Towing with AC running

[davidfhare]

My Explorer (w/ tow package) is rated to tow 5000lbs and I figure my boat and trailer tops out at 4500lbs loaded down. Never any issues pulling the boat or at the ramp. However, I typically pull the boat with the air conditioning turned off to "save engine wear". How paranoid am I?

I've seen the stories that debunk the myth about running a car without AC saving gas mileage. Is this situation similar (drag vs. AC)? Assume I'm traveling at 50+ MPH?

Thoughts?

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Towing with AC running

Can't say you're paranoid, but ya may be a little warm during them N.C. summers.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Towing with AC running

Can't say you're paranoid, but ya may be a little warm during them N.C. summers.

Here's what some expert has to say
There?s no question air-conditioning makes extra work for the engine, increasing fuel use. But car air conditioners are much more efficient today than they used to be. In around-town driving, using the A/C will drop fuel economy by about a mile a gallon.

Meanwhile, driving at higher speeds with the windows down greatly increases aerodynamic drag. As speed increases, drag becomes more of an issue, making A/C use the more efficient choice at high speeds.

At most speeds and in most vehicles, A/C use drains slightly more fuel than driving with the windows down, contends David Champion, head of auto testing for Consumer Reports. ?My final take on is that it?s very close,? says Phil Reed, consumer advice editor for Edmunds.com. ?It?s hard to measure the difference and every vehicle is different.?

The best choice?if temperature and humidity allow?is to keep the windows rolled up and to turn the A/C compressor off. You can keep the fans running to blow in air from the outside, but your car will be as aerodynamic as possible while still letting you breathe. You will save gas, but the fuel economy improvement will be slight.

Sorry double post..missed the expert

 

[davidfhare]

Re: Towing with AC running

Can't say you're paranoid, but ya may be a little warm during them N.C. summers.

Thanks for the reply. No doubt it's getting hot around here - that's the motivation for the post. My wife is ready for this to be answered.

Meanwhile, driving at higher speeds with the windows down greatly increases aerodynamic drag. As speed increases, drag becomes more of an issue, making A/C use the more efficient choice at high speeds.

I understand this aspect of it, but I wonder how much extra drag comes into play with my windows open versus that big heavy thing behind me. My assumption is the added drag with the windows open is nothing compared to the change in aerodynamics because of the trailer and boat.

In other words, I'm already taking a hit on the aerodynamics am I adding to that by also using the AC? That's at least the basis of my paranoia!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Towing with AC running

turn the AC on, quit worrying over nothing you can actually control. making the little lady happy is worth more, than any damage you are doing.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Towing with AC running

As long as your engine and transmission temperatures are in line, go for it.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Towing with AC running

davidfhare said

" Thanks for the reply. No doubt it's getting hot around here - that's the motivation for the post. My wife is ready for this to be answered. "

Well, now this is another crate of apples...As is said "If momma ain't happy, no one's happy" :redface:

I definitely agree with TD.

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Towing with AC running

As long as your engine and transmission temperatures are in line, go for it.

x2 those would be my only worry.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Towing with AC running

How paranoid am I?

On a scale of 1 to 10...about a 9 on the paranoid scale

 

[redfury]

Re: Towing with AC running

Yup, that would be my biggest concern also, temperature of the transmission. As the AC is going to rob some of your ability to cool the engine as it is the first thing getting cooled, everything else is going to get the heat from it. If you have an aftermarket or heavy duty transmission cooler, then it isn't much of an issue. I'd see if you can get a transmission temp gauge installed if you do alot of towing and plan to keep the vehicle for a while.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Towing with AC running

For long life, try to keep tranny temps below 200. I like 160-180 with synthetic fluid. While tranny and engine oil coolers are not a must, they sure are cheap insurance.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Towing with AC running

For long life, try to keep tranny temps below 200. I like 160-180 with synthetic fluid. While tranny and engine oil coolers are not a must, they sure are cheap insurance.

I have to agree with this one. So long as the engine and trans is running at safe temps, and the engine isn't lugging with the AC on, there's no problem.

A lot depends on how your vehicle handles the load. On my 4cylinder Ranger, when pulling a larger trailer, AC is definitely not an option, there's a very noticeable power difference and fuel economy change with and without the AC.
Once rolling at highway speeds I usually turn on the air, but when I need every last bit of power to get rolling, I turn it off.
On my truck, there's such a big difference between towing mileage and normal mileage, it's hard to tell how much is due to the AC or how much is just due to the added weight. Even when not towing, the AC really makes a big difference in power but doesn't make much of a difference in mileage. I lose about 2.5 mpg with the air on not towing. Also, usually if its so hot that riding without the air on would be unbearable, I'm usually not towing anyhow since it's most likely too hot to fish too.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Towing with AC running

Use the air, should not be an issue !!!

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Towing with AC running

I have to agree with this one. So long as the engine and trans is running at safe temps, and the engine isn't lugging with the AC on, there's no problem.

A lot depends on how your vehicle handles the load. On my 4cylinder Ranger, when pulling a larger trailer, AC is definitely not an option, there's a very noticeable power difference and fuel economy change with and without the AC.
Once rolling at highway speeds I usually turn on the air, but when I need every last bit of power to get rolling, I turn it off.
On my truck, there's such a big difference between towing mileage and normal mileage, it's hard to tell how much is due to the AC or how much is just due to the added weight. Even when not towing, the AC really makes a big difference in power but doesn't make much of a difference in mileage. I lose about 2.5 mpg with the air on not towing. Also, usually if its so hot that riding without the air on would be unbearable, I'm usually not towing anyhow since it's most likely too hot to fish too.

just as an FYI on your Ranger if yo uhave the temp knob turned to "cool" you are still engaging the A/C

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Towing with AC running

I vote to run the AC....

I don't care what i'm towing the AC is on in hot weather unless i'm pulling that 7 mile grade going up I-77 going into Virginia.

 

[LC boating]

Re: Towing with AC running

with the four explores i have had i have never really worried about it (and no that is no the reason i have had four explores ) after a long day on the water it tends to be little muggy on shore and it is worth it to be comfortable.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Towing with AC running

unless i'm pulling that 7 mile grade going up I-77 going into Virginia.

That one is a cooling system check...isn't it?

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: Towing with AC running

To me the overheating issues are separate for the engine and the transmission when the A/C is used. I always believed A/C normally affects engine temps, while load weight, gear in use, and incline normally affects transmissions temps. On our 4Runner I watch the temp guage, but that guage is for the engine only.

We just returned from a 420 mile round trip excursion towing our 2500# rig (boat, motor, trailer, schtuff) with the A/C on the entire time, and the engine temperature guage never went above normal. The vehicle has a 5-speed automatic transmission. We towed in overdrive in the flat areas, but most of the time I had it in 4th gear since there are lots of rolling hills. Never exceeded 60 mpg. Averaged 17.0 mpg to destination; 17.8 back home.

The important point here is that the wife and our two golden retrievers were nice and coooool, and the vehicle had no complaints either.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Towing with AC running

That one is a cooling system check...isn't it?

Yes...LOL!! Pulling my 5000 lb Travel trailer up that grade is a hard pull.
Never had an overheat problem though. Topped the mountain at 60 mph...
The old Chevy will do some pulling..not bad for a 350 with 102k on it.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Towing with AC running

To me the overheating issues are separate for the engine and the transmission when the A/C is used. I always believed A/C normally affects engine temps, while load weight, gear in use, and incline normally affects transmissions temps.

Very true Navy, but remember that auto trannies are cooled by the same radiator as the engine which will cause them to run hotter also in extremes unless you have a cooler on the tranny return line after the radiator.