In all my previous 4 F250's I have used the tow haul when towing. While reading the manual I realized that I only need it on hills and mountains. What is new for me is the exhaust brake. How do you guys recommend using it.

 

Use tow haul anytime you are towing or hauling something significant. Switch on the exhaust brake in combination with Tow haul mode any time you are descending hills.

 

It is actually an engine brake, not an exhaust brake. But don't ask me to explain the difference

 

Do you use automatic mode

 

Here is what I do......use the +/- button and force a downshift to bring RPM's up around 2500 when I want to slow for a stop/turn. And when driving down the Interstate, pulling a trailer, use "D"/tow/haul; when the load starts to push you, it will downshift by itself and bring the RPM's up and engine braking will be in full force.
The engine brake is pretty weak below 2000 RPM, but once it gets over 2500 and beyond, it gets quite effective! Hope this is as clear as mud for ya!
And, when towing, I also turn on the engine brake as soon as I start the truck, and just leave it on until I park.

 

When in the mountains, I first set the CC and then the exhaust brake. Wether climbing or descending the two keep me within app. 4 mph and that's towing my 31' 5er. I also have the t/h on.

 

Ditto. Set and forget.

 

Technically a "turbo brake". Utilizes the vanes in the VGT turbo.

 

And works great.

 

Yes it does. I turned it on just messing around, when coming down a hill at about 40 mph. Surprised how well it worked not loaded and at low rpm.

 

Not to high jack, but in my 6.4 I only have one option. Tow/haul mode. It automatically engages when it senses a decent, and engages.

How is the 2017 diff than that? And what is the benefit/difference of the additional exhaust brake mentioned above

 

OK, Thanks for the replies. Also when setting a trailer up it does not have an option for a trailer without brakes.

 

The exhaust brake was added in 2015 and as far as I know, the '17 is still the same system.
The e-brake will create actual back pressure....I have seen close to 20PSI on the boost gauge; thus, creating "reverse torque" for lack of a better description.
When pulling my Raptor loaded to the gills, I set the cruise at about 67 and forget it for the most part. With the e-brake, my speed hardly ever varies more than about 3-4 mph, uphill or downhill. And I do most of my traveling in the rocky mountain states.

 

Sure. You just plug in the trailer and add it to your list of trailers. The truck will check the lights to make sure they are working and either give you the all good or warn that lights are out. Usually if there's a problem it's just the plug-in is not tight enough. Trailer does not have to have brakes to be recognized by the truck.

 

With DYI Exhaust Brake you use your Brake Light wire
as your Accessory Power ON.