Steve Hoult wrote:
The van would be by second choice as I listed. Dave said he did not want
all the extra seat. And my personal prefernce is a pickup. But then I hunt and
train
dogs in the off season and Haul all kinds of stuff.
>
> I agree with all of the above except for the Pickup part. I would suggest
> the Ford E-250 3/4 ton Van with the 5.7 liter engine and towing package.
> Enclosed in back to keep things secure and dry.
>
> snip
>
> Don't tow in overdrive! You risk burning out the transmission. I burned the
> tranny out on my '94 E-250 by towing in OD, although it did last to 90K
> towing my 16' enclosed at 90 mph.
A little common sense goes along ways. I do not suggest towing at 90 MPH.
I have towed with two Ford with overdrive. A 92 F-150 with a 5.7 and
3.27 gears. Towed an open 2200 lb trailer with a 3100 lb car. I towed this from]
Salina Kansas to: Durango Co., Denver Co. Nashivlee Tenn., Little Rock Ark,
Milwaukee and all over Kansas, Neb., Iowa, and Ok. Total 88,000 miles.
Always towed in Overdrive on the flats and slight inclines, kicked it down to
drive
for and hill or mountains.
Of course I change tranny fluid every 15,000 and rear end grease every 30,000.
Never had a problem, and I was always told the tranny fluid looked great.
But, then I never towed over 75 and generally in 65 - 70 mph range.
Current tow vehicle in a 95 F-350 crew cab, 4x4 with a 460 cid, and 411
posi front and rear. Tow a 26 foot enclosed trailer with same car. When
loaded the trailer axles have 8,000 lbs on them and the truck has 4,000 on
both front and rear axles. Tow in overdrive on flats primarily and kick down
for hills. Tow at 70 mph. Truck has 105,000 miles and no problems.
A little common sense when towing and good maintenance, and you will not
have problems with your tranny. Other wise better leave it in drive. DO NOT
TRY THIS WITH A CHEVY OR DODGE. Even with the Ford make the down shifts
yourself, do not wait for the tranny to downshift it self. This makes the
downshift less
stressful and keeps you on top of the cam.
Rob
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