Towing/Transmission question

[rgrimm]

Originally Posted by Dkastner

I have a general question and am seeking input on how drivers get the best performance out of their tow vehicle without sacrificing longevity of the transmission. Specifically, what gear do you tow in?

Our former TV was a Toyota Tacoma with a 4.0 liter V-6 and 5-speed transmission/tow package. I always towed loaded trailers with it in 4th gear, which is likely an outdated method now. (I learned it was standard practice to tow using a lower gear, and never in overdrive to keep the transmission from constant shifting and overheating.) Technology has changed dramatically with electronic management, more gears in the transmission, and tow modes.

We are towing a Jayco Feather Micro 166FBS that has a GVWR of 5000. The Toyota pulled it fine on Florida highways, but we have planned trips to areas that are not quite as flat.

We recently purchased a Ford F-150 with the 3.5L Ecoboost, 10-speed transmission and 3.55 rear end. I posed the transmission gear/towing question to the dealer and they said tow it in Drive, using the "tow" mode and it will take care of itself. The "manual" mode is not needed for routine towing. I haven't been able to tell what gear drivers have their trucks in when watching various YouTube contributors and Ford literature is silent on my question.

What input/advice would you have for me on this question? Thanks in advance!

I have a similar truck, 2019 F150, 6.6 bed, 3.5 Twin Turbo, 10spd, with 3.31 gears and tow a travel trailer that scaled at 6350 lbs loaded for travel. I just put my truck in tow/haul when towing and that pretty much locks out 9th and 10th. I tow at 62-64 mph which is about 2000 rpm in 8th. If you don't use tow/haul (not sure why you wouldn't?) you can manually lock out 9th and 10th. When towing, my trans Temp is anywhere from 200 to 210. The gauge shows that range as center to below center, normal for these newer 10 spd transmissions from what I have read.

My F150 handles my trailer well and I get between 10.5 and 11.5 mpg towing at 62-64 along my often traveled route of I95, RT17, I81, I78 from NE FL to East Central PA and back. I am sure your F150 will have no problems pulling your Jayco Feather Micro 166FBS.
Safe Travels.
-Russ

[saunterr44]

Originally Posted by Jopopsy

Put the truck and tow/haul mode and let the transmission do its thing.

Also, see if you can trade that F-150 for an F-250. My F-150 is barely enough for my TT (28BHS), I just hope Ford can find some chips !

[DocBrown]

By suggesting to let the transmission do it's thing assumes that all trucks are built to work the same way.

The GM 5.3 and 6.2 have active fuel management (4 cyl mode) that can only be locked out by running in a gear lower than D. While towing the weight and drag will most likely keep in it V8 mode, but it can still go into V4 mode. Not necessary bad, but there is a slight lag as V8 mode kicks in if you hit the gas.

My Silverado has the 8 speed. Tow haul mode changes the shift points and downshifts early on hill descent. 7th and 8th gears are OD, so I run in M6 to keep the TC locked and control excessive shifting. This also keeps me in V8 mode so full power is immediately available. Everyone I've talked to who complains about the lack of power in the 5.3 while towing leaves it in D. I don't see any issue with power.

[Florida Ranger]

Better be ready to pay a big Gas bill when towing with your Ecoboost. I had a 2019 and a 2021 F-150 with a 3.5 Ecoboost engine . Towed 5,127 lb car hauler flat deck trailer with four wheelers on it in Florida,flat ground at 60 to 65 mph . My best gas mileage was 6.2 mpg. Mostly 5.6 to 6.0 mpg. On both trucks I used Tow Haul mode . On both trucks my 2 local Ford Dealers said this was common to get this mpg. When towing. My neighbor gets approximately the same on his 2020 F150 Ecoboost. I traded the 2021 Ecoboost for a 2022 Ram 1500 with a 5.7 HEMI V-8 and now I get 15 to 16 mpg at 70 mph also the Ram is 4X4 drive train. Can you explain that to me ? My FORD dealer can’t.....

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by Florida Ranger

Better be ready to pay a big Gas bill when towing with your Ecoboost. I had a 2019 and a 2021 F-150 with a 3.5 Ecoboost engine . Towed 5,127 lb car hauler flat deck trailer with four wheelers on it in Florida,flat ground at 60 to 65 mph . My best gas mileage was 6.2 mpg. Mostly 5.6 to 6.0 mpg. On both trucks I used Tow Haul mode . On both trucks my 2 local Ford Dealers said this was common to get this mpg. When towing. My neighbor gets approximately the same on his 2020 F150 Ecoboost. I traded the 2021 Ecoboost for a 2022 Ram 1500 with a 5.7 HEMI V-8 and now I get 15 to 16 mpg at 70 mph also the Ram is 4X4 drive train. Can you explain that to me ? My FORD dealer can’t.....

Wow. That's the complete opposite of what I have seen towing. I have well over 10K miles of towing data including all of my fuel logs pulling a 5500 lb travel trailer with a much higher profile than a car hauler, and I am seeing over 11 mpg lifetime towing mileage. Something definitely wrong in your situation.