Towing Advice Request
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New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4
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From: Tuckessee
Towing Advice Request
I picked up my truck on Monday 15 Mar. It has 250+ miles on it. On 3 April I'll be heading down to lower Alabama (about 485 miles from here) with my 690 lb Harley Davidson in tow inside a 2000 lb enclosed trailer (my best estimate on empty weight). The trailer is a Haulmaster single axle 5'X10' boxed enclosed motorcycle hauler, for one motorcycle. I've read the owner's manual and understand I need to put 500 miles on the truck before towing, and for the first 500 tow miles I'll need to go no faster than 50 mph. I also know I must install the towing relay which came with the electric brake harness.
My questions are:
1) Is there anything else of which I should be aware, or anything else I need to do, which was not listed in the OM?
2) Does anyone have specific experience doing a first tow with this vehicle?
3) Does anyone have advice which exceeds/adds to the OM recommendations prior to first tow as well as reasons for doing so?
Thanks much for all input. I'm a data fiend
and will gladly accept all pertinent advice.
My questions are:
1) Is there anything else of which I should be aware, or anything else I need to do, which was not listed in the OM?
2) Does anyone have specific experience doing a first tow with this vehicle?
3) Does anyone have advice which exceeds/adds to the OM recommendations prior to first tow as well as reasons for doing so?
Thanks much for all input. I'm a data fiend
and will gladly accept all pertinent advice.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
From: Holland, Michigan
I don't have facts here, but have seem numerous posts on the board discussing a break in period in which the throttle by wire computer control limits the power (torque?) of the engine for some period. I have read 500 miles. this may be the logic behind why ford recommends not towing before 500 miles, all part of the "total" engine break in period.
but then.....I don't start rumors, just spread them
if you can get to 500 before the trip, no brainer.
but if not, that is a relatively light load and I personally would not worry about it.
just towed my dads 5000 lbs tractor last night and the truck pulls my 7200 lbs boat and trailer just fine. but i have 3800 miles now.
just my opinion
one other point, if you are new to towing ( but probably not, if you have this bike)
if it shift in and out of overdrive. then move to OD off to tow
this will lug the engine a little less anyway,
but will hurt your gas mileage. expect 10mpg towing, that is my estimate. I get 7 towing my boat at 75mph
Ramb
but then.....I don't start rumors, just spread them
if you can get to 500 before the trip, no brainer.
but if not, that is a relatively light load and I personally would not worry about it.
just towed my dads 5000 lbs tractor last night and the truck pulls my 7200 lbs boat and trailer just fine. but i have 3800 miles now.
just my opinion
one other point, if you are new to towing ( but probably not, if you have this bike)
if it shift in and out of overdrive. then move to OD off to tow
this will lug the engine a little less anyway,
but will hurt your gas mileage. expect 10mpg towing, that is my estimate. I get 7 towing my boat at 75mph
Ramb
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
I would also recomend the Prodigy brake control unit as well. There are a few posts on making sure the color codes on the wires match correctly. The wiring harness that came with your truck plugs in under the dash and then you connect the wires to the unit. Make sure to plug in the relay under the hood per your owners manual, and your set! I tow about 6000 lbs. and definately believe engine break in is critical after owning several new trucks. It's also important for the differential as well. Most people forget about this.
