I have a 2021 F150 XLT with 5.0 and 3.31 gears. Later this month I will be trailering a flatbed aluminum single axle trailer with two full sized motorcycles on it. Trip will start in upstate NY and end at Flagler Beach Florida. Total weight of trailer with bikes is approximately 3k pounds.

My question: Being that this would be considered a light load with little aerodynamic impact, what mode should I engage the transmission? Normal, sport, tow/haul? Common sense says tow/haul, but I'm not dragging an enclosed trailer, camper, or construction equipment.

Input is appreciated

 

My self I would use Tow Haul when I am in the hills, then regular when on flatter roads of FL. No one can tell you which mode to be in for sure. Just pay attention to your RPM's and gears. If the truck feels like it is lugging down then shift down a gear and use TH. If the trucks sounds like it is running to high and RPM and you have a gear up shift it up. Don't over think it.

 

This ^^

 

I have the same engine and rear differential in my 2021 Platinum. I haul a 12' aluminum open trailer (660#) with a Honda Talon or Pioneer SXS (1,800#) on it from MI to TN and back several times a year (~1,100 miles RT, about the same as your one-way trip). I also have another ~500# of gear and people in the truck. I would consider it a light to moderate load based on weight and aerodynamics.

With that, I typically just leave the truck in tow/haul mode. It keeps the RPMs up when needed but will most certainly allow it to get into the highest overdrive gears on flat roadway. If I happen to be in Normal mode and I realize it's hunting for gears a bunch, then I put it (back) into tow/haul mode.

Don't overthink it. Enjoy your trip and enjoy the warmth!

 

I towed roundtrip from Pittsburgh to Miami with a similar trailer 3000# load. I used tow mode one way, and remembered to manually lock out 9-10 in Normal mode on the way back. There was very little difference. I do think tow mode was a little more responsive when downshifting was needed to climb those West Virginia mountains.

 

Keep an eye on your boost gauge. If you see boost often drop it down a gear or two. Also, I wouldn’t try to be driving 85 either. Not sure what type of gas mileage you’re trying to expect, but it’s gonna be most efficient and easiest on the truck if you stay too 65-70

 

One other thing. Before you go fill it with 93 octane then keep with 93 octane until you are done towing. This helps with the gas milage and the power.

 

that’s a definite good reminder. I would actually try to get a tank of 93 before the trip down.

 

I say normal. I tow about the same load, and my truck does fine in normal, even with some up and down. You can experiment with tow/haul and see how the rpm changes for a given mph.

 

I would use tow/haul it’s a no brainer. The truck has a specifically designed mode for towing, just use it and let the transmission figure it out. Higher gears with lower rpm != less fuel used. The computer will figure out much fuel to spray in based on hp/torque needed to keep the truck moving. I’m no expert but I tow my boat weekly during summer, these coyotes have no issue reving
i got 16 mpg towing about 2000lbs mostly doing 65.