2002 Montana MPG towing?

Y

yosemitesamiam

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Spokane, WA
Just curious to know...anyone here with the 3.4 drivetrain towing? We have the thunder package...AWD, tow wiring, cool leather seats, etc. planning on a tent trailer around 2k lbs loaded (manual says 2600 max with loaded car).

Anyone here keeping track of their towing MPG?

Thanks!

Sam
 
What kind of mileage do u get now on the highway ? My non thunder 03 3.4 l gets around 25 highway M
 
Steelcity said:
Also i would add a tranny cooler if u don't already have one.
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We saw 21mpg overall on the same trip we are going to take at 75mph highway speeds. This is from Spokane WA down to San Diego and back. We are adding a trip to see family in Durango as well. Plenty of mountain driving.

A trans cooler is already in the works! As well as a cooling system service and trans fluid flush.
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Good deal. I think these trannys are a weak spot. My old 2000 with 175000 made a whining sounds . And my 03 with 130000 slips a bit. So my best advice would be to take it easy especially on the hills and keep it from shifting lot maybe shift it into 3 to stop it from hunting from 3 to OD . And of course keep it cool. I dont know but maybe they put a HD tranny in the thunder ? Keep us posted . Enjoy the trip.
 
I doubt it highly that the trans is any different. Far as I know, The Thunder thing is interior and exterior trim, and some pre-wired stuff for towing.

We are at 150,000 miles now...

So my other option is the pig....99 Ford Expedition. A 2500lb trailer wouldn't affect it one way or the next probably. Do I take it, knowing it will probably get 13-15mpg towing (get's 15-16 normally highway)...or chance it on the van not knowing what to expect mileage wise (plus going through adding a trans cooler, hitch, electric brake wiring etc), as well as not knowing what will happen with heat/trans/etc....

The Exped is ready...just needs a brake controller. The pig only has 188,000 miles on her. ;)
 
If it were me I would take the pig. Like u said u add up the expense of wiring cooler controller hitch ~$500 ? That 500 buys lot of gas. Plus not knowing if u would damage or shorten the life of the tranny life? There are camping and or towing forums out there, i am sure there would be experienced people that tow with GM mirrors.mini vans that could help further. By chance is that the original tranny in the thunder ?
 
Steelcity said:
If it were me I would take the pig. Like u said u add up the expense of wiring cooler controller hitch ~$500 ? That 500 buys lot of gas. Plus not knowing if u would damage or shorten the life of the tranny life? There are camping and or towing forums out there, i am sure there would be experienced people that tow with GM mirrors.mini vans that could help further. By chance is that the original tranny in the thunder ?
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Good deal yeah! Been getting lots of feedback at rv.net or whatever it's called. The pig it is!

As far as I can tell yes, it's the original trans. Serviced it at the end of last summer and looked good! Fluid was shot so was long over due but no metal and it shifts perfect. I'm going to have a drain plug installed in the pan this year though. I like to be able to drain and fill every 15k. Keeps things fresh.
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also install a small magnet in bottom of pan if it doesnt already have one
 
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