Using 4wd Low for braking while towing?????
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Stafford, Virginia
keep your speed slow, downshift, brake hard intermittently then let off, use your trailer brake controller to manually apply some trailer brake while your off the truck brake. be sure your trailer brakes are adjusted properly. NEVER let your speed build up, SLOW down.
Rick- what and where is that connector?
Rick- what and where is that connector?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,769
Likes: 9
From: Lubbock
Great thread. I have sort of the same question...
I had an 03 Expedition towing a 9500 pound travel trailer. Several times over the years, we came upon steep and long downgrades. The trailer has brakes, but the Expedition just didn't want to hold it back and by the time we got to the bottom of the hill, all four wheels were smoking.
So what is the proper method for braking when towing on a major, long, sometimes twisting hill?
I had an 03 Expedition towing a 9500 pound travel trailer. Several times over the years, we came upon steep and long downgrades. The trailer has brakes, but the Expedition just didn't want to hold it back and by the time we got to the bottom of the hill, all four wheels were smoking.
So what is the proper method for braking when towing on a major, long, sometimes twisting hill?
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
this is why i love surge brakes so much.
your truck brakes barely even feel any extra load, except for the 80 or so pounds of pre-load in the brake system.
as said earlier, use your transmission as much as possible, but also remember, the brakes on these trucks are VERY stout as far as brakes go.
the rotors are much thicker than car brakes and most standard trucks.
i cant imagine that 1st gear wouldnt be enough though unless you have a really heavy trailer.
your truck brakes barely even feel any extra load, except for the 80 or so pounds of pre-load in the brake system.
as said earlier, use your transmission as much as possible, but also remember, the brakes on these trucks are VERY stout as far as brakes go.
the rotors are much thicker than car brakes and most standard trucks.
i cant imagine that 1st gear wouldnt be enough though unless you have a really heavy trailer.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,752
Likes: 5
From: Stillwater, OK
this is why i love surge brakes so much.
your truck brakes barely even feel any extra load, except for the 80 or so pounds of pre-load in the brake system.
your truck brakes barely even feel any extra load, except for the 80 or so pounds of pre-load in the brake system.
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 719
Likes: 17
Is there any rule of thumb for winding out the gears before switching?
Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
Likes: 4
From: Grand Lake, La.
keep your speed slow, downshift, brake hard intermittently then let off, use your trailer brake controller to manually apply some trailer brake while your off the truck brake. be sure your trailer brakes are adjusted properly. NEVER let your speed build up, SLOW down.
Rick- what and where is that connector?
Rick- what and where is that connector?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,769
Likes: 9
From: Lubbock
Most of the time the tranny will not go into a gear if the vehicle is moving to fast and will up shift. Me personally I have gotten in the habit of using the tow haul to stop and then turn it off. My old chevy work truck (08) had the allison and I could tap the brake and it would down shift which was super nice. Probably the only thing good to say about that truck though.
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
From: Prosper, TX
Is it the tan colored unit I need to unplug? Having trouble making what I am suppose to unplug?
Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
Likes: 4
From: Grand Lake, La.
Thanks Bill. That is a lot better pic. I need to get a better pic of that little thing. lol
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,974
Likes: 18
From: Millersburg, OH
You can also wire up a in cab switch and have 2WD low on-demand if you have ESOF.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ch-w-esof.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ch-w-esof.html