Intro / Suggestions

[GNARVANAZ]

Hi everyone, Im new to the forum.

I own a 2003 7.3 Extended Cargo Van. I primarily use it for a moto van / fun hauler. I also use it to tow my toy hauler around the southwest.

Until recently I was going to buy a 7.3 truck to do the towing but now I want to modify the van to tow better. I also want to remove the partition (not pictured, its loud and annoying) and make it more livable.

Any suggestions for added power / cooling / etc.

It has 265 at's, airbags, but no gages (trans and pyro gages are first on the list). I also want to get a mild tuner but am worried about heat / miles; it currently has 289K, new trans, runs amazing.

Thanks -Gnarvan

 

[4x4pair]

That's similar to my set-up. Once you add your gauges you can add a tuner that'll really wake up the engine. You can decide what you need or want to do after but mine tows great with just the towing tune added.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

 

[GNARVANAZ]

That's similar to my set-up. Once you add your gauges you can add a tuner that'll really wake up the engine. You can decide what you need or want to do after but mine tows great with just the towing tune added.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

what tuner did you go with? seems like DP is the one everyone likes for the Vans...

 

[GNARVANAZ]

Here are some more pics

 

[4x4pair]

Mine is the Infinity DP tuner. I really like it and Jody has been a big help and responds quickly. I have a "daily driving" tune as well as a "towing" tune. Those work great for what I need.

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[GNARVANAZ]

Mine is the Infinity DP tuner. I really like it and Jody has been a big help and responds quickly. I have a "daily driving" tune as well as a "towing" tune. Those work great for what I need.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

Thats like half the price of what van is worth..

 

[4x4pair]

I hear ya! For me it was worth it for a few reasons. First, I wanted the ability to change my tunes so a chip was out. The van definitely drives different between the different tunes so switching them is cool. Second, it also works as a gauge cluster. My van didn't have a tach, trans gauge or EGT gauge...all of which I feel are important to monitor when towing. I also like watching EOT and some other stuff. Third, it works as a code scanner and can even clear codes. Very helpful for diagnosing issues. It also runs some tests for injectors and glow plugs but I haven't played with that much. So yes, it is expensive but if you add up everything you're getting it may make sense.

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[89s rule]

Thats like half the price of what van is worth..

I think you underestimate what your van is worth. You can change tunes with other options in the $200 range.
This is what I have http://www.xtremediesel.com/TS-Performance-Switchable-6-Position-Chip-7.3L-Powerstroke.aspx
There are always (Sometimes better) options if you are willing to spend the $$. I think its fun to try and do it on a tight budget whether you need to or not.

 

[Bbasso]

I've towed a bunch with two of my vans, Stiffer tires (BFG A/T) and Bilstein shocks made a nice towing experience for me.
As for a tuner on the van, just remember that it could kill your motor... even with all the guages active in your face.
Mildly tuned or nothing.
Don't ask me how I know.