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Probably an obvious question, but if I wanted to use the tranny to slow speed on hilly terrain to save the brakes from overheating,I'de be best in tow/haul? With 4000#s in the bed, its a truck camper, would I be damaging the tranny, or causing premature wear? Maybe better to be in manual mode and pick a low gear?
I dont have experiance as I usually dont drive where hills are a factor but Im planning a trip out west where steep grades will be a factor for long periods of time.
To be honest, I'm not a big fan of how the tow/haul works when going downhill. The downshifts seem inconsistent at times. I'd rather lock out the gears or throw it in M to have more control over it.
You'll definitely want to use the transmission on long hills though, otherwise you'll smoke your brakes pretty quick. Just have to take it easy, don't try and win any races.
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Matt
2011 F350 - 6.2 CC, LB, 4.30s, Lariat Ultimate pkg, FX4, Amp steps, Lockpick, AC LC6i, JL HD900/5, JL 13TW5, JL C5-570's, Bilstein 7100 stabilizer, Rancho RS9000XL's, Leveled w/ 35" Toyo M/T's and 5 Star tuned
**Sold - 2000 F250 V10, 6.5" Pro Comp, 37" Toyo MT's
It's called "engine braking", actually, and shouldn't be a problem. As for tow/haul, no clues there, as I don't have that new-fangled sorta thang!
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I think your trans will automatically engine brake in tow haul from what i've heard.
I wish my e4od would do that it doesn't even stay locked up when you let of the gas it just starts free wheeling. I can manually shift down into any gear when combined with locking out overdrive. Drive becomes third, then second, and first.
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Tanner - Connecticut Chapter Member.
1983 F-250HD 2wd 300. T18 4speed 4.10s. Base. 170k Hiding in garage for the last 10 years. dead. dads truck. Project truck.
1991 F-250HD 4x4 351w ZF 5speed 4.10s Custom. 165k old plow and landscaping truck. Parts truck.
1990 F-250HD 2wd 7.3idi e4od 3.55s. Custom 346k 'The Carpathia' Daily driver.
I live at 7,000' elevation here in Flagstaff. I tow and go up and down the mtn frequently.
With cruise control on, my tranny will auto downshift to hold max speed. In Tow/haul, it is very aggressive with downshifts. I mostly drive in manual mode, but with downhills, I shift to full automatic and let it downshift. Works great. Works even better if I switch on the A/C to additionally add parasitic drag. I see nothing but positives from using this feature.
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