Hello,
I'm new to the forum and really need some advice. I have a 2008 Ford F150 STX. It currently has approximately 145,000 miles on it - runs great! However, I purchased a 2021 Forest River Wildwood 273QBXL. The trailer is 33 feet long and has a dry weight of approximately 6,000 pounds. As you can see below...I thought I really did my homework and that my truck could handle this rig. However, recently I had a transmission temperature gauge installed thinking...as long as the engine isn't overheating and as long as the transmission is good then...I should have no problems. I live in Southeast Missouri and only plan on going approximately 300 to 400 miles from my home. In other words...no Smokey Mountain or Rocky Mountain trips...I know the truck wouldn't handle that. However, I figured I'd be good to go locally...Kentucky Lake, Wappapello Lake, etc. But...just this weekend I took a trip to Montauk State Park...about 150 miles from my house. The transmission temperature hovered around 220 to 240 degrees and flirted with as high as 270 degrees. I just had the transmission serviced.

So, it appears that I have a transmission problem and my question is:
A) Would a larger transmission cooler with fan make a big difference...like...keep the transmission cooled to around 190 or so degrees or
B) Do I simply need a bigger truck

Thank you in advance for all your advice.

6,000 pounds

 

We need more info about your truck: engine, drivetrain, cab and bed, axle ratio, and major options.These variables may affect your truck’s GCWR and “tow rating”.

See page 17 in the brochure linked below, and read all of the fine print about specs, towing, etc.

https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/d...VTTowGuide.pdf

I’m not familiar with the 2008 F-150 transmissions, but I suspect temps in the 220°F to 270°F range are way too high.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

 

Engine = V8 4.6L FI SOHC 281 CID
Drivetrain = 2WD / Rear WD
Cab = Super Cab (half rear doors - bad design)
Bed = Not Sure
Axle Ratio = 3.55
Major Options = Base STX (no towing package, etc.)

 

You might hook-up and stop by a scale. Manufacturers are notorious for terribly under weights and prior to dumping money in the truck, I'd verify that you are working with something that might be achievable.

 

The 4.6 is a slug, and if it's the 4-speed auto, it's not really up to the task. Ran a fleet of 4.6 Fords from 2001 to 2012 and the transmission was the weakest link.

 

Thanks to everyone that responded. The bottom line is...I think I need a bigger truck. I thought about having a new, bigger transmission cooler with fan installed but...that would run me around $500 and...might not bring the temperature down to acceptable levels. I've read that a cooler would only bring the temp down around 25 to 30 degrees - I already have a cooler on the truck so...just because a cooler is new doesn't mean it would make any difference. Per the transmission temp gauge I just had installed...the temp while pulling the trailer runs well past 220 degrees and flirts with 250 / 260 and has gotten as high as 270 - that's a bit of a guess because the gauge only has markings at 220, 260 and 350 but I think I'm close.

It's frustrating because I really felt I did my homework prior to purchasing my travel trailer. I checked the specs which seemed to be in line with what I needed plus I called 2 different Ford dealerships and got their input...both said my truck should handle the trailer. Plus, I really like the truck.

Basically, the truck will handle modest hills okay...I have to mash the gas peddle pretty good...it definitely wouldn't handle a trip to say Gatlinburg, TN (Smokey Mountains) and the bottom line is...if I keep pulling the trailer with this truck...the transmission is going to fail.

Any advice on my next truck. Calling a buddy of mine that's a salesman at the local Dodge dealership. I'm figuring a 3/4 ton...anything else I should look for?

Again...thanks for all the advice and input.

Dave

 

Basically...the green is not towing anything. The red is where the temp hovers while pulling my trailer.

 

220 is fine on the fluid. 270? Not so much. The transmission is the weakest link and it is 13 years old with 135K. When we had a fleet of this combo, we serviced the transmission every 25K and we would be lucky to get 100K of of them before they had to be replaced. If you really like the truck, add a good cooler (that bypasses the cooler in the radiator) and drive it. If and when the transmission gives out, a nice replacement is cheaper than a new truck.

 

How much to replace the transmission...do you think -- if I keep the truck? I've always repaired my vehicles rather purchase a new one...from my experience...repairing is much cheaper than purchasing a different one.

Funny...just called about a 2013 GMC 3/4 Ton with 68,000 miles on it. They were asking $45,000 for it! Wow...I just hung up.

 

Ya know...it would only get to around 260 to 270 and be there for a bit. What if I changed the transmission fluid more often?

 

Could someone provide some information or direct me to a website that sells transmission coolers with a fan? I want the absolute best unit I can get. Called the local Ford dealer and they stated if I get the unit...they'll put it on for me.

 

I found something like the below and it is supposed to fit my truck...but I have no idea how good it is. I found it via the following websites:

https://www.etrailer.com/question-43036.html
https://www.etrailer.com/p-D15950.html

 

Thanks for the additional info.

Going by the numbers, you’re already past the truck’s 6500 lbs. max trailer weight rating. And that number requires the optional trailer tow package.

Yes, your truck is fitted with an ATF cooler, but it’s probably the standard 4-channel version. The ATF cooler included in the optional tow package is a 9-channel version, and the package also includes a heavy duty radiator. (See 2008 RV and Tow Guide page 14).

I wonder if it might be worth having your truck retrofitted with the bigger ATF cooler and radiator?

Our 2000 F250 4x2 was fitted with the 5.4 engine, 4R100 AT, and a 4.10 axle. The factory configuration included an engine oil cooler, an external ATF cooler, and an ATF cooler in the radiator. I added a thermostatically-controlled variable-speed fan to the ATF cooler. We towed various trailers all over the US over 17 years and 140K+ miles with zero engine- or ATF temp issues.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

 

I'm curious...you stated that I'm already over my truck's max trailer weight rating...how did you come to that?

Also, I'm clueless as to transmission coolers and much of the stuff you're referring to...would it possible for you to point to a website or give me more information as to what I need? If it's too much work...I fully understand.

At this point...I'm probably going to simply get a new, bigger cooler that includes a fan.

 

Your truck’s max trailer weight spec is 6500 lbs. (not CarMax’s 8000; see the guide for your truck configuration). Your already at 6395.

However, the 6500 lbs. spec is based on the requirement that your truck be equipped with the optional trailer tow package (see Snip below from Guide pg 15).

One interpretation of the Guide is that since your truck is not equipped with the optional TTP, then it’s limited to a 5000 lbs. trailer.

I’ll try to follow up with parts info.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer