Towing rpm's
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Saskatchewan
Towing rpm's
I've read where the 5.4's don't mind the rpm's when towing. With the OD locked out; how high of rpm's can I comfortably (safely) tow at for 1 to 1-1/2hrs? I want to pull a 26' -5th wheel camper and a 17' fibreglass boat.
Thanks
Thanks
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2007
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I run about 2400-2700 rpms while towing my 5th wheel up to 5-6 hours at a time on the interstate. I don't tow anything else with it though. That puts it about 63-65 MPH and at that level of rpms it pulls my 5th wheel perfectly without straining or shifting. I havent had any problems with the engine while doing this.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Las Vegas, NV
This is a very good topic, and I hope to see some more replys.
I pull a 5600 lb trailer all over the west. Nevada, California, Idaho, Montana, etc.
A 4% grade for me is a small bump. I often see 7 to 10% grades. I have more than once been down to 1st gear, revving to 4500 rpm for a short time. Very often I am in 2nd or 3rd revving at 3000+ rpm. Altitude also has an effect for me here. Many times I am pulling over a 8500 to 9000 ft summit.
I have asked my service advisor, sent letters to Ford, and read many forum articles online. The consenses is that this engine (the 5.4) can handle what I have been dishing out. Will I get 2 million miles on my engine? Definetly not. But if I keep it serviced, and all repairs done timley, I expect to have this truck for at least 250,000 miles!
I pull a 5600 lb trailer all over the west. Nevada, California, Idaho, Montana, etc.
A 4% grade for me is a small bump. I often see 7 to 10% grades. I have more than once been down to 1st gear, revving to 4500 rpm for a short time. Very often I am in 2nd or 3rd revving at 3000+ rpm. Altitude also has an effect for me here. Many times I am pulling over a 8500 to 9000 ft summit.
I have asked my service advisor, sent letters to Ford, and read many forum articles online. The consenses is that this engine (the 5.4) can handle what I have been dishing out. Will I get 2 million miles on my engine? Definetly not. But if I keep it serviced, and all repairs done timley, I expect to have this truck for at least 250,000 miles!
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Saskatchewan
I hope to get more feedback too. I'm doing about 2700 at 57-58. With a shortage of double highways up here; doesn't take long for me to be leading a parade. Do I just let my ears burn, while the guys behind me discuss my family ancestry, or can I bump the rpm's a little and try to keep up with the traffic?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
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From: Mansfield, TX USA
Guys -
The torque peak for the 5.4 is in the mid-3000 rpms. The peak HP is in the mid-4000 rpms. Redline is what, 6000-6500 rpm?
Why in the world would you be concerned about running 2500-3000 rpm? Or even 3000-3500 rpm?
These aren't the old pushrod motors.
The torque peak for the 5.4 is in the mid-3000 rpms. The peak HP is in the mid-4000 rpms. Redline is what, 6000-6500 rpm?
Why in the world would you be concerned about running 2500-3000 rpm? Or even 3000-3500 rpm?
These aren't the old pushrod motors.
Last edited by jschira; Jul 3, 2007 at 07:28 AM.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
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From: Mansfield, TX USA
Originally Posted by smokestone52
Altitude also has an effect for me here. Many times I am pulling over a 8500 to 9000 ft summit.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Running Springs CA
Most engines like to run near peak torque and there is no reason they cannot run there all day long. Modern gassers tend to have torque peaks above 3000, even the pushrod ones.
Jim
Jim
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Louisville,Ky.
The actual power ratings for the 99-03 5.4L are
260hp @ 4500rpm
350lb/ft @ 2500rpm
The redline is 5000rpm due to the very long 4.17" stroke. The start losing power above 4800rpm anyway due to intake design. It has ling runners to make torque.
Running around 3000rpm will not hurt anything but your gas mileage.
260hp @ 4500rpm
350lb/ft @ 2500rpm
The redline is 5000rpm due to the very long 4.17" stroke. The start losing power above 4800rpm anyway due to intake design. It has ling runners to make torque.
Running around 3000rpm will not hurt anything but your gas mileage.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
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Like others here, around mid 2k or so when cruising, with 4k during hills when i throttle up. Live in mountain NH/VT region and the 2008 F250SD 5.4L / 3.73 manhandles the 18ft enclosed trailer (4.5k lbs). All temps read normal and never towards too hot range. Think all SDs have a proper tranny cooler, as this is really what should be of concern. The Gasser handles fine all day long during mountain pulls.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
I just put it inTOW?HAUL mode and let the transmission select the RPM range. Having the Torqueshift automatic makes it a little different, but most of the time she will settle down to 1800 RPM in 5th gear on the flats. 2200-2500 RPM for the grades at 60-65 MPH doesn't seem to strain the engine too much. Steep grades and 8000+ pounds will cause a downshift to third gear, but still I don't exceed 3500 RPM or so.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Originally Posted by jschira
You lose about 10 HP for every 1000' above sea level.
Last edited by smokestone52; Jul 9, 2007 at 06:44 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
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From: Running Springs CA
Its three percent per 1000ft, at standard temperature. If its hot, you also drop more power. The only mod that can make that up is a turbo or supercharger. No other intake or exhaust mod will gain that air density back, basic physics. A chip/programmer that advances the timing beyond stock may help some.
Jim
Jim
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Senior User
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From: Saskatchewan
Ironically, while I was concerned about engine rpm's: it was the transmission that calfed on the week-end. I got to the lake with no problems. When I started back home, it wouldn't shift out of 2nd. I should find out tomorrow from the transmission shop what the damages are. 
Anybody else experienced this or have any opinions?
Anybody else experienced this or have any opinions?