new tow vehicle question
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Topic: new tow vehicle question
Posted By: Pod People
Subject: new tow vehicle question
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2013 at 12:39pm
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we are trying to find a new tow vehicle-a Ford Expedition. I have found one with the heayy duty tow package but it has a 3.31 rear axle ratio instead of the 3.73 ratio. the tow package has a transmission cooler, a heavy duty radiator , the wire harness for brake controller and hitch. We plan on taking the Rpod on long distance, cross country trips-eventually driving from NC to Calif and even to Alaska. What do you think the difference in axle ratios really means?/ Is it power, torque, gas milage, longevity??? Should I continue to search for a TV that has the 3.73 axle or take the 3.31?? Thanks for any input. Vann |
Replies:
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2013 at 6:28pm
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One of my clients has an Expedition with the heavy duty trailer package. I don't know what ratio the axle is, but I do know that the rear springs are the same as an F250 pickup. It is stout! It may depend on the year, but my F150, 2010, is 3.31 and with the 6 speed auto transmission it is low enough. I turn less than 2000 RPM at 65 and it pulls the pod like it isn't even there. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2013 at 9:36pm
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Different manufacturers have slightly different axle ratios, but in general they are close to: 3.3-3.4, higher speeds possible, less torque at low speeds, best mpg 3.7, best middle-of-the-road gearing, better low-end torque but still decent mpg 4.1, best torque for heavy loads but worst mpg, very high rpms at highway speed For the heavy duty towing vehicle you describe I would go with the 3.31 for use with the pod, it will only be about 3000 pounds when loaded. My Suburban is similar in specs with the heavy duty towing package, 6 speed tranny, 3.42 rear and I've never wished I had a different ratio. Very happy to get a little better mpg day to day. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2013 at 10:35pm
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I think the 3.31 diff. should work fine. The rpod is not that big of a trailer. We have the 3.92 diff. only because we bought ours on the lot, we did not order it that way. If you do a lot of highway driving the 3.31 will give you better gas mileage, I mostly drive city and rural roads where the 3.92 does not make a big difference with the mpg. But if I get on interstate it does make a difference. You can tow a little more weight with a lower gear, but the rpod fully loaded to the max would never reach the limit of your tow capacity. Hope this helps in your decision. David ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |