Mods for towing ?

[Howie]

I’m interested in optimizing my ST for towing . Looking to increase engine and transmission cooling ,as well as a bigger rear sway bar . Any parts swapped from piu work or after market? We used to have an expedition with HD tow package any parts swap potential there ? Thanks for any help

 

[Howie]

Ok well any opinions on adding a bigger intercooler ?and or a tune that might be towing focused as opposed to performance ?

 

[ChasBG]

I have a CVF IC that I have not installed yet. I also do some towing and hope that this will keep inlet temps a little cooler down here in hot central Texas. I can't comment yet on how much, if any, it will help.

A trailer brake controller should probably be on your list. The ST tows pretty good for what it is. It's probably a little better than the Explorer Sport that I had before but it's not a truck so be aware of overall trailer weight and the hitch weight in order to stay out of trouble.

 

[Cruising68]

You can get a tow specific tune if you decide to go that route. Would assume it is a bit more conservative with some added exhaust temp monitoring. I would think the intercooler upgrade would help a lot towing.


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[Howie]

Intercooler sounds like a no brainer (does the intercooler affect the need for an oil separator ? ) ,this Will be my fourth suv for towing .. I like them for weight transfer . Had 2 grand Cherokee’s both v8 ,and the expedition 3.5 max tow I remember the 3.5 adjusting for octane so I filled with 91/93 when towing. I’m hoping the explorer comes close or better than they did for balance . Planning on going to can am rv in Canada to get their expert hitch setup done.

 

[jrgoffin]

A bigger intercooler is a no-brainer. They are all good (Steeda in mine). I have a Gearhead AO tune and tow my boat often - zero issues. Many tuners want you to have a separate Tow tune and/or don’t recommend using their tune(s). The PIU larger rear sway bar and matching shocks, along with the Steeda subframe bushings round it all out.

 

[Howie]

Finally got a ST ,had to sell off a couple cars to make it happen.will be going to Can Am rv Centre in London on. To have them do their hitch “magic” .will try to document it here if anyone is interested?

 

[Blue Beast]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Howie]

Welcome to the forum.

Thanks ! Thrilled to finally get our St. ,!

 

[Howie]

In hopes of getting my ST built for towing ,I’m surfing for mods that might improve transmission cooling . Can anyone give feed back on the aluminum transmission oil pans ? Also I admit to getting lost looking at oem parts break downs between explorer and piu . In regards to auxiliary coolers ,that might swap in . Would really like to find a piu in a wreaking yard to pick over. anyone in New England know of any ?

 

[Howie]

 

[Howie]

Just returned from a 130 mile tow ,(260 round trip )ex st pulled like a champ .as good or better than my platinum expedition . Receiver hitch beefed up by can am rv ,equalizer hitch ,and brake controller also done by them. Ex. Was balanced perfect ,no pushing through the corners .

 

[powerboatr]

View attachment 22903

WOW that color looks fantastic....plus the shining air stream

 

[Howie]

Thanks !

 

[jHacker25]

Just returned from a 130 mile tow ,(260 round trip )ex st pulled like a champ .as good or better than my platinum expedition . Receiver hitch beefed up by can am rv ,equalizer hitch ,and brake controller also done by them. Ex. Was balanced perfect ,no pushing through the corners .

Good to hear! How much does your setup weigh? Tongue weight?

 

[Howie]

Haven’t weighed the rig yet , trailer is around 6800 . Tongue weight probably pushing 800/900 .having said that set up really moves weight to front tires and back to trailer ,that’s the key to Can Am rv setup . They build a brace for the receiver and have their own shank that gets ball close to bumper . This is my fourth tow rig through 3 different airstreams and by far the best .did I mention 12 mpg ? Was always in the 10’s with my old expo 3.5

 

[antrmo]

good day, we just purchased a 4500lb camper and looking to use our 22 ST to pull it.I am doing research on what after market elec brake controller to purchase. watching some videos it looks like there is a plug already under the dash to just plug into,, sound correct?
was really impressed these cars can pull so much as you have shown, thanks for the help.

 

[Howie]

Put on another 300 miles pulling our airstream . Was able to hit a Cat scale going out . Weights were front axle :2660 rear axle :3140 and trailer 6520. Steered very well on curves ,pulled up on ramps very well .transmission and engine temps never moved,and gas mileage was11.5 on the hotter day and 12 on the cooler return trip drive. A very slight wiggle but adjusted the sway control bars and seems better .still dialing in the hitch /weight distribution set up but far better than my old expedition (with HD tow package ) . Yes the plug is lower left under the dash ( there is a write up on this forum on installing that is helpful) ,used a Tekonsha prodigy brake controller ,camco ez lift 1000 pound hitch ,with 2 husky sway control bars .the drop shank is made special for Can Am rv ,gets the ball right up close to the bumper and they performed the hitch receiver reinforcement .hope this helps

 

[antrmo]

Wow that is incredible.

 

[antrmo]

Do you have the product # of the camco ez lift hitch? I am seeing many different choices. Some that come with sway bars included I believe. Thank you for the help.