Next month I'll be camping near Mt. Washington and plan to drive the road to the top. I was wondering about the drive back down. Has anyone done this trip in an F150 and used Hill Descent Control on the way down? It's a long way down and I keep hearing about how people downshift to a lower gear for the ride down, how they stop several times to cool their brakes, etc. and it sounds like it's pretty rough on the truck. Was wondering if HDC would be a good option on this particular mountain.

 

Hill Descent Contol is for off-road situations. Doesn’t work over 20 mph.

 

Be ready for the start keeper to tell you no, if they have decided your specific vehicle does not qualify.
Been there before and had that happen.
If they don't let you go up, there is a Van location you have to use for a ride up and back.
Good luck.

 

Naw, just downshift. I do that all the time to prevent wear and tear on brakes. I always do that going down 4,000 feet on the 74 Highway in California.

 

yeah, agree with others, if you're not pulling anything, you don't need it. Worst cast just stay a gear down. Turn of the top few gears with the shifter.

 

Good luck with the downshifting if you have a 2.7. This is the only thing I have found that I don't like on my truck. It is terrible at holding speed on steep down hills.

 

I hear that alot from folks that have never driven on any elevation... no way in heck should you be dragging brakes down a grade.
Brakes are for stopping... period. Folks that use brakes on an interstate or descent deserve to have their licenses revoked until they understand what a transmission does...
it transmits the power both ways. And be prepared for some high rpm operation... This is one advantage the diesels have over gassers.

 

Try not to micromanage the ascent/descent. Pick a speed/gear/rpm that works and then “keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel” cuz it’s a long way down if you go over the side.

 

Hmm I wonder why they turned you away? What kind of car was it?

 

Been there. Don't use HDC. Lock out the higher gears until you're comfortable and you will still need to use your brakes. Its very steep and long. Big concern is looking out for other drivers (inexperienced). It's very narrow. There are spots to pull off if needed. Do not stop on the road anywhere. Check all your fluids before you get there! Good luck and hopefully the clouds are above the summit.