Notices
All Things Towing Conventional, 5th Wheel, Toy Hauler, Flatbed, Gooseneck, Electrical/Brakes/etc.

Towing Tune

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 28, 2018 | 11:46 PM
  #1  
Bhead's Avatar
Bhead
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
Towing Tune

Just wondering what your thoughts are on buying a tuner for use when towing? Are they worth it?

Thanks
 
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2018 | 09:01 AM
  #2  
Toyman's Avatar
Toyman
FTE Chapter Leader
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,904
Likes: 76
From: Wayland, MI
Club FTE Silver Member

What are you towing with? Some vehicles can benefit from them, others not so much.
 
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2018 | 09:14 PM
  #3  
Bhead's Avatar
Bhead
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
Originally Posted by Toyman
What are you towing with? Some vehicles can benefit from them, others not so much.
Thanks. I have an 05 6.0L Excursion 4X4.

Thanks
 
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2018 | 06:58 AM
  #4  
BPofMD's Avatar
BPofMD
FTE Legend
Veteran: Navy
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
Club FTE Silver Member

With that 6.0, if you haven't replaced the torque-to yield head bolts with studs, do NOT tune your SUV.!!. A tune could cause the head bolts to stretch and cause major engine damage. Go to the 6.0 diesel forum and request info.
 
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2018 | 07:11 AM
  #5  
Toyman's Avatar
Toyman
FTE Chapter Leader
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,904
Likes: 76
From: Wayland, MI
Club FTE Silver Member

Definitely what Bud said. The 6.0 does respond really well to tuning, but the headbolts do not like the extra pressure. In fact even with out a tune the headbolts will stretch if you tow heavy and/or often. Once a few (expensive) things get swapped out they are awesome!
 
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2018 | 12:47 PM
  #6  
BPofMD's Avatar
BPofMD
FTE Legend
Veteran: Navy
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
Club FTE Silver Member

True that Rich.... exactly why Ford had to replace mine under warranty... I just had a set of studs right there when it happened and the mech used the studs instead of the bolts when he re-installed the heads....and the oil cooler AND the EGR valve.
 
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2018 | 01:40 PM
  #7  
Toyman's Avatar
Toyman
FTE Chapter Leader
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,904
Likes: 76
From: Wayland, MI
Club FTE Silver Member

That's perfect timing! I would love to find a nice clean Excursion to haul the boat with, but the thought of having to pull the motor to do studs doesn't sit right. Maybe I'll find one in a few years that has already been done......
 
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2018 | 01:56 PM
  #8  
Stewart_H's Avatar
Stewart_H
Super Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by BPofMD
With that 6.0, if you haven't replaced the torque-to yield head bolts with studs, do NOT tune your SUV.!!. A tune could cause the head bolts to stretch and cause major engine damage. Go to the 6.0 diesel forum and request info.
Originally Posted by Toyman
Definitely what Bud said. The 6.0 does respond really well to tuning, but the headbolts do not like the extra pressure. In fact even with out a tune the headbolts will stretch if you tow heavy and/or often. Once a few (expensive) things get swapped out they are awesome!
I have a bit of a differing opinion. Mine is Yes and no, depending on your situation.

Lotta guys have had good results using DI's non-studded tunes for their 6.0 with the CTS-2. That's what I run in my non-studded 6.0 and I do NOT drive like a grandpa. I race NHRDA with my work trucks, but I haven't raced the 6.0 yet because I have a drivers side 4x4 hub situation I need to correct first. But if you've seen me drive, every freeway on-ramp is a reason to stretch the 'ol girls legs out!

Stewart
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-2

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-6

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-9

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
Old Mar 30, 2018 | 03:25 PM
  #9  
BPofMD's Avatar
BPofMD
FTE Legend
Veteran: Navy
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
Club FTE Silver Member

Sure, no problem "stretching legs" - just don't be towing heavy while doing it !!
 
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2018 | 06:40 PM
  #10  
Stewart_H's Avatar
Stewart_H
Super Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by BPofMD
Sure, no problem "stretching legs" - just don't be towing heavy while doing it !!
No, of course not....

Side note: ....remind me to tell you the story sometime about my 7.3L and a semi 18-wheeler, while towing....

....but I do tow with it with my non-studded tunes. I just don't beat on it when it's hooked up.

Stewart
 
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2018 | 11:13 AM
  #11  
BPofMD's Avatar
BPofMD
FTE Legend
Veteran: Navy
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
Club FTE Silver Member

7.3 and the 6.0 are very different engines too.
 
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2018 | 11:53 AM
  #12  
Stewart_H's Avatar
Stewart_H
Super Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by BPofMD
7.3 and the 6.0 are very different engines too.
Tell me about it.

Wanna help ease up the aggressive driving a tad? Go from a 7.3 to a non-studded 6.0! LOL!

I woulda never done what I did with my 7.3 to my 6.0, but I actually forgot I was pulling my 31' TT when I was ummmm, merging onto the freeway from a long, sweeping onramp.

Stewart
 
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2018 | 12:45 PM
  #13  
BPofMD's Avatar
BPofMD
FTE Legend
Veteran: Navy
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
Club FTE Silver Member

Actually, comparing my 60 (studded) with and without the tow tune there really isn't much difference. Oh yeah, using the tune does help the getting up to speed better - but not THAT much and at the cost of higher fuel consumption. Now if I use the street tune vs not (without towing) WOW !!!
 
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2018 | 01:39 PM
  #14  
Toyman's Avatar
Toyman
FTE Chapter Leader
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,904
Likes: 76
From: Wayland, MI
Club FTE Silver Member

I believe the biggest benefit from the tow tunes is the trans shifting firmer and holding into higher rpm's before shifting. It does add some fuel delivery stuff from all of them I have used, but the benefit is for the trans.
 
Reply
Old Apr 1, 2018 | 05:27 AM
  #15  
WE3ZS's Avatar
WE3ZS
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,049
Likes: 1,547
From: Media PA
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by Toyman
That's perfect timing! I would love to find a nice clean Excursion to haul the boat with, but the thought of having to pull the motor to do studs doesn't sit right. Maybe I'll find one in a few years that has already been done......
Just get an EX with the good motor, you know the one with more cylinders!
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
efiguero
Excursion - King of SUVs
3
Jul 13, 2018 11:30 PM
Flaman
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
28
Feb 19, 2017 08:01 AM
sgc2c
Excursion - King of SUVs
66
Jun 14, 2014 08:49 PM
EddieEX10
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
8
Oct 22, 2013 09:45 AM
slorider
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
6
Jun 3, 2010 05:24 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:50 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE