2003 Windstar-Need towing advice

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2003 Windstar-Need towing advice

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Ford Forums >> Past Ford Models >> Windstar/Aerostar >> 2003 Windstar-Need towing advice

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2003 Windstar-Need towing advice - 4/1/2007 1:53:00 PM

BarbVA

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We have a 2003 Windstar 3.8 V6 with about 80K miles. Yesterday we purchased a 2006 Rockwood Freedom pop up camper that we intend to tow with the Windstar. The unloaded weight on the Rockwood is around 1400 pounds, so we anticipate staying well below the 2000 pound towing capacity of the Windstar without a towing package. However, in order to extend the life of our Windstar we'd like to make some modifications, mainly being a trainy cooler, which we can't seem to find anywhere. Every place we have called says they don't make one for our Windstar. Can anyone tell me what we need to get and where to get it? Any other modificiatons that may be helpful in keeping our high mile Windstar kicking for many years to come while towing our PUP? Thanks in advance.

Barb

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RE: 2003 Windstar-Need towing advice - 4/1/2007 7:29:48 PM

goinstrong

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Aftermarket tranny cooler will work. You must see how much area you have available in front of your radiator. I suggest brackets instead of through radiator plastic ties (so the radiator doesn't get damaged). I can install these - mostly custom work. Any transmission shop should be able to handle it too - tell them you want brackets made - NOT the thru-radiator ties.

(in reply to BarbVA)

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RE: 2003 Windstar-Need towing advice - 4/15/2007 9:09:38 AM

thaas58

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I suggest that you go to U-Haul and have them install a transmission cooler (and hitch if you need it). U-Haul has fast service and good prices. We have been towing a 1700 lb Coleman popup for many years with our Windstar. I do suggest that you change the transmission fluid more often if you tow. BTW, the transmision cooler bumps up your towing capacity to 3500 lbs. Good luck.

(in reply to BarbVA)

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RE: 2003 Windstar-Need towing advice - 4/16/2007 3:17:21 PM

tomb1269

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I sold my 95 W-star a year ago. I was (and still am) towing a Jayco 806 PUP which also ways 1400# dry, loaded I am running near 1700#. I installed a 5000# (about the largest) after market trans cooler up and down on the drivers side (you could use a rapid cool unit which is smaller and provides the same cooling). The issue you will face is the bend is too tight for the rubber hose. If you look at the passenger side of the radiator support you will see the power steering cooler lines. I brought 2 lines around the drivers side the same way. Try some steel lines, a tube bender, and a small propane torch (water in a bucket to cool), make your bends and fit to the rad support. I used the torch to warm the lines to allow me to make minor adjustments to the bends without risking a kink. I also disconnected the factory system, I cut flared the factory metal lines on the trans side used rubber hose and clamps to replace the factory flex lines and built new metal lines to run around the rad support and then rubber hose to connect to cooler. The cooler mounted with pull ties threw the radiator.
PS I also installed Airlift 1000 air bags (cost about $100) in the rear coil springs, and also installed them in my new Freestar. The filling the bags to 30lbs will bring the rear back to normal ride height when you tow and deflate to 7-5lbs for normal riding conditions. They keep your stock ride and handling while providing the addition capacity when needed.

_____________________________

Tom
2006 Freestar SEL 4.2L F/Ld
2002 Ranger Edge 3.0L extd
2005 Jayco 806 P/U trailer - eaten by mice winter 2008

(in reply to thaas58)

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