Performance for towing
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: League City, Texas
Performance for towing
Okay...there are probably millions of threads on this...but rather than spend all day searching, I thought I would post and see if someone can direct me to the thread(s).
I want a system that will give me performance for towing. I don't need to do the 1/4 mile in under a minute nor race the PSD next to me....I just want to be able to tow a fifth wheel (under 10k) with my 2000 PSD f250 without it ******* on me. I was told that Banks Engineering is the best on the market. I just want some other opinions -- or ones that agree.
Thanks.
Dennis Sherman
I want a system that will give me performance for towing. I don't need to do the 1/4 mile in under a minute nor race the PSD next to me....I just want to be able to tow a fifth wheel (under 10k) with my 2000 PSD f250 without it ******* on me. I was told that Banks Engineering is the best on the market. I just want some other opinions -- or ones that agree.
Thanks.
Dennis Sherman
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 16
From: AZ
Banks makes fine products, but too rich for my blood. Here is what I setup on my truck for towing. I installed 4" exhaust and dumped the cat converter, Ford AIS air filtration system, 40K Tru-Cool transmission cooler, external tranmsission filter and drain system, torque converter lockup switch, gauges (pyro, tranny temp, boost), Firestone rear air bags and Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks, and last but not least - a Jody Tipton 40 hp PCM (shifts even better). I pull the Sierras regularly (7200') and back roads of Nevada...the truck eats up mountains with 11,000+ lb load (my car trailer, show car, and camper) and I can go any speed I want...never see 200 degrees on the tranny (unless I am creeping up dirt roads in the mountains in the summer...adding a fan to the cooler this summer) and get about 11 mpg hauling and 14 mpg empty running at 65 mph. Never see high EGT's...
This combination of mods was chosen specifically for towing and probably cost less than half what Banks would have been.
This combination of mods was chosen specifically for towing and probably cost less than half what Banks would have been.
Last edited by nlemerise; Mar 31, 2006 at 07:27 AM.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2006
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Sounds like you have a pretty good set up!! I was just wondering if you have had any turbo surge at all when you are towing? I have heard that with all the mods done they have to do the wicked wheel mod? Just wondering if you have had any problems?
FTE *******
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 112
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From: Washington
I use the Banks chip in my truck for towing and it does work very well with good EGTs, but you also need the other goodies to go with the chip. You should do gauges, Ford AIS with fender sleeve intake, 4" exhaust, Compressor wheel for the turbo, Big Head actuator, Blue CPS and Turbo Air Guide (TAG). Depending on the power level of the Banks chip, if you have an automatic trans, you will also need a Transcommand.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 324
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I agree with the Banks stuff it's kinda pricy. Here is my set up for towing in Colorado
2000 F350 CC LB 75hp Bully Dog chip, and going to Jody'd chip once I save up some $$ 4" down pipe & exhaust, two tranny coolers running SYN, Sonaxx shift kit, AIS intake, nothing special on the shocks just a set of Pro Comps, and I have no problems with poiwer of EGT's pulling an 8,000# TT up and down the hils.
My next set of mod's is the in tank mod & HX cross over line not that they help much for towing, but must do's
2000 F350 CC LB 75hp Bully Dog chip, and going to Jody'd chip once I save up some $$ 4" down pipe & exhaust, two tranny coolers running SYN, Sonaxx shift kit, AIS intake, nothing special on the shocks just a set of Pro Comps, and I have no problems with poiwer of EGT's pulling an 8,000# TT up and down the hils.
My next set of mod's is the in tank mod & HX cross over line not that they help much for towing, but must do's
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 16
From: AZ
Originally Posted by densher
I am not adverse to paying for quality. So, although Banks is pricey, I am willing to pay for it if it's worth it. My question is if it's worth it.
...I'd rather pay more for better quality...BUT...I don't see where Banks quality is any better than the stuff I can put on myself for half the price. I have never experienced flutter in the turbo while hauling and I have not done any mods to the turbo. I get 25 lbs of boost at maximum boost...enough for me to pull any mountain easily that I have run into (I pulled my car & trailer over the Front Range at Denver...over 11,000' through the Eisenhower Tunnel and blew over 
the top at Christmas).I have done some other mods to the truck, but I do not mention them because you were asking for mods as they apply to towing...my dually 4x4 is a towing fool! BTW, if I remember correctly I have 4.10's in the differential.
Last edited by nlemerise; Mar 31, 2006 at 03:07 PM.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
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From: Rio Rico, AZ.
Densher could you extrapolate a little more on your truck, on what it's equipped with?
For instance do you have 3.70 gears or 4.10's That alone would make HUGE difference in how it tows.
Automatic transmission or six-speed stick?
For instance do you have 3.70 gears or 4.10's That alone would make HUGE difference in how it tows.
Automatic transmission or six-speed stick?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 244
Likes: 45
Originally Posted by densher
I am not adverse to paying for quality. So, although Banks is pricey, I am willing to pay for it if it's worth it. My question is if it's worth it.
I feel confident in my decision to go with Banks and didn't mind spending the money for quality. Many people here went various routes. I like that everything comes from one reputable company that has done lots of R&D. But.... to each his own.
If you'd like, I will let you know how it works out.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 244
Likes: 45
Originally Posted by densher
Thanks. Did a rep from Banks help you out? Did you order directly from them? If not, where?
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 895
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From: missoula montana
i ordered a quick turbo,bighead,power elbow at a local banks dealer about 6 weeks ago and just got my stuff yesterday. Banks kept giveing the dealer the blow off and i left emails and finally called and the rep said to quit contacting them and call my dealer they are the ones making the money. I truely will never order another banks product again they are JERKS not interested in helping one bit just selling.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 244
Likes: 45
Originally Posted by densher
What did your package include? Did you get gauges too?
Also, like the above post, I've heard Banks customer service isn't so great. Though I hear they are working on it. Besides price, this is another reason to buy from a reputable Banks dealer.
Last edited by dnoel; Apr 1, 2006 at 09:38 PM.