Well folks, this past week was the first real test tow for my 2002 X, and I was not impressed - in fact I was dissapointed.
I towed my boat which weighs in at approx 8300 lbs with the amount of fuel aboard for this trip from east central FL to the FL Keys. It was approx 422 miles of mostly flat terrain with occasional bridges, some decent ones in grade for Florida.
The first thing that dissapointed me was on the bridges - with cruise control on I watched the speed degrade from 68 to 65.5 mph at which time the tranny shifted out of overdrive to bring speed back up. I tried several different speeds from 65 to 71 at different bridges with similar outcome.
The second disappointment came in the mpg. I got all of 9.1 mpg and this was carefully hand calculated. That was definitely less than I had anticipated. During my week's stay in the FL Keys, I ordered a replacement K&N airfilter to see if a more free flowing filter would help out. On the return trip the mileage went up to 9.4 mpg. Still a disappointment.
I am comparing all this with the previous truck - a 1997 Dodge 2500 w/ Cummins diesel. At the same speed over same road pulling the same boat it got 12.8 mpg. The fastest I ever pulled the same boat with the Dodge was 72mph and it got 11 mpg - way better then my X. It also accelerated from a stop noticeably faster than the X. The Dodge was basically stock with only a K&N filter as well.
So, from all this information, and based on your real life experience(not looking for anyones theoretical fix) with similar experience, can anyone tell me about what they have done to improve their mileage on their X when towing? And I don't want to spend thousands of dollars to improve the mileage.
One highlight of the tow, it was very comfortable as far as a tow vehicle goes.
I have a set of Airbags that I had bought thinking I would need them due to the heavy tongue weight bu have decided I don't need them. I installed them, put about 50 miles on them locally to see if it would affect the empty ride and the took them off to first try the long tow without. If anyone is interested in those I will sell for good price. email me at vacast@earthlink.net if interested.
vc
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2002 LTD 4X4,Bi-Xenon HID's,Amsoil Dual Remote,Wicked Wheel,under dash 3 gauge pod(Isspro's), 203 t-stat,aluminum t-stat housing,evans coolant,TRU-COOL MAX tranny cooler,external tranny filter,Western Diesel RamAir intake,Edge Evolution tow tune, Edelbrock IAS rear shocks,Landyot's Radius Rods,5 new Pirelli Scorpions courtesy of Ford.
I tow a little lighter, 5.2K, but AVERAGED 14.5 mph on a 6.5K trip to the Grand Canyon and back. I would guess that about +- 5k was towing. Speed has a lot to do with mpg. The above avg. was all at posted speed limits that were as high as 75mph. If you slow down a bit you should do better.
JMHO and experience,
Paul B
By the way I have a airaid intake, stock exhaust, stock size tires and according to my wife, drive like an old lady!!
Excursion,
I know the X is heavier for sure, but with the never ending horsepower battles between the Big Three each year, the 2002 X has what - 70 hp more than my '97 Cummins had. 250 hp versus 180 hp. I figure that would have made up for the weight increase.
vc
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2002 LTD 4X4,Bi-Xenon HID's,Amsoil Dual Remote,Wicked Wheel,under dash 3 gauge pod(Isspro's), 203 t-stat,aluminum t-stat housing,evans coolant,TRU-COOL MAX tranny cooler,external tranny filter,Western Diesel RamAir intake,Edge Evolution tow tune, Edelbrock IAS rear shocks,Landyot's Radius Rods,5 new Pirelli Scorpions courtesy of Ford.
Paul,
th speeds I did the comparison at were the same I was running the Cummins at. And typically they are below the posted speed limit here in Florida. On 95 I was running about 67-68 where the speed limit was 70.
By the way Paul, when you tow your rig, assuming you are using overdrive and cruisecontrol, do you see the speed drop off a little on the overpasses and any downshifting like happened to me? I figure us being neighbors we probably traverse the same overpasses to compare on, even though I am pulling a heavier rig.
thanks.
vc
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2002 LTD 4X4,Bi-Xenon HID's,Amsoil Dual Remote,Wicked Wheel,under dash 3 gauge pod(Isspro's), 203 t-stat,aluminum t-stat housing,evans coolant,TRU-COOL MAX tranny cooler,external tranny filter,Western Diesel RamAir intake,Edge Evolution tow tune, Edelbrock IAS rear shocks,Landyot's Radius Rods,5 new Pirelli Scorpions courtesy of Ford.
I had my first tow a month ago, 350 miles towing a 10,000lb boat. (32ft,twin 502/470hp) It towed like a charm. 70 mph with the cruise on and it pulled every hill. I have an edge programer worth 90lb of torque and a K&N filter and it made the difference. Ended up with 11mph by hand since I don't know if the overhead is right, it said 12. I was very impressed by the truck. I have air bags which keep me level, the trailer set up is important also, check your tounge weight, that can rob a ton of power. I pulled hills that I thought for sure I would see third gear and was ready to push the button but it kept on pulling. I have to admit I was worried before I picked the boat up, the air bags at 60 gave me a 1" a$$ high and kept the truck from rocking on overpasses. It felt good knowing my truck fully dressed weighed almost as much as the boat and there were some really bad spots in chicago where a lighter truck would have been pushed aside on a few downhill overpasses that were more like jumps. I am truley impressed. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] If you want to see how a truck and trailer should be set up, see my pics below, This is a perfect set up, perfectly level.
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Some people are like Slinkys. They are good for nothing but still put a smile on your face when you push them down a flight of stairs. 2003 X Limited Ultimate, Mineral Grey Metalic. DVD, Limited Slip, Badged, Cab Lights, Magnaflow, Thule Rack, 3" Lift, T Prodigy, Air Bags, Edge Programer, XM Radio, Extreme sound system. 315/70/17s on AR Chrome/Aluminium.http://community.webshots.com/user/stellinm
I had the same problem (downshifting on overpasses) until I put on the SCMT. That allowed me to pull down below 65mph without downshifting. (it never downshifted at 68). Your mpg seems a bit low, but without seeing the shape of your boat it's hard to say.
Have a good one,
Dave
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2002 Excursion Limited - 7.3 PSD, 4x4, Auto. Tekonsha Prodigy Controller. ISSPRO EV Gauges in A-Pillar mount. Diesel Turbo Lifesaver. Pre-pump Mod. SCMT-Trimode. AIC. Back Door storage bins. Banks 3 1/2 inch Monster Exhaust. AIS. "U-Code" Springs. Powerstroker Exhaust Brake. Husky Liners. Bilstein Shocks. ART Brakes, Helwig Rear Anti-swaybar. Zoodad Mod. Airlift Rear Airbags. Racor 3550 CCV. Forest River Wildcat 26FBS TT.
I just looked at your pics and saw the gallery name and it hit me, I recognize your name from OSO. I see quite a few over here, although I don't get over to OSO as much as I used to.
Small world connected by wires [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]
__________________ 2004 EB Excursion, 4x4, 6.0, everything but step tubes and 2nd row chairs, Magnaflow Exhaust, Isspro Gauges in an under cubby pod, Fumoto sitting on V Codes and Revo 285's.
"Treat me good, I'll treat you better; treat me bad, I'll treat you worse." - Sonny Barger
Motion,
damm that's a nice looking boat!
As far as my rig set up - I am anal about proper set up. I bet if I put a level on the trailer frame the bubble would be within the lines.I was actually thinking to myself that I could not believe I nailed it on the first try as far as guessing where to put my adjustable height hitch for starters. Las time I checked my tongue weight it was approx 700lbs and it felt good as far as not swaying around because of too much/too little tongue weight.
Can you tell me if when set up your cruise control at 70, on overpasses - does it still creep back or does it hold the speed right on at 70 using the programmer you have. Also, which model programmer do you have? I really and trying not to go there as I fear the potential tranny damage.
thanks.
vc
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2002 LTD 4X4,Bi-Xenon HID's,Amsoil Dual Remote,Wicked Wheel,under dash 3 gauge pod(Isspro's), 203 t-stat,aluminum t-stat housing,evans coolant,TRU-COOL MAX tranny cooler,external tranny filter,Western Diesel RamAir intake,Edge Evolution tow tune, Edelbrock IAS rear shocks,Landyot's Radius Rods,5 new Pirelli Scorpions courtesy of Ford.
Hi Family Ride, I recognize your name now, I am on OSO 24/7 [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] It is my second home. VC, I bet I am the same with the level thing, I guessed right the first time also. The programer I have is 50hp and 90ft lbs torque. It is very mild and not meant for drag racing, I don't know the model number but I can hook you up with Western Diesel, thats where it came from, an OSO member named "boot" We went thru 4 before we found this one, chips, modules, you name it made my lights flash like XMas on the dash. This will not raise exhaust temps, can be controled as to how much it fuels at initial exceleration and is almost seemless as far as drivability. When I give it fuel and it is about to shift to 2nd I can mash it and really feel the power, I never do a jack rabbit start with it. On all but the biggest hills I do not loose a mph, some will drop it 2 or so but otherwise it keeps pulling. I wanted a boost for towing only, this Edge works great for that, it does wake the truck up overall but not to a dangerous point, thanks on the boat, it is really set up right, offshore mounts, ext stearing, K-Planes, full roller motors and all the extras you need to run hard for a long time. I live 1/4 mile from lake MI so I am out all the time. Let me know on the Edge, I can get Joe to help (boot) It is a simple plug in on the intake, one plug and you are done, takes less than 5 sec to plug in and 5 min to wire tie and install. I am happy and picked up 2mpg. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]
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Some people are like Slinkys. They are good for nothing but still put a smile on your face when you push them down a flight of stairs. 2003 X Limited Ultimate, Mineral Grey Metalic. DVD, Limited Slip, Badged, Cab Lights, Magnaflow, Thule Rack, 3" Lift, T Prodigy, Air Bags, Edge Programer, XM Radio, Extreme sound system. 315/70/17s on AR Chrome/Aluminium.http://community.webshots.com/user/stellinm
MotionMan,
what is OSO?
I have been leary/skeptical of the plug and play boxes on the X for a couple reasons - one of which you touched on. I have heard more folks than not with the Excursion had problems like you mentioned with the lights and other warning stuff going off all the time with the boxes. Apparently the Excursions computers are different than the Super Duty's and the programing couldn't be found to work right in X with out the christmas tree lights going off. The other thing I would be worried about is that I did not want to end up trashing my torque converter by pushing the extra horse power thru it. I can't afford 3 or 4 grand for a new tranny anytime soon.
Any other details in your box I would be interested in, and if you want to hook me up with your guy at Western so I can inquire more is appreciated as well.
Is the 2 mpg gain you got all around or towing?
If I got one of these boxes I would probably either turn it off when not towing so I don't stress the tranny unnecesarily, or just drive like a grandma all the time so I'm not beating it up. If I wanted a thrill on the road I would get a crotch rocket.
Thanks
vc
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2002 LTD 4X4,Bi-Xenon HID's,Amsoil Dual Remote,Wicked Wheel,under dash 3 gauge pod(Isspro's), 203 t-stat,aluminum t-stat housing,evans coolant,TRU-COOL MAX tranny cooler,external tranny filter,Western Diesel RamAir intake,Edge Evolution tow tune, Edelbrock IAS rear shocks,Landyot's Radius Rods,5 new Pirelli Scorpions courtesy of Ford.
__________________ 2004 EB Excursion, 4x4, 6.0, everything but step tubes and 2nd row chairs, Magnaflow Exhaust, Isspro Gauges in an under cubby pod, Fumoto sitting on V Codes and Revo 285's.
"Treat me good, I'll treat you better; treat me bad, I'll treat you worse." - Sonny Barger
I have no lights, no flashing no nothing and 4000 miles on it. It will not harm a thing as long as you drive it like intended. The jump starts kill trannies. You need to go to OSO, if you have a boat this site rules, no doubt the best site and people you will ever know, just like here but on the water. I will look up Joes # for you and PM you with it. This system is great for every day, it won't light up the tires but that is not what I want, You would never know it is there as far as drivability. Give me a day and I will post the number. Really, you don't have to worry about this programer, it is just to "get you over the hump" and is not going to hurt a thing. I towed 350 miles with it and was still able to touch the exhaust, not hot at all. Plus like you said, you can unplug it in a second if needed but it will not be needed. I will not tollerate any form of bug in this truck, I will not stand for any deviation in drivability, I have the Ultimate which has every option you can get and it was a job finding this one. I could install one on your truck and you would not know it is there until you mash it right after it shifs into 2nd gear, then it pulls hard but smooth as silk. This is a daily driver with 44,000 miles on it, I put every inch of those miles on so I know what is going on. Check it out, I'll get right back to you.
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Some people are like Slinkys. They are good for nothing but still put a smile on your face when you push them down a flight of stairs. 2003 X Limited Ultimate, Mineral Grey Metalic. DVD, Limited Slip, Badged, Cab Lights, Magnaflow, Thule Rack, 3" Lift, T Prodigy, Air Bags, Edge Programer, XM Radio, Extreme sound system. 315/70/17s on AR Chrome/Aluminium.http://community.webshots.com/user/stellinm
Superchips is also very easy to use, and adds a lot of power. iIn the 120 HP "Economy" mode I can barly get EGT's past 1000*. Towing this weekend it was awesome!
__________________ 2004 EB Excursion, 4x4, 6.0, everything but step tubes and 2nd row chairs, Magnaflow Exhaust, Isspro Gauges in an under cubby pod, Fumoto sitting on V Codes and Revo 285's.
"Treat me good, I'll treat you better; treat me bad, I'll treat you worse." - Sonny Barger
VC, his name is Joe. He works for Western Diesel. I have the Edge EZ, tell him Mitch Stellin sent you, he will attest to my pickyness but he stuck with me thru all the trial chips and tuners and never balked at returning them. He is a stand up guy and has a huge following on OSO, you know us boaters need trucks and the Ford PSD is the truck of choice for the majority. His # is 908-782-0688 Good luck and you can call me to ask ?s also. 616-399-0042 is home, 616-886-0077 is Nextel.
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Some people are like Slinkys. They are good for nothing but still put a smile on your face when you push them down a flight of stairs. 2003 X Limited Ultimate, Mineral Grey Metalic. DVD, Limited Slip, Badged, Cab Lights, Magnaflow, Thule Rack, 3" Lift, T Prodigy, Air Bags, Edge Programer, XM Radio, Extreme sound system. 315/70/17s on AR Chrome/Aluminium.http://community.webshots.com/user/stellinm
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