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Tow safe tune

HikingViking

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I’ve seen a few threads about this but I want to find out specifics if there is a tuner specifically for towing benefit that is safe without a risk of voiding warranty. The Ford performance tuner says “not to tow” so can anyone shed light on this or is every tune a warranty risk? I ordered the superchips flashpaq but I am reluctant to use it plus I want a tuner that will show read outs on trans temp etc. if I do end up using a tuner.

I ordered the icon progressive rate leaf pack per stage3motorsports recommendation to improve towing and set up for a 2” lift down the road rather than do airbags.

Overall the ranger impressed me upon towing home my new Winnebago 1800BH (3660 dry weight, hitch weight 382 lbs). However heading out west I am going to see a lot steeper and longer grades and will be towing it after I put all my stuff inside which will increase the weight.

I love the overall size of the ranger and just want to do what I can to improve the tow, I know nothing will increase the tow rating but the goal is to improve performance.
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I’ve seen a few threads about this but I want to find out specifics if there is a tuner specifically for towing benefit that is safe without a risk of voiding warranty. The Ford performance tuner says “not to tow” so can anyone shed light on this or is every tune a warranty risk? I ordered the superchips flashpaq but I am reluctant to use it plus I want a tuner that will show read outs on trans temp etc. if I do end up using a tuner.

I ordered the icon progressive rate leaf pack per stage3motorsports recommendation to improve towing and set up for a 2” lift down the road rather than do airbags.

Overall the ranger impressed me upon towing home my new Winnebago 1800BH (3660 dry weight, hitch weight 382 lbs). However heading out west I am going to see a lot steeper and longer grades and will be towing it after I put all my stuff inside which will increase the weight.

I love the overall size of the ranger and just want to do what I can to improve the tow, I know nothing will increase the tow rating but the goal is to improve performance.
To my understanding Ford Performance has updated thier tune for towing.

On another note Livernois does have an AWESOME Tow Tune that I run and I have towed woth it with no problems
 

Mustang2Ranger

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If you are sticking on the warranty side, the updated FP tune is your only option

If you are ok with using another company, Livernois is one of the better options, they make the FP tune and also have a great Towing-specific tune of their own

I've also heard Unleashed has a good tune as well
 
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HikingViking

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If you are sticking on the warranty side, the updated FP tune is your only option

If you are ok with using another company, Livernois is one of the better options, they make the FP tune and also have a great Towing-specific tune of their own

I've also heard Unleashed has a good tune as well
I found a brand new Ford performance tuner on eBay on the cheap, confirmed with Ford performance they don’t care where I bought it the warranty is valid as long as I have a dealer install the tune, appointment next Tuesday for the install.
 


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HenryMac

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Wonder what they tweaked to the tune or if they just appended the description after catching flack for trying to tell people who had bought it that towing wasn't recommended.
I'm guessing they changed the shift points to prevent lugging.
 

MinuteMan

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I found a brand new Ford performance tuner on eBay on the cheap, confirmed with Ford performance they don’t care where I bought it the warranty is valid as long as I have a dealer install the tune, appointment next Tuesday for the install.
Are you selling your flashpaq or did you already return it?
 

Big Blue

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I’ve seen a few threads about this but I want to find out specifics if there is a tuner specifically for towing benefit that is safe without a risk of voiding warranty. The Ford performance tuner says “not to tow” so can anyone shed light on this or is every tune a warranty risk? I ordered the superchips flashpaq but I am reluctant to use it plus I want a tuner that will show read outs on trans temp etc. if I do end up using a tuner.

I ordered the icon progressive rate leaf pack per stage3motorsports recommendation to improve towing and set up for a 2” lift down the road rather than do airbags.

Overall the ranger impressed me upon towing home my new Winnebago 1800BH (3660 dry weight, hitch weight 382 lbs). However heading out west I am going to see a lot steeper and longer grades and will be towing it after I put all my stuff inside which will increase the weight.

I love the overall size of the ranger and just want to do what I can to improve the tow, I know nothing will increase the tow rating but the goal is to improve performance.
Shane,
Only posting here to tell you the Ranger really doesn't need much help towing. I tow a 2020 Rpod with mine. Very similar in size and weight to yours. I'm about 4200 lb loaded with 450 lb tongue weight. Have pulled it out west done 6% grades and 100 degree temps. only suspension mod is Bilstein shocks in the rear, no tune running 87 octane. Zero issues even passed semis going up hill. Yes it is better to run 91-93 when towing, but went you will only get 10-12 mpg towing, fill-ups and long trips get expensive.

Any tune is a roll of the dice as far as warranty is concerned. The FP tune is only warrantied for 3 years, 36K from in-service date, so your 2019 will only be covered for another year at best. You also need to run 91 octane minimum with it all the time. Running a tune will always be a pay to play proposition. Just a few things to keep in mind, you do you and enjoy the ride.
 
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HikingViking

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Shane,
Only posting here to tell you the Ranger really doesn't need much help towing. I tow a 2020 Rpod with mine. Very similar in size and weight to yours. I'm about 4200 lb loaded with 450 lb tongue weight. Have pulled it out west done 6% grades and 100 degree temps. only suspension mod is Bilstein shocks in the rear, no tune running 87 octane. Zero issues even passed semis going up hill. Yes it is better to run 91-93 when towing, but went you will only get 10-12 mpg towing, fill-ups and long trips get expensive.

Any tune is a roll of the dice as far as warranty is concerned. The FP tune is only warrantied for 3 years, 36K from in-service date, so your 2019 will only be covered for another year at best. You also need to run 91 octane minimum with it all the time. Running a tune will always be a pay to play proposition. Just a few things to keep in mind, you do you and enjoy the ride.
appreciate the input, ended up trading up to a 2021 F150, I had drastically different experience towing out west and my range dropped horribly. Overall ended up needed more space so the F150 was the perfect fit.
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