auxiliary transmissions

[Ernest Smith]

In article <4c65ec$5...@ELWOOD.pionet.net>, Dana Greeno <gre...@pionet.net> wrote:

> Hi
>
> I am new to this newsgroup stuff so bear with me. I currently have a 1993
> Ford E-150 van with a 4.9 I-6 cyl engine with which I pull a 1988 prowler
> 24ft travel trailer. We are planning a long trip this spring to the east
> coast. I would like some feedback from anyone who as a Gear Vendors
> under/overdrive system. The van I have pulls my trailer real well but
> haveing only three speeds causes some problems on hills.

I installed a Gear Vendor on our '89 32' motorhome. We have a 3 speed auto
and the Gear Vendor works as advertised. The price is a little steep, around
3000 if I rembember correctly. The only disadvantage is that you can not
use it going down a grade for braking. The Gear Vendor "should" be
disengaged or you will shorten the life span of the internal clutch. Other
than that I highly recommend it.

--
Ernest Smith
er...@oregon.cray.com

[Steve]

In article <4c65ec$5...@ELWOOD.pionet.net>, gre...@pionet.net says...

>
>Hi
>
> I am new to this newsgroup stuff so bear with me. I currently have a
1993
>Ford E-150 van with a 4.9 I-6 cyl engine with which I pull a 1988
prowler
>24ft travel trailer. We are planning a long trip this spring to the
east
>coast. I would like some feedback from anyone who as a Gear Vendors
>under/overdrive system. The van I have pulls my trailer real well but
>haveing only three speeds causes some problems on hills.
>
>

Dana,
I have to agree with "Sez Will's" response. The Gear Vendor's aux.
trans. is a very good unit, but expensive, and nothing of this type
will make up for a larger motor. I know that's not something that
you'd like to hear, but I'd bet that with that Prowler loaded and ready
to go that you are pushing the ceiling on Ford's recommended towing
capacity.

Sorry, but the truth.
Steve