Hi there,

Wondering if anybody can enlighten me as to how well the engine braking works when in Tow/Haul mode?

I currently own a Ram 3500 Cummins and I sure do like the exhaust brake.
Am thinking of going back to a gasser for simplicity's sake, so hoping I can get an idea of how a Superduty 6.2L will hold itself back on the downhills with a 10.5K lb 5th wheel in tow.

Cheers,

Mike.....possibly coming back to the blue oval fold

 

While it certain isn't going to compare to an exhaust brake on the diesels, the transmission does really well, and when you get use to it, very easy to control. One thing to watch, and I think it's even mentioned in the owners manual, when it's wet, the sudden down shift can actually cause a lose of traction with the rear tires. I've never had it happen, but I remember a post with a member saying he almost jack knifed. I've had 8500lbs behind me coming through the gorge on I40 TN/NC line and used very little brakes.

 

What Ron Said...

to add.. the 6 speed... in tow/haul mode...

going down a good size hill... when you brake.. the transmission will downshift ... so applying brake "on".."off".."on" will keep downshifting to first if you keep pumping the brakes...
but computer will "NOT" allow engine to "over" rev.. but 5,000rpms plus is possible..

I have a total rolling weight of 18,000 pounds.

but I am a manual transmission guy.. this Ford Transmission is smart and well designed.... an my first automatic in 30 years.

I do wish Ford had offered a 5 speed manual...

can not compare to a diesel exhaust brake.. never drove one.

 

Definitely agree with Ron and Chuck. Be very careful if you are on snowy and icy roads using tow/haul to downshift. I used tow/haul recently up here in Wyoming with the truck empty and now towing anything. I was just messing around testing it out and was on a click road. When it downshift to 2nd when I was slowing down my back end definitely slipped a little bit.
On dry pavement it works great but I would caution using it on slick roads.

 

Thanks for the responses.

My previous truck was a 2001 F350 6.8L, which to my recollection didn't even have tow/haul, so I'd have to manually downshift it.

The Cummins exhaust brake is amazing, and I'm sure I will miss it a bit, but if the newer gassers will downshift in tow/haul mode then I'm sure I'd be happy with that.

Cheers,

Mike

 

Both the 6r140(all 11-16 and 17-18 350s) and especially the 6r100(17-18 250) are light years ahead of your old 4 speed. They are tough, smart and well designed. It's truly one of the best features in the newer trucks.

 

Now the trouble is going to be finding one with the 4.30 differential to tow my 10,500 loaded 5th wheel.

 

It will rev but does work well for an engine brake. I use it when pulling my trailer which can be up to 8K pounds and coming down the mountain it does very well for what it is. It is not a diesel exhaust brake but it saves brake pads for sure.

 

The engine breaking works great. I tow over the cascades on I90 and up and down the the pass going to the dunes in Oregon. I never have to ride my breaks, the passes are not long but steep in areas. Also, you don't need 4.30's to pull 10.5k, I'm pulling more than that with 3.73's and it does great. But if you want 4.30's definitely get them.

 

I came from a 2015 Ram 6.4 hemi with 4.10 gears and what I feel the anemic 66rfe tranny. The Ford transmissions are so much better. The range select actually responds when you push the button. Also you get a true manual mode which is not offered by Ram. I ordered a 4.30 geared truck. I am always pleased when pulling our 10k TT. If Ram gets their crap together and puts a real tranny behind the 6.4 they will have a good truck until then Ford is hands down the best gas towing platform out there.

 

Great looking setup Salomon. We spend a lot of time on the Oregon Coast....no toys though.
Thanks for the real world experience with 3.73's. They are much easier to find in the used market, so I might not shy away from one then.

ncl.....Nice to hear a comparison between the two trucks I'm thinking about. The Ford's transmission 'controls' certainly sound light years ahead.

 

You pretty much have to order one. Very tough to find I discovered.

 

I have a thread about the comparison on the 6.2 page. You may have to dig for it though.

 

Well, I just test drove a '12 F250 6.2L 3.73 today. Has 2900lbs payload as per the sticker, so that'll do me just fine with breathing room.
Nice solid feeling truck with about 35K miles on it.

Much lower overall height than my Ram, so it'll be easy to get the 5th wheel out of it's slightly nose-high stance when hooked up .

Dealer offered up his truck plus $13.5K (CAN) for my truck right off the bat.
Might hit him up for $15K and 5th wheel rails re-installed and some nice rubber mud flaps.

See what dear wife thinks.

 

an ALMOST NEW TRUCK,
my 2012 has 156,000 miles.. and Tows Heavy with 3.73's