How many of you guys/gals tow with the A/C on in the summer? I have heard that it makes a difference towing with it off. What are your experiences?

 

I tow with it on when its hot.
The AC uses some HP but not enought for me to notice.
The temp isnt effected either. With stop and go traffic it may run a little hotter though.

 

I don't even notice the performance difference in the F150.

When I had my '03 Escape with the V6... yikes... everytime that clutch would kick in my lights would dim and it would seem as if I lost 100 hp.

 

thanks guys, I was thinking the same thing but just wondered what everyone thought.

 

If you are towing at your trucks max, then I'd say, yes, the AC could have an effect on your performance/engine temps.....

You need a 'real' water temp gauge to tell right away, but in my experience towing in 90+* weather over the I90 pass and going up and down 5% grades towing a #5000 TT with my 1997 F150 I can run with the AC on.... Max water temps for me has been 210*... That's going up the hill in 2nd gear at about 3500 rpms.. Oh, I have a 'real' water and trans temp gauge too...

As an example, my Dad had a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 with the Cummins in it.. (yeah, I know, but what can I say!) Well, he used to tow a #8000 TT with it and on some of the grades during the Summer time, he would have to not only shut off the AC, but open all the windows and turn on the HEATER to keep his water temp in check! He now has a 2005 3500 Dodge Dually and tows a #11000 5th wheel, but he has not needed to turn on the heater with it yet....

I have never had to do this with my rig, but I'm towing less then my trucks max, so there you go...

Mitch

 

I've been fine with mine with the A/C on. I never noticed a difference either, on or off. It wasn't until I got electric fans did I realize how often it kicks on and off. In my SE-R (when it had A/C), I would drive with it on as little as possible because it would kill it.

That Dodge probably overheats because it's got 2 heat exchangers in line before the radiator: intercooler and A/C condensor, not to mention the trans cooler is probably in front as well. By the time the air hits that radiator, it's probably above 150*...