One big lesson is to read the manual, operate your rig accordingly and if in doubt ask the manufacturer.For most RV towing combinations, we recommend our premium tow bar line, His ute had a diff lock, Apart from that, dead standard 6 cylinder ute. How Dennis the Mechanic got his 2 WD ute to places I struggled to get a Bushmaster always impressed me. I was a bit biased toward Ford utes because, when participating in the Test, Analyse and Fix program for Project Bushranger, the Bushmasters that were being through an accelerated life cycle program would break down in some horrible places and the ADI service guys would show up in a Ford Ute.
#Falcon towing manual#
Plus, all the cab-chassis set-ups had much higher trays making it a steep climb into the Glide-on when using it on the trailer.īy following the user manual we have had no hint of any heating problem, engine or transmission. I still have not burnt the price difference in fuel to date, not even half of it. The difference in the new prices put the Falcon Ute a long way in front. They are to be admired for being so honest. Definate engine overheating for the task specified. I asked Holden about their 1 tonne ute and they simply said no-way.
Ford also offered similar but also offered their 1 tonne ute on the proviso the rear suspension was improved to carry the Glige-on (750kg loaded) and the 1,600kg boat & trailer with 200kg on the tow bar. Mazda, Toyota and Holden all offered cab-chassis options, some 4 WD, all diesel. When I was looking to purchase a new vehicle for my Glide-on and Trailer Sailer combo I approached Mazda, Toyota, Holden and Ford. I will speed up to 105 km8hr to avoid slowing the trucks then slow down to get them past me (when they can pass) then its back to 90km/hr. I don't find cruising at 90km/hr a problem, for traffic the cars I don't give a toss about and they soon pass. Its not hard to do 18 liters per 100km with a cross wind and 110km/hr speed.Ĭross winds produce lots of drag because they increase the effective frontal area of the vehicle. Keep the fan working and don't hurry because heat is the killer of engines and transmissions.īack on topic, I can see 13 liters per 100km at 90km/hr with no winds and good roads. So when your looking for a good tow car be sure to checkout the space under the bonnet where all that hot air needs to exit the engine bay.īig hills I let the car slow down and cruise over at about half throttle and higher revs in a lower gear. I am not a fan of V engines towing because the wider engine tends to block airflow exiting the radiator, Less area for air to travel under the bonnet equals more heat. The extra air increases the heat transfer at the transmission heat exchanger.īasically heat is the limiting factor in heavy towing, 4WDs tend to have bigger radiators and can cope with the heavier loads hence they cope with towing with less risk. The higher engine speed keeps the engine fan pumping more air that pushes heat out from under the bonnet. Its not just the lower torque through the transmission that counts. Skimping on a good cooler isn't a very productive way to save $50-100.
If you keep the temps in check you will eliminate the vast majority of towing related trans failures. I have one on my street/drag car and it keeps 600hp in check with a 4000 rpm converter You want ones with end tanks and crossflow design like these. These ones with the pipe snaking around with fins stuck on are the worst type. When I get my falc it will certainly be kitted out with these items. I highly recommend the best trans cooler you can get, most standard ones are rubbish. I knew from experience in my street/drag car that driving with a locked converter dramatically reduces trans temps. I though I might try to change my driving style and realised that when held in 3rd the converter lock up was engaged almost the whole time.
#Falcon towing plus#
It had obviously heated it up to boiling.Īt this point we had 1700km to go on our trip plus some more serious ranges, so were considering hiring more suitabe tow car as we doubted the EF would make it. After we drove up the first small range I stopped to check the boat, and saw trans fluid dripping from under our borrowed falcon. I sort of figured this out just by driving it, but I am more mechanically minded when it comes to cars than most people (I own a home built drag car).