Towing Questions
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2018
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Towing Questions
I've been asked to tow some horses again. Last time I did this (which was the first time towing a large load like that) I used the trailer mode on my F250 diesel. 2 horses and 4 adults. This is not on highway roads but more backroads. The truck kept down shifting and when it did she'd rev to 3K to 3.5K RPMs. I know it's within the trucks working range but it got my passengers asked why my truck was doing that I just said the truck is doing what it knows how to do. Didn't really have another answer but I wasn't happy about it either. In trailer mode the truck seems to use the transmission to slow itself down. So I got a few questions. Which is better? Letting the truck use the tranny or use normal mode and brakes when I need to slow down? Brakes are easier and cheaper to replace. What would be the down side of just using the Normal mode instead of trailer? Truck seems to have plenty of power. Will it put more strain on the tranny? There will be a few miles on the highway. Should I just lock out 10th gear which I'm guessing would be the overdrive to help keep fluid pumping to the tranny? Just curious what is the best way to tow with this truck.
Appreciate the help!
Appreciate the help!
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,481
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This is happening when going downhill or when slowing down I take it?
If so, then yes, it is totally normal.
Do you also keep the exhaust brake engaged?
If not, then you definitely should, it will slow the truck much better.
Personally, I never use tow/haul, but I ALWAYS use the exhaust brake.
Of course I also do not do much running on extreme grades either.
If so, then yes, it is totally normal.
Do you also keep the exhaust brake engaged?
If not, then you definitely should, it will slow the truck much better.
Personally, I never use tow/haul, but I ALWAYS use the exhaust brake.
Of course I also do not do much running on extreme grades either.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2018
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Thanks and you are Correct. Going up these back hills is no problem but on the down side even when I don't feel I need to brake the truck down shifts to maintain my speed. Go from 1K rpms to 3k or 3.5k rpms is extremely noticeable. I didn't have the exhaust brake on because I felt the truck would do it more? I use the exhaust brake when leaving home driving down a pretty long hill. I'll drop to manual gear as well and it's usually 4th.. If I don't do that it sometimes drops to 3rd and again 3K or 3.5K rpms.. I know the truck is made for this BUT feel it's pushing it to its limit when it's not really necessary.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,698
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From: Near Yosemite CA
I have found when towing, and everyday normal driving in mine also, I use the deep sand/snow mode (2022 F550 6.7) and when going downhill, I manually pick the gear I want, or if I don't, it will still downshift, but not as severe as T/H mode, and after I select sand/snow I turn on the exhaust brake, all the time.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
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I run with the auto exhaust brake on even when I'm running empty. I figure the more the vanes are working the better off the turbo is.
But yeah, OP, run with that exhaust brake on, in either setting. It'll help keep it from downshifting so hard.
But yeah, OP, run with that exhaust brake on, in either setting. It'll help keep it from downshifting so hard.
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2009
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I too prefer the “Auto” exhaust brake setting.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Near Yosemite CA
I will say, the Ford EB is not as impressive as the Dodge, I went from a 2015 3500 Ram to a 2022 F550, granted, the truck itself is heavier so factor that in, I have found to get the best out if it, the R's have to be in the upper range. Never liked the Auto setting in either, I want it On all the time.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2018
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Mild rpm is ok but 3K to 3500rpm is somewhat pushing it. no?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 221
Likes: 8
Thanks to everyone that responded. I'll try it with the EB on. Maybe I'll try different drive modes and see how she handles. Just wasn't sure if anything other than trailer will put a strain on the tranny. Should I lock out 10th when on the highway? Will that help anything? If I was by myself I would feel more comfortable playing but with the owner of the horses in the passenger seat I'll have to see how I feel..
There are 2 settings for the EB. I believe the second setting is Automatic? I'll have to check it out tomorrow. Is one better to use than the other?
Appreciate the help!
There are 2 settings for the EB. I believe the second setting is Automatic? I'll have to check it out tomorrow. Is one better to use than the other?
Appreciate the help!
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,698
Likes: 1,018
From: Near Yosemite CA
Personally I go with the EB always on, not in Auto, as far as locking out 10th... depends on weight and terrain. Once I'm down the mtns in the flats I'll let it run in 10th, when in the mtns or coming down from them I shift it manually depending on grade, same as when going back home/up the mtns. I'll lock it out of 9/10, sometimes 8/9/10, than again, mine is an F550 CC and is de-rated from the get-go, really, really wish there was a way around that!
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2025
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Not really. Even the rpm anemic cummins can handle that.
Id lock out 10th for sure. Maybe more. Whatever keeps the rpm up, until youre back on flat ground. Ill check, but I think my 550 likes to stay well over 2000 rpm. Your call, on what seems reasonable. Dont fear some rpm. Itll reduce shifting, and give you more control. Might actually be a smoother ride for the horses.
Cant speak to the EB. My 550 is too heavy to get a feel for either. My Rams EB was more powerful, but that truck was lighter. No crane, outriggers, patio sized rear bumper, pto compressor, air tank, legroom, power mirrors, or generator, like the 550 has.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
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Thanks to everyone that responded. I'll try it with the EB on. Maybe I'll try different drive modes and see how she handles. Just wasn't sure if anything other than trailer will put a strain on the tranny. Should I lock out 10th when on the highway? Will that help anything? If I was by myself I would feel more comfortable playing but with the owner of the horses in the passenger seat I'll have to see how I feel..
There are 2 settings for the EB. I believe the second setting is Automatic? I'll have to check it out tomorrow. Is one better to use than the other?
Appreciate the help!
There are 2 settings for the EB. I believe the second setting is Automatic? I'll have to check it out tomorrow. Is one better to use than the other?
Appreciate the help!
The second setting for the EB is Automatic, yes. I prefer it myself, because if I need or just want to coast, it will. Auto EB will try to slow you down to your set speed, whether you lower your cruise set point or you're rolling down a hill and cruise is set at let's say 70. It also applies when you push the brake pedal, to aid in braking, because now your 'set point' is 'slower.' The first setting is Always On, and any time you aren't on the gas it's active and trying to slow you down. It would definitely have its uses in some settings, but I haven't run into a situation where Always On would help me out more than Auto.
But yes, having come from a 6.7 CTD, that EB was MUCH more aggressive, and a LOT louder when it was active.
