I just bought an ultra lightweight travel trailer and I am well under the towing capacity, but I have thought of giving myself a little extra protection by installing an external transmission cooler. I would like some recommendations for what brand and type to buy. I have thought of checking with Ford to see if they have a factory cooler, but if there is an after-market cooler that will perform better I'd like to know. Any suggestions would be appreciated. By the way, I have a 1999 F150 with a 4.6 V-8 and I have serviced the tranny as recommended by the manufacturer.

PS: I'd also like any suggestions for improving my gas milage while towing the travel trailer. Man that thing makes my truck suck the gas.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

If your truck has the factory towing package, it already has a pretty good cooler. Look in front of the radiator to see what you have.

Yeah, towing really sucks....the gas...

Steve

 

if you don't have the tow package get the B&M cooler they are like $60 and good insurance but if you have the factory one you are fine.

Unless you are just towing a lot it isn't worth it but if you have 3:55 gears upgrading gears would help with towing especially if you have larger than stock tires but I don't know your set-up. Also I am not knocking you but the 4.6 is going to hurt on gas with towing depends on your gears.

 

In reading a few of the other threads I was encouraged to look at my truck and it seems that I already have a factory cooler installed. Thanks for the advice anyway.

 

Towing MPG is what it is.... If you are getting around 10 mpg, then that's about all you are going to get...

No bolt on gizmo is going to make that much of a difference, if any at all. The only thing that will make a difference is how you drive the thing and changing your driving habits is free!

When on the hwy, keep it to around 60-62 mph in third gear. This will keep your rpms just under 2500. On the hills, let the trans shift to second and then move your gear shift to second. Then hold around 50 mph. You'll be pulling around 3500 rpms, but you won't be in the throttle all that much (around half way) and you'll get up the hill just fine.

Not much you can do about towing in the city... That's where you will suck the most gas. Try to get up to speed and then let off the gas to hold speed and let the thing 'coast' as much as you can when approaching the stop lights. If it's yellow, then don't try to stab the pedal to make it... Just stop....

Mitch

 

I'd suggest siphoning about 1 gallon of gas a day out of your work vehicle. 1gal/day X 360 days/year X 10mpg= 3600 miles. You could vacation in Canada. If you need some 55 gallon barrels to strore the gas in, I know a guy who will deliver them for a small fee, $6 per barrel regardless of the distance. If you come pick them up yourself he'd be happy as a bannana.

 

I've heard about your friend.....I hear he's a little shady and tight as a bug's behind when it comes to money....Someone told me your friend would spend $100.00 in gas to save $.10 on a purchase. I don't know....I'll think about your proposal.

I'll get them Monday evening...how about that.