Towing temperature and concerns

[SimonSaucy]

Towing temperatures

I do a lot of towing of my smaller but still good size Rv between Las Vegas and California and all up the west coast. ( it’s about 1600lb)



So I have the combined extreme temps, steep grades, and narrow roads. I’m noticing my coolant and trans temps getting really high and I’m having to go 20-25MPH up these hills to try and control them.



I’m seeing coolant temps up to 226, Trans temps at 230-240.



I’m ofc having to slow down to try and stay around 215 and 230…



Are there any aftermarket radiators are cooling options for the engine as well as transmission coolers that I should look at?



Or anything else to help keep these temperatures under control

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[Frenchy]

We need more details on when you are seeing these temperatures. Yes that is high, but is that on flat ground? Going up a steep incline under heavy throttle? Stop and go traffic? We need information

 

[SimonSaucy]

This is while towing up steep terrain 5-8% grade

flat towing temps fine 200 coolant temp and about 212 tranny.
I wouldn’t say heavy throttle I could go faster but if I do my temps climb to uncontrollable highs. So generally I’m going about 25-30mph Durring these steep grades

highway cruising is around 75

 

[RangerBill]

Towing temperatures

I do a lot of towing of my smaller but still good size Rv between Las Vegas and California and all up the west coast. ( it’s about 1600lb)



So I have the combined extreme temps, steep grades, and narrow roads. I’m noticing my coolant and trans temps getting really high and I’m having to go 20-25MPH up these hills to try and control them.



I’m seeing coolant temps up to 226, Trans temps at 230-240.



I’m ofc having to slow down to try and stay around 215 and 230…



Are there any aftermarket radiators are cooling options for the engine as well as transmission coolers that I should look at?



Or anything else to help keep these temperatures under control

Check for debris in between radiator and AC condenser. You may have to remove the plastic trim above the radiator/condenser/intercooler to check.

 

[SimonSaucy]

Check for debris in between radiator and AC condenser. You may have to remove the plastic trim above the radiator/condenser/intercooler to check.

Definitely! Was thinking about taking that apart to really clean it out and wash out dust

 

[Frenchy]

Temperatures are a little high but nothing too crazy when on flat ground. What is the average speed you're doing on flat ground and are you using tow mode?

 

[SimonSaucy]

Temperatures are a little high but nothing too crazy when on flat ground. What is the average speed you're doing on flat ground and are you using tow mode?

So for flat ground I’m aiming for cruising at 75 coolant at around 195-205 and tranny at 205-215 tow mode!

My main concern is the temperatures while going up and down hills. There’s just so many of them no matter where I go around here that I would love to be able to keep those temps lower and gain a little bit more speed, but also less wear and tear..

 

[airline tech]

2 things come to mind as the most logical

1. Is there any debris between the condenser and radiator
if clean then we need to monitor the Fan Speed

2. The fan speed should increase under a heavy load

i am thinking that #1 - is clogged with debris

 

[Frenchy]

Thankfully you are using tow mode. That said on the interstate you're doing a little bit high of a speed as you're supposed to go a little bit slow. Double check the owner's manual but I think it recommends no more than 65 or 70 when towing?

Second I would also recommend checking the condenser and radiator to make sure there's no extra build up from other debris.

 

[SimonSaucy]

2 things come to mind as the most logical

1. Is there any debris between the condenser and radiator
if clean then we need to monitor the Fan Speed

2. The fan speed should increase under a heavy load

i am thinking that #1 - is clogged with debris

So I’ve cleaned as much as I can as well as washing from both sides to clear dust.
( the unfortunate fact is this was a construction truck used in Utah. So I may never be able to get it fully clean without replacing.)

2. Fan speed does change as the load increases, I can definitely hear it!

 

[Frenchy]

So I’ve cleaned as much as I can as well as washing from both sides to clear dust.
( the unfortunate fact is this was a construction truck used in Utah. So I may never be able to get it fully clean without replacing.)

2. Fan speed does change as the load increases, I can definitely hear it!

If I'm not mistaken the radiator itself can be removed without removing the AC condenser. If you have to remove the radiator and thoroughly clean the core along with the AC condenser core.

 

[SimonSaucy]

Thankfully you are using tow mode. That said on the interstate you're doing a little bit high of a speed as you're supposed to go a little bit slow. Double check the owner's manual but I think it recommends no more than 65 or 70 when towing?

Second I would also recommend checking the condenser and radiator to make sure there's no extra build up from other debris.

Definitely 75 is on the upper end just depends on the terrain.
Do you think it’s worth looking at aftermarket radiators that would help?

To be honest, the engine temperature is less of a worry for me because it comes down so fast. It’s the transmission temperature that worries me.

 

[Frenchy]

Definitely 75 is on the upper end just depends on the terrain.
Do you think it’s worth looking at aftermarket radiators that would help?

To be honest, the engine temperature is less of a worry for me because it comes down so fast. It’s the transmission temperature that worries me.

I wouldn't worry about an aftermarket radiator or transmission cooler yet. Unfortunately for the transmission cooler there isn't a whole lot available as we speak and I do personally feel that Ford could have done better on the design. Also the aftermarket doesn't really have a great option since it's simply an air to liquid cooler. One thing you could do if you decided would be to replace the OEM transmission pan with the shallow PPE pan. Instead of focusing on more fluid it will actually help a little bit with temperature due to having some cooling fins on the bottom of the pan. It also gives you a drain plug to make servicing the transmission easy.

 

[Grumpaw]

Are you using tow mode when towing ???? And you might also, when towing, lock out gears 9 and 10.....and when negotiating inclines, lock out 7 and 8 until you crest the incline.
If your not using premimum than give it a try....on regular the engine will work harder when towing.
Your temps seem a bit high for towing such a light trailer....I never got that high even towing a 7000 lb trailer....maybe not in the Nevada heat, but all thru the east coast mountains during summer.
Also, your going on 6 years....maybe look into a coolant flush....

 

[airline tech]

Are you pulling the (upper) shroud off of the radiator - to visually see in between the condenser and radiator?
This is the plastic cover with all the labels
You would be amazed at what can get sucked in that tight space

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