Before I deliver my comments; I would like to say that my previous trucks were Duramax 2500's (MY15 and 16). I can utterly say I'm not biased to any of the big 3 manufacturers. I had 3 Rams before the Duramax's. This is my first Ford of any kind.

I use my trucks solely to tow my 31' travel trailer, of which I easily accumulate 15,000 miles per year. I mostly travel in the north east, but in the last two years I've been out west, both times on I-70 through the Ike Gauntlet.

The first thing I kept saying to myself was, "This truck is so refined". It's as if all the parts were coated in thick goo. Accelerating and braking around town with a 10K trailer never felt so smooth and effortless. It didn't feel like a TRUCK; it was refined!

Note: I could not use my RV's safety chains as the hooks would not fit on the receiver.

The technology on the truck was amazing, from the cameras, blind side detection, massaging seats, active steering. Kudos to Ford for making a 3/4 ton with adaptive cruise control; smooth and dare I say refined.

Small drawback on the placement of the main light switch and fog switch. My left knee would hide it; had to take my eyes off the road and look down to the left and fumble with the **** and button.

So here's my BIG complaint.
I drive on the highways usually with the cruise set at 65 while towing. Last weekend I was headed to the Boston area travelling south through Vermont and New Hampshire on I-89 which is somewhat hilly with regular 4% grades 2/3 of the time.
The truck could not keep it's speed through the hills; even 2 and 3% hills, without first loosing 4 MPH; finally downshifting at 61 MPH to 5th gear. Once in 5th it would quickly accelerate back to 65; after cresting the hill it would upshift back to 6th with an uneasy jerkiness.
For me it was not a fun experience. With over 900 lbs of torque I expected at least the performance (if not better) than my previous Duramax's.
I've driven this route at least 50 times; previous truck would downshift on only 2 hills; while the speed never slowed more than 1 MPH. Isn't that why we have diesels and not gassers.

This 6.7 diesel is very powerful; accelerating on on-ramps to get on the highway is truly impressive. I'm guessing the issue is RPM max torque. At 65 MPH it's turning around 1600 rpm, 200 RPM below max Torque.
But still, my RV weighs in loaded at 10k lbs; for a diesel Super Duty that should be a sleigh ride.

I'm dissapointed.

Any thoughts from those of you who have towed with your '17 diesel

Regards
Ron

 

i bet it has more to do with gearing.
what gears do you have?

duramax trucks have 3:73s

my duramax holds gears better than the last ram i had

my last ram/cummins with 3:42 did the same thing as you describe
my first ram/cummins 4:10 rarely downshifted

 

I have the 3.55; don't think you're able to option different rear ends for the F250
FWIW, both trucks turn the same RPM at 65 mph

 

What rpm is does it shift from fifth back up to sixth? I assume these do not have a selectable gear option like some vehicles correct?

 

Mine will have 3.31s

 

Most certainly do. M for manual then the selector is on the stick.

 

I tow a 16k fifth wheel and usually keep it around 70. If I leave the cruise off, it will not downshift. If cruise is on then it will slow down then downshift to catch back up. You can put the trans in manual and accelerate up the hills in 6th gear. It is that strong.

 

The Duramax makes peak torque at 1600 rpm which is way better than 1800-1900. You need to lock out a gear or two to keep it in the power band or drive faster to keep it at peak torque.

If you plan on locking it in 6th gear manually make sure it doesn't lug.

 

I'm currently on the road now with 2500 miles unloaded on the OH-Do. F350 Dully is top notch. An item of interest.... The Drivers side windshield wiper will come up to wipe the glass and when it returns down there is a vorte?) of a vacuum created that drags the water back out onto the glass about 4"s partially obstructing the drivers vision at times. During colder weather this could problematic with ice build up. Second item.... The RPM and MPH gauges are big and wonderful to actually see what is going on. They are separated by all the other pertinent information.

 

Get yourself some rain-x, or rain-x windshield washer fluid and never worry about rain fully obstructing your vision ever again.

 

Rawn77....thanks for the review. I don't haul my camper or boat near as much as that, but if I did, and was excited to get this new '17, i'd be a little disappointed with the performance you described. Especially compared to your previous trucks. I hope the guys pulling big TT and Fivers aren't let down the same way you described your experience. Man....we are supposed to be moving FORWARD...not backwards with this truck.

 

A good friend has a glass business and turned me on to Aquapel automotive windshield treatment. Professional grade stuff. It is miles better than Rain=X for longevity and effectiveness. Make sure the glass is spotless clean then follow the directions on the one time use applicator. Even in moderate rain I do not have to turn the wipers on. The windshield clears itself. First time I got from Amazon and then second time on E-bay. Had enough to share with several friends.
And use the Rain-X washer fluid too.

 

I think there was another poster who reported a similar experience with his new F450.

 

I believe he updated and mentioned it got better with some miles on it.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-17-6-7-a.html

 

I have the same shifting issues with my 6.4 '08 F250CC SB when towing my 16K toy hauler with the cruise. With the slightest hill I get loss of speed, downshifting, then pedal to the floor to catch up the speed. It's annoying, and can't help the gas mileage. I've got a friend that we often travel with, and his '15 Duramax rarely downshifts and just gives him a much better/smoother experience while towing with the cruise. I was hoping the new SD would alleviate the problem, but sounds like I'll still be disappointed.