I am thinking on installing a shutoff in the vacuum line that supplies the hubs so I can use 4LO for backing uphill with a trailer without having the hubs engage. Anyone try that? Its either that or a switch to disable the PVH solenoid.

 

This has been discussed at length...

There is a lot of information about that very mod in this thread.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...e-as-well.html

I unplugged the solenoid the very last time I backed up our 5th wheel, then was able to use 2LOW in reverse and it was significantly better than standard reverse.

I have not done the mod yet myself, but plan to splice a SPST switch into the ground wire (gray I believe) on the connector for the solenoid that has pink/blue trace, red and gray wires on it. This will allow me to retain ESOF function when I want it and have 2LOW in reverse when I want it and keep a live wire out of the cab by taping into the ground wire.

 

You guys must be psychic, I've been thinking about this as I have ESOF & where I keep my trailer has a steep incline but is concrete roadway & using 4wd low is really not an option. I often use it on grass campsites for manoeuvres as it requires almost no throttle input. I'm gonna copy & paste your walk through Sous, thanks

 

I plan to do up a short video on the modification, so stay tuned for that too if you have not done it yet.

I tell you, I was amazed at how well the 12K lbs worth of 5th wheel moved when using 2LOW in reverse. It was about the speed of a slow walk and there was 100% control of the load. I actually commented to my wife yesterday when we were backing up the truck to the garage to unload some lumber that the reverse gear is way too high and it should be down near where 2LOW reverse is.

This is a must do mod for anyone with working ESOF.

 

I'm away working in Denmark for a few weeks so won't be doing the mod for a while but I'll keep an eye out for it.

 

Auto manufacturers are always looking for new options to sell more vehicles--are you there Ford engineers? This would cost next to nothing, but is very helpful even on boat ramps.

 

You are right and I think it's baffling that this hasn't been done already...like 40 years ago.

 

This! Although, I am thankful that it is as easy as splicing a switch into a ground wire...

 

If I had any capabilities I would make a switch that would be a direct replacement for the one we have in the dash, complete with a sticker to mount with it to label the options. They could easily have a selection that omitted the that ESOF solenoid.

 

Just have crapped out vaccuum lines like me and manual hubs then it's not a challenge

 

I plan to hike this trail...

(I'm at camp) lol

 

The hardest part about this mod is finding the time between life events to accomplish it. I have made a promise to get a video with details on the mod, and I intend to do so. Hopefully soon...

 

Don't rush on my account...I have a project list a mile long, lol