tow package & axle ratio determination??

[99Expy]

Sheenk,
Your doing about all your going to do with the 5.4 engine. 8-10 mpg is pretty much all your going to get unless you start pouring big bucks into the engine, such as adding headers and dual exhaust, cold air intake kit, advance timing tricks.
Back off of your speed, I run around 55-60 on the interstate and enjoy the ride.
You could spend $25,000 to get a diesel truck and enjoy 16 mpg while towing, and the added plus of spending $4.65 a gallon for diesel, but you would have to travel how miles before you recouped that cost if ever. Enjoy the ride and camping. It is still cheaper than hotels and 3 squares on the road, especially with kids. And besides, campgrounds are a lot more fun than hotels anyway.

[zyte]

Hello all,
I saw this "towing package" thread and thought it might be the best place to ask my towing question. I have a 2002 Expedition (V8, 5.4L) with a Ford installed towing package. I have not had a need to tow anything until just recently. When I tow various trailers, the vehicle does a lot of "jerking" and "hesitating" that makes the pull very unsmooth. Any ideas on what could be causing something like that?

[99Expy]

Make sure your OD is off. The constant jerking is caused by going in and out of overdrive.
Also, when pulling from a stop sign or red light, go gently on the gas and realize you have a trailer behind you.

[TBIRD430]

Has the trans fluid been flushed? Try adding a can of Seafoam fuel treatment in ur next 1/2 tank of gas....

[Mitchell]

Also the plate on the driver's door on my 1998 Explorer has an axle code. Code 46 is the 3.73 optional towing ratio for that year . Consumer reports towed 5000 lb trailer on their 2002 Explorer with the V6 and that ratio. I have the 3.73 and routinely two a 5000+ horse and trailer.

[sheenk]

Originally Posted by 99Expy

Sheenk,
Your doing about all your going to do with the 5.4 engine. 8-10 mpg is pretty much all your going to get unless you start pouring big bucks into the engine, such as adding headers and dual exhaust, cold air intake kit, advance timing tricks.
Back off of your speed, I run around 55-60 on the interstate and enjoy the ride.
You could spend $25,000 to get a diesel truck and enjoy 16 mpg while towing, and the added plus of spending $4.65 a gallon for diesel, but you would have to travel how miles before you recouped that cost if ever. Enjoy the ride and camping. It is still cheaper than hotels and 3 squares on the road, especially with kids. And besides, campgrounds are a lot more fun than hotels anyway.

It is great to hear that we are doing everything possible to get the best we can from Clancy(Our daughters name for the Expedition). Campgrounds are a lot more fun than hotels any day. Thanks for the great advice

[99Expy]

You are welcome. We camp all the time at Myrtle Beach in SC at either Pirateland or Oceanlakes.
Safe travels to you.