Tystevens

It is true that there is no rev limiter for engine braking. But to clarify, the computer won't let the truck downshift to a gear that would cause it to redline. So, if you're in 3rd and you try to downshift to 2nd, if the speed is too high, the truck will not allow the shift. Just wanted to point out that the truck won't over-rev when you're trying to downshift. If you think you need another gear lower, try to downshift and the truck will not hurt itself.

My experience is that the EB provides plenty of engine braking, but it is in the higher rpms. While I have never really needed more than about 3300 rpm to go up any hill, I'm often in the 5k rpm range coming down!

brulaz

True this. Although it's not that often for me.

Does take some getting used to.

JBForbes

Thanks everyone for the information.


Only thing I'm not 100% clear on now is what speed I should attempt to keep it at. Like I said above, I'm thinking keeping it around/under 80km/h (50ish mpg).


Would that be smart or should I lower that?

brulaz

Guess it depends. The extreme slopes I was talking about had a speed limit of 35mph and 20mph on the hairpins.

Whatever, I never go over 100km/hr anytime anywhere.

Tystevens

Depends on the conditions. On the interstate, I set the cruise at about 70. Steep and twisty, I'm going much slower.

Good luck!

acadianbob

Using that logic, constant light application would be even better. That's a recipe for warped rotors. Harder application of the brakes brings the speed down and allows more time for the rotors and pads to cool.

rix

I have towed my 10,500 GVW 5th wheel on highway grades of up to 13%. In tow/haul mode the truck will down shift automatically to do some engine braking for you. Seems more effective than the 5.4 2valve that I used to tow a trailer weighing 1/2 as much. Trailer brakes are key. Let the trailer brakes do the work. I use the medium/hard approach to braking about 20% of the time, 5-10 seconds maximum. Let them cool. Let the engine do most of the work.

Leon Wisniewski

Last year I towed my 3000# pop up to a campground in upstate PA with my Ford Explorer v6 with towing package. I wasn't the fastest on the road, but I got there. As I approached the campground I started climbing up an incredibly steep mountain road. I was *****ting myself. As I neared the top I started smelling burning oil. I got to the campground safely but was shaking. I found out that I just climbed 2.5miles at 18%.

I drove an extra 50 miles on my way home to avoid going down that hill. Now I own a EB screw. I'm sure I could climb that mountain again towing the camper with more confidence, but I think I lack the courage to go down it. Once you start down the mountain there's no turning back. Could my truck go down the mountain safely?

thestrangebrew

I've only been towing for a year, but I find the tow/haul engine braking lacking. It could just be me being so new to towing still, but I feel more confident going downhill using manual shifting vs. letting tow/haul find the right spot. I also alternate braking between the trucks brakes and the trailer brakes. I brake for about 5 secs on the truck, then alternate between the truck and trailer, although I use more of the truck braking than trailer. Seems to work for my setup.

schmenke

The ecoboost engine is simply too small for efficient engine braking while towing.