Flex-A-Lite Fan (looking for input)

[Bernie]

Who has done the Flex-A-Lite fan conversion on their truck? Any problems with the install? Any real data on the claimed mileage increase? Any dyno data on the claimed power increase?

 

[rscurtis]

I doubt you'll see an MPG increase over a fan that hardly runs at all, at least that's the case with my '03. If you want more mileage, do the mods I have done.

 

[RustyJC]

If you tow heavy, be aware that the Flex-a-Lite mechanical fan will flatten out at high RPM, taking less horsepower but moving less air exactly when you need all the airflow you can get - towing a heavy load up a long, steep grade.



Rusty

 

[Bernie]

Sorry, I should have specified I am talking about the electrical fan kit they have.

 

[DMorris]

Sorry, I should have specified I am talking about the electrical fan kit they have.

I had that set up on my 03 for a couple years. Worked perfectly until I went from towing a 14K trailer to towing a 18K trailer cross country (mountains).

As a matter of fact I have my flex a lite set up right here ready to make a sweet deal if you decide to go with them. I will tell you this, if you are towing heavy: GCVW or higher-dont get rid of your mechanical set up. Other wise it is your call. I was on my third fan clutch for my mechanical fan when I swapped over to flex a lite which was my main reason to run them. I do believe you will have some improvement in fuel milage but I really cant say what. My truck started out as one of my shop trucks and we pulled a lot of different trailers regularly and I never got very accurate records. As hard as my mechanical fan pulls down the motor between shifts when engaged I cant believe that doesnt have some impact.

Making the sales pitch here- if you want to save a few hundred bucks and go with electrics: PM me

 

[AH64ID]

They fans move less air than the OEM setup, and I have read about several folks running theirs on the dyno with no hp gains.

I wouldn't expect any mpg gains, my fan doesn't engage until over 215*, and in 55K miles it has only engaged once, so under 99% of driving the fan isn't a fuel robber.

 

[monkeyman]

I have had them on my truck since they came out, in the beginning the thermostat gave problems but they took care of it. I have manual over ride in my truck, that turns on fans in a emergency, AC works better. If you live in a winter climate, you will love them! Truck warms up quicker, and fans barely come on. I adjust start up time for winter so truck runs hotter.
Rick

 

[Hammer]

I had them on my 12v truck and LOVED them and now have ordered them for the new 05 Truck. The ones on my 12v had almost 100k on them with zero issues. I am looking forward to getting them installed very soon.



Here is the link to the install on my 12v ride... ... ..... Andy



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...sion/184940-flex-lite-262-fans-installed.html

 

[RustyJC]

They fans move less air than the OEM setup, and I have read about several folks running theirs on the dyno with no hp gains.

Yup. I tried the then-current twin Flex-a-Lite electric setup on my 1996 3500 V-10/47RE. It overheated on long grades when towing a 5th wheel as well as when towing in Houston summertime stop-and-go traffic. To add insult to injury, the 100 amp draw of the fans would pull the battery (only one on a V-10) down when idling for extended periods with the headlights on.



I went back to the mechanical fan. The electrics would probably work well for a mall cruiser, but I wouldn't recommend them for heavy towing in hot weather.



Rusty

 

[Spooled05]

I needed the cooling for towing but wanted electric fans so i went with 2 tarus fans from an 93 sho. They supposedly pull 2500 cfm on low and 4500 cfm on high. I used the grid relays (since i deleated them) and triggered the low side off the a/c and high off 190deg switch in head and an emergency switch in cab. Been runnin them for almost 2 years and all is good!
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[Shadrach]

I ran a Flex-a-lite on my old V8 Dodge and loved it for city driving and especially during the winter. However I would pull it off every summer and re install the stock one for towing my TT as it just didn't move enough air. Shadrach