Tow in reverse
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New User
Joined: Sep 2018
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Tow in reverse
Hello,
I recently picked up a 2015 F250 Super Duty SWR with 6.2L to haul a new toy hauler travel trailer. Trailer GVWR is 10,000 and I will likely load it to maybe 8500LBs.
This truck pulls is great, even up my steep driveway here in east TN.
My question is.... it would be much easier for where I plan to park if I backed the trailer in. But I am reluctant to try that because I do not know if the reverse gears have enough strength to handle towing up a steep 80 foot driveway or if it has enough torque in reverse. Towing forward the truck qas certainly working but did fine.
Is reverse as strong enough for trying backing up my drive?
Thanks
Gary
I recently picked up a 2015 F250 Super Duty SWR with 6.2L to haul a new toy hauler travel trailer. Trailer GVWR is 10,000 and I will likely load it to maybe 8500LBs.
This truck pulls is great, even up my steep driveway here in east TN.
My question is.... it would be much easier for where I plan to park if I backed the trailer in. But I am reluctant to try that because I do not know if the reverse gears have enough strength to handle towing up a steep 80 foot driveway or if it has enough torque in reverse. Towing forward the truck qas certainly working but did fine.
Is reverse as strong enough for trying backing up my drive?
Thanks
Gary
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 4,807
Likes: 125
From: Colorado Springs
Gary, Welcome to FTE.
Any my time I need to move something heavy in reverse I put the vehicle in 4L. This will allow for more torque at lower rpm’s and help take the stress off the pinion.
Any my time I need to move something heavy in reverse I put the vehicle in 4L. This will allow for more torque at lower rpm’s and help take the stress off the pinion.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,316
Likes: 5,127
From: 0,0,1
The switch to 4L is in the t-case which is before the pinions, so the stress on the pinions, ring gears, driveshafts, and axles doesn't change.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,238
Likes: 475
Get a front receiver hitch and you could drive it up and have better control.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/how-tos/...r-hitch-361127
https://www.ford-trucks.com/how-tos/...r-hitch-361127
5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 47
Likes: 2
Get a front receiver hitch and you could drive it up and have better control.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/how-tos/...r-hitch-361127
https://www.ford-trucks.com/how-tos/...r-hitch-361127
jk
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 32
From: Maryville, TN
You probably have 3.73 gears. I've switched to 4.88's and have the 3.73's sitting in a box. These gears are massive. I can assure you that the 405 ft lbs of torque you have is not going to hurt it, especially since they hold up to diesels pushing over 1000. While putting a hitch on the front would give you the best control, if your backing up an 80 foot driveway, I'm guessing those tow mirrors would come in handy so you can see what you are actually doing. Reverse is a 3.12 ratio, so it's plenty low enough.
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
The 1st generation Super Duty trucks with the 4R100 transmissions had a weakness for towing heavy in reverse up a hill. That would often cause a transmission overheat.
Your vehicle does not have this issue. You may want to put the truck in 4L for better low speed torque, but it isn't mandatory.
Your vehicle does not have this issue. You may want to put the truck in 4L for better low speed torque, but it isn't mandatory.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 102
Likes: 45
From: NW Pennsylvania
Can I just unplug the harness to the vacuum hub solenoid for the few times a year I need the 2Lo? I’m not in love with the idea of cutting into the harness on my new truck while still under warranty.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 89
From: TN
You can remove the vacuum tubing from the solenoid as well. I completely removed my vacuum tubing as it was annoying when I need 4 lo for maneuvering something and the front wheels engage. I prefer it that way, plus the hubs get some lubrication when I do have to turn them manually instead of being in Auto.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 102
Likes: 45
From: NW Pennsylvania
You can remove the vacuum tubing from the solenoid as well. I completely removed my vacuum tubing as it was annoying when I need 4 lo for maneuvering something and the front wheels engage. I prefer it that way, plus the hubs get some lubrication when I do have to turn them manually instead of being in Auto.
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