Towing While Tuned
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 900
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Towing While Tuned
I run the SRL+ tune 95% of the time. With an empty truck, never towing.
I have always ran the Unlimited Tow Tune when pulling my 5'er. My trailer weighs about 9,000 lbs dry weight. It has a 126 Gallon fresh water tank and a 36 gallon fueling station, a couple quads, so the weight adds up quickly. It has to be close to 13,000 lbs when road ready. You know its back there. So my question is, do any of you guys tow this heavy with the 8K Tune? I am thinking about trying it, and would like to here from any of you guys that are pulling relatively heavy loads with this tune. They say the 8K tune is good for 13K with studs.
I have always ran the Unlimited Tow Tune when pulling my 5'er. My trailer weighs about 9,000 lbs dry weight. It has a 126 Gallon fresh water tank and a 36 gallon fueling station, a couple quads, so the weight adds up quickly. It has to be close to 13,000 lbs when road ready. You know its back there. So my question is, do any of you guys tow this heavy with the 8K Tune? I am thinking about trying it, and would like to here from any of you guys that are pulling relatively heavy loads with this tune. They say the 8K tune is good for 13K with studs.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,496
Likes: 94
From: So. Jersey
I run the SRL+ tune 95% of the time. With an empty truck, never towing.
I have always ran the Unlimited Tow Tune when pulling my 5'er. My trailer weighs about 9,000 lbs dry weight. It has a 126 Gallon fresh water tank and a 36 gallon fueling station, a couple quads, so the weight adds up quickly. It has to be close to 13,000 lbs when road ready. You know its back there. So my question is, do any of you guys tow this heavy with the 8K Tune? I am thinking about trying it, and would like to here from any of you guys that are pulling relatively heavy loads with this tune. They say the 8K tune is good for 13K with studs.
I have always ran the Unlimited Tow Tune when pulling my 5'er. My trailer weighs about 9,000 lbs dry weight. It has a 126 Gallon fresh water tank and a 36 gallon fueling station, a couple quads, so the weight adds up quickly. It has to be close to 13,000 lbs when road ready. You know its back there. So my question is, do any of you guys tow this heavy with the 8K Tune? I am thinking about trying it, and would like to here from any of you guys that are pulling relatively heavy loads with this tune. They say the 8K tune is good for 13K with studs.
I run with an eye on the boost and EGT gauges any time pulling grade. If EGTs get to 1250°F I back off the skinny pedal until they start coming down. No issues.
That SLR tune you can have it. It runs like a raped ape but EGTs unloaded go over 1500°F. That's just looking for trouble IMHO.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 900
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Yes I do run the 8k tune all the time. I'm towing very comparable weight as you are when loaded. Actually just got back from a 1600 mile round trip through the Adirondacks. How and I'm running stock bolts with 165,000+ miles.
I run with an eye on the boost and EGT gauges any time pulling grade. If EGTs get to 1250°F I back off the skinny pedal until they start coming down. No issues.
That SLR tune you can have it. It runs like a raped ape but EGTs unloaded go over 1500°F. That's just looking for trouble IMHO.
I run with an eye on the boost and EGT gauges any time pulling grade. If EGTs get to 1250°F I back off the skinny pedal until they start coming down. No issues.
That SLR tune you can have it. It runs like a raped ape but EGTs unloaded go over 1500°F. That's just looking for trouble IMHO.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,496
Likes: 94
From: So. Jersey
I'm not a hotrod and drive by gauges. It's not in any more danger. EGT gauge is a must when towing tuned.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 900
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
I agree, I just replaced my EGT Thermocouple last week.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 110
From: Lakeland, Fl
I've been towing tuned for over 4 years with stock bolts, studs are over rated. 198k on original gaskets.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 900
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
I wouldn't call them over rated. I've had to personally experienced head gasket failure first hand. Actually the stock head gaskets are a good part. It's the TTY bolts that aren't optimal for higher than stock cylinder pressures.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,253
Likes: 763
From: Houston, Texas
Depending on what I'm towing, I'll either run unlimited tow or maybe the 8K (good for 13K if studded), more often than not, I don't push my luck and run unlimited tow.
Once the trans learns, unlimited tow helps the truck do an awesome job of towing whatever I put behind it.
Once the trans learns, unlimited tow helps the truck do an awesome job of towing whatever I put behind it.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 900
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Most are just re-programming of the ECU
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 900
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Depending on what I'm towing, I'll either run unlimited tow or maybe the 8K (good for 13K if studded), more often than not, I don't push my luck and run unlimited tow.
Once the trans learns, unlimited tow helps the truck do an awesome job of towing whatever I put behind it.
Once the trans learns, unlimited tow helps the truck do an awesome job of towing whatever I put behind it.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 120
Likes: 5
From: Houlton ME, woodstock CA
My Montana Fifth wheel comes in at 15,000 dry and when I tow Never remove either tune, I just keep an eye on the gauges, I do find that on long grades that the truck has enough power that she stays in overdrive at 70mph and the EGT start to climb so I either get her to down shift or just pull out of the skinny peddle.
I have towed the white mountains in New Hampshire, all thru the adirondacks with outside temps over 95 degrees and never had any problems.
Like people are saying just watch your gauges and you will be fine.
I have towed the white mountains in New Hampshire, all thru the adirondacks with outside temps over 95 degrees and never had any problems.
Like people are saying just watch your gauges and you will be fine.