thanks, JR

 

[John Reitz]

I pulled a 22 ft -22CT - Coyote this past week end. Yes, I need the Tranny cooler and Break unit ASAP. The V6 will work for local towing based on 1 weekend, but cross country I'm not sure. Anyway, my first time out went well.



Thanks for all of the feedback, JR