E-350 Overwhlemed?
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Joined: May 2012
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E-350 Overwhlemed?
Hello All-
I'm a novice rv'er, just a few trips in and still trying to understand some things. I have an 2009 E-350 Super Duty 5.4L 12 passanger van with 23K miles. I'm pulling a trailer that weighs somewhere between 7,000 and 8,000 lbs. I tend to stay local, which means the trips are relatively flat, with some minor hills. The engine certainly seems challanged at times, particualry on the highway. I just learned to turn OD off when towing, which I didn't know in the beginning. Am I expecting too much from my van? To me it seems border line but I'm no expert! I'm considering some aftermarket parts like a better air intake to boast performace slightly. Would this help or be a waste of money? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
I'm a novice rv'er, just a few trips in and still trying to understand some things. I have an 2009 E-350 Super Duty 5.4L 12 passanger van with 23K miles. I'm pulling a trailer that weighs somewhere between 7,000 and 8,000 lbs. I tend to stay local, which means the trips are relatively flat, with some minor hills. The engine certainly seems challanged at times, particualry on the highway. I just learned to turn OD off when towing, which I didn't know in the beginning. Am I expecting too much from my van? To me it seems border line but I'm no expert! I'm considering some aftermarket parts like a better air intake to boast performace slightly. Would this help or be a waste of money? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Senior User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 366
Likes: 1
From: the old home place
A regular length van E350 with the 5.4 pulling that amount is just fine. It's not OVER powered but not underpowered either. The 5.4 is a strong engine and the Ford modulars are designed to put out a lot of power at a higher rpm than, say, a diesel or big block 460 or the like. You are on the upper limit of your towing capability but I wouldn't say you are overdoing it. It's very easy to think yourself in to a corner when it comes to towing power. Oh, i just need a v10 or I just need a diesel, or I just need a better intake/exhaust. You can help a little with those things, but just remember that what you have will do the job and the grass is always greener on the other side. It's pretty hard to make your money back on expensive add-ons unless you pull this kind of weight all day every day.
If I were to suggest one upgrade, it would be a 5-Star tune. Check out their website, they have some very loyal followers and I'm trying to put together the money for a tune from them myself for my 5.4
http://www.5startuning.com/
Good luck and happy camping
If I were to suggest one upgrade, it would be a 5-Star tune. Check out their website, they have some very loyal followers and I'm trying to put together the money for a tune from them myself for my 5.4
http://www.5startuning.com/
Good luck and happy camping
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,414
Likes: 10
From: Thornhill , Ontario
Definitely do the 5 Star tuner......I would also upgrade the Intake or at least a higher flowing filter like an Air RAID / K &N or Amsoil ..... next upgrade would be a freer flowing exhaust and a good trans cooler.....
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 4
From: Nowthen, MN
I would do a gear swap before all of that stuff. You will gain more by swapping gears than all of that stuff put together, and it will cost less. Rather trying to squeeze more power out of the engine, you are making better use of the power that you already have by multiplying the torque. This will make both the engine and transmission not have to work as hard, plus the lower gears will give you better engine braking as well.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
+1 on the 5 Star tuner! From everything I've read in the V10 and V8 forums that single change is one of the biggest bang-for-the bucks improvements one can make on Ford modular motors. Mike offers a few stock tunes, one of which is a towing configuration.
5 Star tunes also has an exhaust system upgrade that eliminates a choking point on the 5.4's---something else to consider. Its listed on his site and can be made into a package deal for the parts, installation would have to be done locally though.
The rear gear ratio is something I'd certainly look into as well, especially if you'll be towing somewhat regularly. Its the rare intake modification that's really worth the money, again according to those in the modular motor forums. A good quality standard air filter will always be your best bet and of course keeping your MAF sensor clean.
5 Star tunes also has an exhaust system upgrade that eliminates a choking point on the 5.4's---something else to consider. Its listed on his site and can be made into a package deal for the parts, installation would have to be done locally though.
The rear gear ratio is something I'd certainly look into as well, especially if you'll be towing somewhat regularly. Its the rare intake modification that's really worth the money, again according to those in the modular motor forums. A good quality standard air filter will always be your best bet and of course keeping your MAF sensor clean.
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