I have a 450PSD, 2002, 7.3, 2WD, CC, auto tranny, and I pull a 5th wheel trailer. It weighs about 13K. Often going up a steep mountain I will get down to as low as 35mph. Not too bad but I've been wondering if a larger exhaust and larger air intake would give me just a little bit more umpth to get up and over the mountain. Currently everything is stock. Thanks, HamRad

 

Those will help only a very tiny bit if at all. What they will allow for is getting a chip with a nice tow tune on it which will help out a bunch. How steep of a grade are you pulling? Those 4:88's and "only" 13k lbs even stock should pull that weight decently unless it is very steep. How long have you had the truck?

 

13k trailer?...I pull that with 3.73, been a while since I've been out west, but I know I was over 45mph.

 

The question becomes, what mph will make you happy, and what's the price point? My guess is though, you have some sort of boost leak, or drive pressure leak. As Rich will point out, you need to work on getting the base equipment back to 100% before we start talking about about adding power.

 

Thanks for quick input folks. I'm looking for 45MPH..... No less. The grades I'm talking about are only in the 6 to 8% range. Basically the Grapevine on I-5 and Mt. Shasta and on up into OR over Mt. Ashland or whatever it is called.

The motor should be just about on specs. I've had the truck since it was new. It does have the 4:88's. As far as I know it does not have any "leaks" but I don't know that for certain. I'll get that checked.

Appreciate all the input and I like the idea of getting it chipped for a better tow. Thanks guys. HamRad

 

You have something wrong if you are pulling those grades with that weight and can't maintain 55, much less 45. I would look into it. I would suspect boost leak first like Dan mentions, then up pipes leaking, and then maybe a fuel pressure issue and probably a combination of a couple of those things.

 

EBPS tube clogged, EBP sensor failed/failing

 

I had to slow down towing our 10k tt up the Vail pass to about 40 mph because Egts were getting high, Still had power but I still have stock exhaust on my Ex. Maybe need to check my uppies too though. That's about a 10-12 mile climb which doesn't help either I reckon.

 

Today I pulled one of the grades I mentioned earlier. No problems. Never got below 50mph. I guess I was worrying about nothing. I am perfectly happy with 50 to 55. So thanks to all who responded. I'm still going to check into the tow chip thing. Later, Hamrad

 

Hi HamRad, I'm Rich... the 100% guy mentioned above. When considering chipping, please read this (it's not boring): [LINK]

 

F450s like the vans usually have steel tanks, which when they delaminate can cause a fuel restriction which on mine at least showed up when traveling uphill pulling a trailer, because the engine needs a lot of fuel to sustain the load. I am not saying it is your problem, but it would be worth ruling out by pulling your oem fuel/water separator filter and looking to see how clean it is and what color it is if it is not clean. And it wouldn't hurt to drop the tank and look at the in-tank screens as well. You have a 12 year old steel tank which is what I had.

For my experience you can see:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...fuel-tank.html

Good luck and please post your results!

 

Well back to the drawing board. Got down to about 35 going up the mountain out of Yreka, CA. Gonna have to check everything out. Need more info about the "towing chip". Brands.... pros and cons. Thanks, HamRad

 

That's siskiyou summit , is it even six percent? No reason to be down to 35 with only 13k in tow.

 

You might be more interested in a scan tool first. It sounds like your truck is not even up to 100%, and I'd bet good money you are getting low MPG - which a chip will not fix.

 

I can't recall if a P1211 sets the CEL....but low HPOP could cause the low power. Agree with Rich, some sort of scan tool, like Auto Enginuity, is a must to help you through this.