I am planning on getting a Class V hitch and I need to know what the truck is capable of hauling safely. I have an AutoTap and can keep an eye on the tranny's oil temp, so should I just haul what I can as long as I don't start to overheat the tranny, or should I just stick to a pre-determined payload capacity? This brings me to my next question. In one of the many axle codes threads, people mention capacities of the differentials ... is that max towing capacity??

Just watch the gauges when your towing and you should be fine.

I've towed some heavy stuff with my AWD. A 1965 F100 long bed. A D60 generator. Plus I tow the Nautique often in the summer (150 mile trips, up hills, down hills). I haven't had any problems as of yet.

just an FYI. I tow a 3800lb Ebbtide open bow ski boat and the V8 is not very happy about it. It does tow it fine. I just wouldn't tow too much more even though I think the tow rating is 6300lb. Good luck.

I tow a 4000# camper, add in driver, passanger(s) and "stuff" and I am over 5000# The 5L AWD tows very well, with the autotap, the transmission fluid never went higher than 195, and the coolant 200. I did add another transmission cooler along with the factory and now it never climbs above 180.
Changed the fluid to Royal Purple Synthetic MAX ATF.

Max transmission temps are creaping along in traffic, not hill climbing. Whenever the tc is unlocked it heats up. Chugging along the interstate it runs about 150 in OD, 160 in 3rd (On a 90 degree day)

Tow ratings are a sales gimmik. These are theoretical maximum ratings when the vehicle is totally empty. The reality looks much more grim. Of course your vehicle can pull more than what you ought to but who knows what that means in regards to breaking, stability, and engine life.

On a page in progress about ball mounts/hitches for my 2003 Explorer I did a small run down how much I can safely tow with a V8. It's only 1,903 lbs. http://www.niesens.com/hobbies/cars/2003-ford-explorer/ball-mount.en.html has the calculations.

wpurple, how are you using the autotap? Do you have a laptop sitting besides you while you drive or are you using a palm? Also is the additional Ford Enhanced Data Upgrade needed or is the base software sufficient for monitoring and maintenance?

Interesting thread. Where can I find more information about the "Auto Tap"?

Thanks!

-Brad

Interesting thread. Where can I find more information about the "Auto Tap"?

Thanks!

-Brad

http://www.autotap.com/
and
http://www.troublecodes.net/articles/AT/AutoTap_OBDII_for_Windows.shtml
(not sure if that's an objective review)

I use the autotap with my PC; it is mounted on a laptop stand that attaches to the passenger seat bolts. (no holes drilled)http://www.a2zsolutions.com/desks/floor/epitome/epitome_jr.htm

I use it when I go camping along with my GPS and Delorme.

The autotap is great to monitor critical parameters such as transmission temp.

www.autotap.com

i have towed well over 5000 pounds with a 97 explorer v8 awd safely.... i just dont reccommend doing it in the hills..... your not going to be winning any races.... but if you keep the overdrive off have good brakes and electric brakes and keep the tongue weight / trailer weight proportioned right your biggest problem is stopping.... so just give yourself plenty of time... granted your mpg will be really shitty i got like 7-8 but was in some slight hills too..... but i towed for over 900 miles with no problems in two days in upper 80's ... only mods i have are K@N drop in filter, mobil1 synthetic, and some "load helper springs " on the rear to help rear end sag when the trailers on... oh i also run class C tires at 50 psi