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Topic: Towing a 5000 lb horse trailer (split from Re: Thoughts On Towing and Hitch Hardware Reinforcement) (Read 793 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from Thoughts On Towing an...
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Re: Towing a 5000 lb horse trailer (split from Re: Thoughts On Towing and Hitch Hardware Reinforceme
Reply #25 –
Let's make the assumption for the purposes of this question that you're operating in non-mountainous terrain...

So those of you who tow near the max capacity of the standard LD hitch, do you tow in OD or not?
If you do, is the feeling that the hole punched in the air by the coach big enough that wind resistance isn't a concern?
And/or is the feeling that the limit is whatever is stated because it's been evaluated by Ford and deemed appropriate for the expected service life of the trans?

Chip
2000 Front Lounge
Re: Towing a 5000 lb horse trailer (split from Re: Thoughts On Towing and Hitch Hardware Reinforceme
Reply #26 –
Quote from: Chip Chester  - 
Let's make the assumption for the purposes of this question that you're operating in non-mountainous terrain...
So those of you who tow near the max capacity of the standard LD hitch, do you tow in OD or not?
On level ground, I leave the transmission in Drive all the time unless the transmission is 'hunting' between gears, normally only a problem when on upgrades or driving into the wind.
The computer is smart enough to know when to downshift.
The E450 is strong chassis, with the major bugs worked out years ago.
When loaded to or near it limits, expect it or any other machine to wear out faster than a more tightly loaded chassis.
Check out the travel trailer or 5th wheel sites and you will find many stories of blown transmissions, in pickups pulling loads in the same GVWR range as what our E450s are pulling. 18,000-lbs is a lot of weight.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Towing a 5000 lb horse trailer (split from Re: Thoughts On Towing and Hitch Hardware Reinforceme
Reply #27 –
Quote from: Chip Chester  - 

So those of you who tow near the max capacity of the standard LD hitch, do you tow in OD or not?
If you do, is the feeling that the hole punched in the air by the coach big enough that wind resistance isn't a concern?
And/or is the feeling that the limit is whatever is stated because it's been evaluated by Ford and deemed appropriate for the expected service life of the trans?

Chip

We are in an 06 30' IB and always tow. I have weighed several times and GCWR is approx 17,800 pounds. We full time and our GVW is, as Larry said, at or slightly above 14,000 pounds. I use a scan gauge to monitor transmission temp and never let it get too hot. We have had the transmission fluid changed by Ford dealers at 25K intervals or less. I always use Tow/Haul mode regardless of hills or flat terrain.

Granted we only have approx 55K miles. The 06 does have the 5 speed transmission and I don't know if that is much better or not vs the 4 speed as far as durability. The next time the transmission is serviced I plan on using John Wood as well.

Jim