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I have a 2002 F250, 7.3L PowerStroke, automatic, 4" turbo back exhaust, Ford AIS intake, trans temp & EGT gauges. I use it for RV delivery (travel trailers/5th wheels). I would like to increase my fuel economy as much as possible (loaded especially, but empty as well); for this, I was looking at the Mileage XS unit. However, after reading some here in the forums, it would seem that this model (and the economy tunes on the Flashpaq/Cortex) is not recommended for towing. I'm guessing this is primarily due to the transmission tuning?

My questions are:
1. Are there any fuel mileage gains to be had with the towing tune? I am not really looking for a power increase, but I wouldn't complain about having more, as long as it came with a mileage increase.
2. Which would likely be a better choice (best fuel mileage, easiest to switch between econ/tow) for my application, the Flashpaq or the Cortex?

What type of weight are we talking about?

Are we maxing out the trucks factory rating?

Making mileage while towing is hard to gain.

Ron

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Upper limit could be as much as ~12k or so, but I haven't had anything that heavy as of yet (factoring in the weight of the truck, me, fuel, and stuff, I hit the factory weight limit at 12,420 lbs trailer weight). Lower limit, about 5k-6k or so, with most falling between 8k-10k.

I realize there would not be a huge increase in mileage while towing (especially on the bigger 5th wheel units), but any amount would be beneficial. Even a 1%-2% improvement while towing would be great.

Other than the stuff I listed above, truck is all stock, XL crew cab longbed 4x2. Right now, with one of the larger 5th wheel units, I'm getting about 10.5-11 mpg. Maybe 12 or so with smaller tag along units. Right at 19-19.5 empty. This is at 65 mph and below, using cruise when applicable. Anything much over 65 mph, and it's like I've got a hole in the fuel tank

19MPG is very good with a 7.3 unloaded.

I don't know if we can get any better than this with tuning.
The product does have a 30 day money back, if it did not do what you wanted.


I would recommend the flashpaq tuner, if this is the only vehicle you need a tuner for.

The difference between the 2 models is the Cortex can tune either a Gas or diesel Ford vehicle. Versus the flashpaq is purchased for specifically gas or diesel.

Ron

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Thanks for the advice, Ron, I've got a Flashpaq on the way, I'll give it a try and see how it does

Ron,

So far, the Flashpaq seems to be working out ok - mileage gain seems decent, especially empty in the Mileage XS tune, but I've not had a lot of comparable runs to be sure. Power is definitely better, especially in OD. Truck pulls hills much better in OD, without having to downshift. Just took a 11.7k 5th wheel toy hauler to the Denver area, similar trip as one I took w/out the tuner w/ a 10.6k 5th wheel camper. Seemed to be about .2 mpg better; got about 1.7 mpg better with a 11.7k 5th camper in upstate NY. (wind resistance is a lot more relevant in NE)

Unfortunately, I end up having to back out of the throttle (and/or shut the cruise off), sometimes even on minor hills, as the EGTs skyrocket (heavy tow mode, pulling something that warrants "heavy tow" ). So, I end up going over the hill slower than before.

For an example of the temps I'm seeing, on this last trip I ran about 1100 degrees across most of Nebraska, shooting up past 1200-1250 on small rises, and easily able to go past 1300 on any real hills (had to really watch when the cruise was on, as the hills through there can sneak up on you, and the needle suddenly swings past 1300 and keeps going). Colorado was a real pain, ran 1200 almost all the way to Denver, and I was creeping up hills (55-60, and sometimes slower, in a 75mph zone), feathering the accelerator to keep it at no more than 1250. Didn't get into any real 'mountains' on this trip, but I suspect going up something like Jellico mtn on I75 S heading to Knoxville, or Fancy Gap on I77 N to Wytheville, would be very difficult.

Any opinions on if there anything I can do (as far as further mods) to lower the EGTs, or at least keep them more under control? (I'm debating pulling the Flowmaster off when I go home next, and putting in my straight pipe, see if it helps any) I need to be able to pull hills, not get progressively slower on them due to trying to keep the EGTs down.

I have not yet tried the "light tow", as everything I've pulled since getting the Flashpaq has been 10.5k or more.

Thanks,
Neal

If the pyrometer sensor is in the manifold then 1200 degrees consistent and spikes up to 1600 degrees not for more than a minute.

Downpipe mounted sensor location is a 1000 degrees, and 1200 spikes.

Are you towing in the MXS tune?

Have you tried the heavy tow program?

Larger downpipe, straight through exhaust and cold air intakes will help bring the EGT's down.

Ron

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Ron,

The sensor is in the manifold. I have been towing in the Heavy Tow, except for once in the MXS (w/ a 2900 lb. trailer). I do have 4" turbo-back exhaust, and a Ford AIS intake. The muffler, though, is a Flowmaster, not a straight-through design. Could removing this, and either using a straight pipe, or a standard aftermarket diesel muffler, have a noticeable effect on EGTs?

thanks,
Neal

I can not say that it would be enough difference to remove the muffler.

You can try it.

Ron

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