Towing up and down steep grades
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Towing up and down steep grades
Hello,
first time here.I have an Airstream trailer 6800 lbs dry weight. Will be towing in mountainous country. Need some info for towing up steep hills and how to go down steep grades. 2008 F250 Super Duty Diesel
thanks
first time here.I have an Airstream trailer 6800 lbs dry weight. Will be towing in mountainous country. Need some info for towing up steep hills and how to go down steep grades. 2008 F250 Super Duty Diesel
thanks
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 633
Likes: 2
From: So. Utah
Towing up steep hills is a matter of how fast you want to go and how hard you want to push your truck. If you don't have a pyrometer gauge then I would take it easy. If you have tow/haul use it, if not keep the overdrive button in the off position and even put the shift lever in second gear if it's really steep. Take your time and you'll be fine.
On down hill grades keep your speed down, I'm assuming your trailer has brakes, make sure they're in good working order and your trailer brake contoller is set properly. Again if the down hill grade is real steep put the shift lever in second and let the engine do as much braking as possible with out over reving it. You will have to apply your service brakes now and then depending on how steep and long of a grade it is. Just don't ride your brakes or let your speed get out of hand.
The weight of your trailer should not be a problem for your F250, I hauled a 12k 5th wheel with my '02 7.3 and had no trouble at all. I did however have a Pacbrake exhaust retarder installed and it worked outstanding on long downgrades. It just takes "seat time" and you'll learn.
On down hill grades keep your speed down, I'm assuming your trailer has brakes, make sure they're in good working order and your trailer brake contoller is set properly. Again if the down hill grade is real steep put the shift lever in second and let the engine do as much braking as possible with out over reving it. You will have to apply your service brakes now and then depending on how steep and long of a grade it is. Just don't ride your brakes or let your speed get out of hand.
The weight of your trailer should not be a problem for your F250, I hauled a 12k 5th wheel with my '02 7.3 and had no trouble at all. I did however have a Pacbrake exhaust retarder installed and it worked outstanding on long downgrades. It just takes "seat time" and you'll learn.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 962
Likes: 114
From: Middle TN
A 2008 Super Duty has the 5 speed torque shift trans? If so, use tow/haul mode whenever towing your trailer. It keeps the trans from gear hunting and will down shift and hold the gear when going down hill. My 2015 has the 6 speed torque shift and just returned from a trip where I towed 10,500lbs down a 6% grade for 8 miles. Every time i tapped the brakes, it down shifted and I did not need to ride the brakes going down that steep grade.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 185
Likes: 1
I have a 2008 V-10. When towing my travel trailer I always use tow haul and most of the time cruise control. On downgrades that don't have sharp curves I set the cruise at a speed I feel comfortable with and the transmission downshifts to keep the speed down. I seldom have to use the brakes. With the cruise control off a quick application of the brakes will cause a downshift which will usually then hold the speed without brakes. When you have to use brakes, try to use them in short hard spurts. They cool off a lot faster if you are not dragging them. And remember that you can always use the gear selector to cause a downshift too.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Fordtrucks123456789
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
Jun 29, 2015 11:11 AM
porthole
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
19
Sep 21, 2011 03:00 PM
