Towing a 2509S

[LonnieEtter]

I was looking for an opinion, professional, if possible, about towing the Rockwood 2509S. I'm driving a 2008 F150 half ton, with an after market Class III hitch. The TT weighs about 5500 dry. Miles on the truck are getting up there, so I'm somewhat concerned about the transmission. We mostly take short trips, but we have about a 4 hour drive trip planned for Labor Day weekend. The shorter trips we have taken have mostly smooth, except a little sluggish on some hills, but nothing crazy. Any ideas? Suggestions? Many thanks!

[bikendan]

Well, without more info on your truck, not much I can advise on.

Need engine, rear end ratio, cab size, 4x4 or not, bed size.

Since you have an aftermarket hitch receiver, you must not have the factory tow package.
So no trans cooler, no towing rear end ratio, no tow/haul button.

[LonnieEtter]

It's a 5.4 Triton V8. Super Cab. 4 x 4. Short bed. Considering trans cooler, wanted to get some opinions, my mechanic says it's risky putting on to an older vehicle. After market hitch, so no tow package, no tow button.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by LonnieEtter

It's a 5.4 Triton V8. Super Cab. 4 x 4. Short bed. Considering trans cooler, wanted to get some opinions, my mechanic says it's risky putting on to an older vehicle. After market hitch, so no tow package, no tow button.

No wonder you're not happy.
Hope you had a break controller wired in, since a tow package would've had pre-wiring for one.
Your rear end probably has a poor towing ratio.
So bad rear end ratio, no tow/haul button, no trans cooler are possible reasons it doesn't tow well.

Your mechanic is a fool.
My 2007 Avalanche has a trans cooler.

[LonnieEtter]

We'll, I'm not unhappy, and there is brake control installed. Just a little sluggish on hills. I will look at getting a trans cooler installed.

[pjnlorrie]

Just to offer a comparison; my TV is a 2012 FJ / 260 HP (Same HP rating as your 5.4). Here in FL it tows a 3500# trailer like a champ. In the mountains it can be a challenge due to loss of performance with altitude (~3% per 1000 ft). Basically, at 7000 ft our vehicles produce about as much power as an old Ford Taurus. That is more of a problem than gearing-you can always downshift.
A heavy duty/aux trans cooler is beneficial on any tow vehicle. Adding one poses no risk to a transmission, but will not help the vehicle tow any better unless fluid boiling is occurring. Your mechanic may be concerned if your transmission fluid has never been changed. If the transmission has been neglected, and sludge, deposits, clutch material have accumulated, introducing clean fluid sometimes can break all that crud loose and cause problems. The facts is though, such a transmission was already doomed and functioning on borrowed time.