Towing in mountains - problem or no?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
Towing in mountains - problem or no?
I have an 2020 F-450 and am towing a 13k fifth wheel. While climbing long 4 - 6% grades the truck seems to lose power s while in 7th or 8th gear, and doesn't downshift. I am using tow-haul, and RPMs stay around 2000, but the engine sounds like it is revving but doesn't downshift. It has happened 3 or 4 times, each time during a long climb while towing. I have little experience with mountain driving and don't know if this normal, or signs of an issue - would appreciate guidance or questions to help me know how to better observe and describe this concern.
Thanks!
Thanks!
FTE Community Team
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 10,739
Likes: 1,497
Sounds like it is revving but doesn't downshift and remains at 2,000RPM?
Are you hearing the radiator cooling fan?
It will cycle on and off as needed to keep the engine cool. Sounds kind of like someone slowly turns up a vacuum cleaner and then after a bit they turn it back off again.
If this sounds right, don't worry, it's just doing its job.
Are you hearing the radiator cooling fan?
It will cycle on and off as needed to keep the engine cool. Sounds kind of like someone slowly turns up a vacuum cleaner and then after a bit they turn it back off again.
If this sounds right, don't worry, it's just doing its job.
Last edited by CathedralCub; May 2, 2022 at 10:56 PM. Reason: Added the last two paragraphs.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 359
Likes: 19
Sounds like it is revving but doesn't downshift and remains at 2,000RPM?
Are you hearing the radiator cooling fan?
It will cycle on and off as needed to keep the engine cool. Sounds kind of like someone slowly turns up a vacuum cleaner and then after a bit they turn it back off again.
If this sounds right, don't worry, it's just doing its job.
Are you hearing the radiator cooling fan?
It will cycle on and off as needed to keep the engine cool. Sounds kind of like someone slowly turns up a vacuum cleaner and then after a bit they turn it back off again.
If this sounds right, don't worry, it's just doing its job.
Rob
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,653
Likes: 4,738
From: Itinerant
This^^. If the engine is remaining at 2,000 RPM, it's not revving and you are hearing the fan. My truck starts screaming like a banshee (pulling a 15K fifth wheel up and down grades) when the fan clutch engages completely. I asked about it on the forum here last year... it's just doing its job.
Rob
Rob
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,352
Likes: 5,946
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
As others have said, what you are hearing is just the fan kicking in and doing its job.
My 2000 7.3L diesel tows steep and long grades out west in CO, ID, WY, etc and the fan will kick on at times too during the summer in June, July and August. Your 2020 F-450 should do just fine with those grades and that weight behind it. Just keep an eye on the temperatures and if you see something an abnormality then take action.
Enjoy the journey and let the truck do what it does, get you there!
My 2000 7.3L diesel tows steep and long grades out west in CO, ID, WY, etc and the fan will kick on at times too during the summer in June, July and August. Your 2020 F-450 should do just fine with those grades and that weight behind it. Just keep an eye on the temperatures and if you see something an abnormality then take action.
Enjoy the journey and let the truck do what it does, get you there!
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
Thanks everyone for the info- it makes sense that it’s the fan… and is a relief! I appreciate the help!
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Work Truck Fanatic
All Things Towing
2
Jul 22, 2020 08:22 AM
whattatruck250
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
9
Aug 5, 2007 10:52 AM