Disappointing (horrible) towing performance!

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Dec 5, 2016 | 09:44 AM

#16

goatsauce

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It's unfortunate that I have to use the word "hill" because of the wide interpretation. The "hill" is no more than a 1-2% grade. I drive this road every day and with nothing in tow and cruise on the truck doesn't even downshift out of overdrive. (It's that insignificant of a "hill".)

When I did encounter a real hill (appx 4% grade in my neighborhood) I was white knuckling that I'd even be able to make it up at all and felt like I'd have to stop and put it 4L.

Rained all weekend so no data if the wheels spin freely or if there is resistance.

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Dec 5, 2016 | 09:50 AM

#17

Tom

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From: Isanti, MN

Right, I get that. But how did your 4.6L truck tow the same trailer in comparison?

That trailer may not be heavy, but it's a box on wheels that takes lots of energy to move through the air. It's going to need a significant amount of power to pull up a grade at highway speeds.

Dec 5, 2016 | 10:11 AM

#18

goatsauce

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I don't have an exact frame of reference as I only towed a 16' equipment trailer with the Expedition a few years back, but fully loaded with music equipment I'm sure it was a couple tons, and the truck barely knew it was there.

There's no doubt something is wrong, the question is a) if the problem lies with the camper or b) something with the truck. I can check the camper brakes, but the original question was just what sort of things on the truck could cause such significant bog. Got all the standard answers (tune-up, cats, etc) but I was just hoping someone with experience with this truck would say "A-ha! Yeah, blah blah blah is your issue." or "Dude, 5k is waaay too much trailer for this truck." or whatever.

Thanks! Will advise hopefully soon when it stops raining for more than a few hours and I can jack it up.

Dec 7, 2016 | 01:09 PM

#19

fordiesel69

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From: Erie, PA

This will not help you, but my 04 heritage 4.6L with cable throttle and 3.55 axle pulled my 24' boat well. My 07 with a 4.6L throttle by wire w/ 3.55 is a task just to maintain 65MPH. Constant shifting and having to hold the pedal to the floor.

Unloaded it is like a sports car when you nail it.

Dec 10, 2016 | 05:20 AM

#20

hammer65

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From: Morehead, Ky.

I pull a 5000# TT with my 2011 Screw, 3.5 and I have no trouble maintaining 65 mph in the Interstate. It does shift up and down some.

Dec 12, 2016 | 02:05 PM

#21

goatsauce

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Took a while for decent weather but I jacked up the camper. Bittersweet to find all four wheels spin freely, so it's not a braking problem.

I guess I'll have to hook the thing up and give it another shot. I will admit since I'd never towed this exact camper before I was being extra cautious. Guess I need to 'git on er' and see how it does.

Thanks everyone, will eventually advise again for posterity.

Dec 12, 2016 | 03:46 PM

#22

hammer65

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From: Morehead, Ky.

Glad to hear that they are not dragging, but if you mean they really spin freely, then they need adjusting. One to two rotations at a hard pull with your hands is all you need.