First Tow
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: West Tenn
First Tow
Evening guys, preparing for my first fifth wheel tow with the HD 150. Obviously will be using tow/haul mode, question is, do any of you lock out 6th gear using select shift and just tow in the 5 available gears? I realize this may be my old school thinking to protect the overdrive but coming from a '95 150 makes me wish I'd done it more often! Also, any value in using higher octane fuel, 89 or higher while towing? Thanks for your input!
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 479
Likes: 1
From: Bartlett, TN
Im ready to take delivery of a new to me 2011 f150. I took it (a long bed) and a new 2012 short bed and pulled my camper 31' Hornet.
With both I left 6th gear available and used the T/H mode. If I recall correctly 5 and 6 are both overdrive gears.
My thinking is these trucks are smarter than we are anymore and will set them selves to do it best. Just my thoughts.
With both I left 6th gear available and used the T/H mode. If I recall correctly 5 and 6 are both overdrive gears.
My thinking is these trucks are smarter than we are anymore and will set them selves to do it best. Just my thoughts.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 481
Likes: 3
From: Tualatin, OR
I agree with everyone.... but performance is supposed to be better with higher octane. I just run regular though. I don't see my truck in "performance mode" when pulling a 9000 lb trailer! Regular unleaded pulls that baby faster than I want to travel anyway. All good.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 2
From: Fort Wayne, IN
I do run higher octane, 89, instead of 87 in my 2004 5.4 Expedition. I know it's a far cry from your truck, but just as general consensus I feel a difference in power running the 89 instead of the 87 and I get a bit better mileage too (hand calculated). Can't say I felt any difference with 92.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Perris, CA
I think ford recommends 91 octane when towing, at least with the ecoboost anyway. The way I look at it is, if you drive a $40k+ truck why run regular when towing? It's only $8 more to fill up if there's a 30 cent difference between regular and premium. Compare that $8 to your $500+ a month payment and it sounds crazy not to pay for the better fuel.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 479
Likes: 1
From: Bartlett, TN
I think ford recommends 91 octane when towing, at least with the ecoboost anyway. The way I look at it is, if you drive a $40k+ truck why run regular when towing? It's only $8 more to fill up if there's a 30 cent difference between regular and premium. Compare that $8 to your $500+ a month payment and it sounds crazy not to pay for the better fuel.
AND your are correct per the Ford Owners manual about the Eco-Boost.
Quoted:
Octane recommendations
3.7L V6/5.0L V8/6.2L V8 engines
Your vehicle will run normally on 87 octane regular fuel. Premium fuel
will provide improved performance.
will provide improved performance.
3.5L V6 EcoBoost™ engine
Your vehicle is designed to run on regular fuel with an octane rating of
87 or higher. For best overall performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The performance gained by using
premium fuel will be most noticeable in hot weather or in severe duty
applications such as towing a trailer.87 or higher. For best overall performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The performance gained by using
premium fuel will be most noticeable in hot weather or in severe duty
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: West Tenn
Bought a Crusader 298 bunkhouse made by Primetime. Dry weight 8400, hitch 1380, told wife we got to weigh everything that goes in it! Should be delivered Friday and we leave Tuesday headed for Missouri Ozarks, can't wait! Will post pics ASAP. Spoke with dealer today, said on open road fairly flat terrain use all 6 gears in T/H, when in more hilly terrain if trans begins to hunt then lock out 6th gear and so on just to keep trans from shifting back and forth so frequently. Really appreciate all the input on FTE, thanks guys!
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 374
Likes: 7
From: Meriden,Ct
Very nice! I sure wish i new they were coming out with the HD pkg for 2012 models when i bought mine! I would have waited 1 more year! Oh well , still have absolutely no complaints about my truck! Best of luck with the new rig and enjoy your vacation! !!
Be safe, Kevin
Be safe, Kevin
