Just purchased a new SCREW Lariat without TRAILER TOWING GROUP,CLASS III. The dealer will install Class III/IV hitch for free. I will install the wiring harness (7pin plus 4pin) and relays for brake controller, battery charge. I am told that all 5.4L's come with the transmission cooler. What else is different with the the above option?

Do I need a different transmission cooler? What about radiator size? Anything else I need to know?

Thanks!

 

According to the sales brochure, the Trailer Tow Group option includes the hitch receiver, 7-pin wiring harness, heavy-duty shocks, heavy-duty battery and auxiliary transmission cooler.

My new XLT Sport 4x4 has the tow option, with the 5.4L, Automatic and 3.55-LS rear end. I've noticed it has two aux coolers mounted ahead of the radiator; I think one is for transmission, and one is for engine oil, which is the one the 5.4 with automatic includes.

The 4x4 suspension seems plenty stiff, so I'm not sure you'd need the upgraded shocks unless you've got a really heavy trailer load.

 

For some reason the dealer told me the extra coolers were for Transmission Fluid and Power Steering Fluid. I have never heard of P/S fluid cooler, oil makes far more sense and thats what I continue to assume.

BTW did you get a receiver with your truck? Mine didn't come with one, fortunately I had one that I bought for my F100 and it fits just fine (I suppose if its class III it should fit any Class III hitch).

 

Thanks for the replies.

I have the FX4 off road package with the Rancho shocks, and there is a transmission cooler in front of the radiator. When I picked up the relays & wiring harness for the brake controller kit, I asked the parts guy to look up the difference in the standard transmission cooler and the one with the tow package. He said the only visible difference was that the tow package transmission cooler had a different connector, but everything else was the same.

So the only thing that remains is the heavy duty battery? Why would I want to change the battery for towing?? Seems like if any power option should be upgraded, it would be the altenator.

No hitch yet...

 

What type of trailer are you pulling? IF its an RV with electric brakes, there is an auxiliary battery on the trailer that powers the brakes in the event of a hitch break-away during towing. One of the relays that must be installed on the truck supply "charge" power when the ignition is active. The intent is for the alternator to charge both the truck battery and the trailer battery, to ensure the "emergency" power is available for the trailer brakes. IF the trailer battery is dead upon hook-up, it could drain your truck battery were to have the ignition on without the engine running. SO, the truck battery should be a wee bit bigger as it may have to support the trailer's dead battery AND turn the engine over, and on an especially cold day, that's a challenge. IF you do have an RV with a weak battery, you should avoid leaving the truck ignition on without running the engine. I wouldn't worry about the battery, and you're right--the best device to keep all of batteries happy is the alternator. Also, the FX4 shocks are plenty, so you're doing fine by just installing the hitch and wire harness.

 

My towing needs are almost completely random. I traded in a 2001 SCrew for this 2003. With the 2001, I have towed log splitters, single axle utility trailers, tandem axle utility trailers, jet boats, Coleman popup camper, cars, and an antique Case tractor & trailer with combined weight close to 8000lbs. I NEVER had a problem with the 2001 using a brake controller for heavier loads (it had the tow package). No sway, stopping or acceleration problems, etc. I never had an opportunity to pull a full sized TT, but wouldn't rule that out just yet....

Earlier this morning I stopped by the local Ford dealer and did a visual inspection of the new SCrews with and without the tow package. It appears that the trans cooler with the tow package is almost twice as large as without the tow package. Will I ever need the larger cooler? Regardless of the decision to upgrade the cooler, would it be wise to buy a trans temp gauge to monitor whats going on?

I have searched my glovebox manual for hints on what options are required to tow the limits of this vehicle. Nowhere is a reference as to the need of the tow package.

So with this said, if I developed transmission problems from towing under the limit of this truck, but without the tow package, would the warranty cover the damage? Would damage be likely, or am I just paranoid? What then is the need for the larger cooler.

Of course I would rather spend the money upgrading the cooler than be hassled with an unexpected failure - even under warranty!

 

I'd seriously consider adding the bigger transmission cooler. All of the other stuff in the Class 3 Towing Package is nice to have, but heat is the number one enemy of automatic transmissions. Yes, the 5.4 (with the factory TT package) comes with a bigger cooler - for a very good reason. The factory package is engineered to have everything you need to tow what the vehicle is rated for. Anything less than the full / balanced package and I'd say you're asking for trouble.

 

Most people would argue that even in standard form, most vehicles would benifit greatly from a transmission cooler. If you're going to upgrade yours with aftermarket stuff, I'd suggest getting an oversized unit with an accessory fan. Just my $.02

-Flea