RV Toy hauler - 7500 lbs trailer weight with my 2022 Powerboost

[TechGodfather]

I bought a 31’ RV toy hauler that weights 7500 lbs with my sxs in it and my tongue weight is 985 with full payload below my sticker. Tows fine so far running in town with tow mode and trailer brakes work great.

I live in Texas and want to make a run to Red River NM but I am worried about the Powerboost being pushed down the mountain grades. I’ve driven trailers with Diesel engine brakes many times and had zero issues but this is different of course. A 1/2 Ron pickup with a big load going down the mountain, now my truck does have 3.73 gears and I also thought 4 wheel drive and tow mode along with electric Powerboost would provide braking but I wanted to ask if anyone has really towed anything heavy down a long grade with the Powerboost and could provide feedback. Positive or negative either way.

thanks in advance!

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[UGADawg96]

I'm sure some west coasters will chime in with higher elevation experiences. We did 6500lb down a 6 mile 2000' descend. Bumped up the gain, locked out higher gears, set the cruise control, and the engine/computer held speed without any issue or concern or needing to touch the brake pedal.

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/thr...tate-park-north-georgia-2800-elevation.28956/

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Important part is to keep up with the speed control. Start down the grade at the speed you want to be at the bottom. Don’t try to slow the truck/trailer as you traverse the grade.

The Powerboost does really well if you stay on top of it

 

[Hullguy]

I towed a Lance 2375 that was about the same weight. Like UGADog96 said, i locked out 8 thru 10, and used cruise control while towing for about 20000 miles around New England and the Appalachian Mountain. The Powerboost held speed through all of the descents and ascents! Better than the GMC Sierra 2500 I’m using to tow with now. (Bigger heavier trailer that exceeded the 150’s weight ratings. Still have the PB as a daily driver.)

 

[TechGodfather]

I'm sure some west coasters will chime in with higher elevation experiences. We did 6500lb down a 6 mile 2000' descend. Bumped up the gain, locked out higher gears, set the cruise control, and the engine/computer held speed without any issue or concern or needing to touch the brake pedal.

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/thr...tate-park-north-georgia-2800-elevation.28956/

I love hearing this. I’m certainly in no rush and I will go slow down the mountain. I am planning a mini test as soon as I can find some long hills somewhere close by. It’s worth a trial down a grade before I hit the mountains.

Thanks so much! I sure wish they made an f250 Powerboost though!

 

[UGADawg96]

I sure wish they made an f250 Powerboost though!

 

[Ricksc]

On long down hills I found it worked best in tow mode with manual. That way when you brake it doesn’t keep down shifting. You can find your happy gear and just go. It took me a few times to get it figured out but works great.

 

[Tone]

Tow Mode with automatic. Going downhill, brake to the desired speed and the truck/transmission will do the rest.

 

[hpwjr]

I dropped off the Big Horns on route 14 with my 7200 lbs Lance 2465. I had down graded from a F350 and 16,000 lbs fifth wheel, and was wondering how the little gas engine would brake going down one of the most precipitous downgrades on public roads anywhere around. Result: excellent!! Just put it down in a gear where your RPMs are 3000 to 4000 (as I remember) and I rarely had to brake at all. You’ll be fine as long as you don’t let speed get ahead of you, as many have already said.

 

[NMMIKE]

I love hearing this. I’m certainly in no rush and I will go slow down the mountain. I am planning a mini test as soon as I can find some long hills somewhere close by. It’s worth a trial down a grade before I hit the mountains.

Thanks so much! I sure wish they made an f250 Powerboost though!

I have the 3.5 eb in my F150. Having a top notch WDH , (e.g. Blue Ox is what I have) helps keep the tail from wagging the Dog , the F150 Tow Package really helps with its engine breaking going down hill. And I also always lock out 9 and 10 (sometimes 8 also) when towing our TT. Towing in the mountains during the hot summer months will really raise the engine and tranny temps but the F150 seems to handle it OK.

 

[TechGodfather]

I dropped off the Big Horns on route 14 with my 7200 lbs Lance 2465. I had down graded from a F350 and 16,000 lbs fifth wheel, and was wondering how the little gas engine would brake going down one of the most precipitous downgrades on public roads anywhere around. Result: excellent!! Just put it down in a gear where your RPMs are 3000 to 4000 (as I remember) and I rarely had to brake at all. You’ll be fine as long as you don’t let speed get ahead of you, as many have already said.

I love hearing this. I really thought I would as well with the additional brake capacity of the regen and the lower gears but it is so good to hear from others. I really don’t want to feel that pucker factor going down the grade with a load.

 

[tomcaudell]

Trying to figure out why in 4wd are you expecting bad road conditions when you go to NM?

 

[TechGodfather]

Trying to figure out why in 4wd are you expecting bad road conditions when you go to NM?

I’m not expecting bad road conditions but thinking 4 wheel drive and the transmission Up front would assist with downhill control and transmission/engine braking power with a load. Just my thinking anyway.

 

[Groovicles]

I’m not expecting bad road conditions but thinking 4 wheel drive and the transmission Up front would assist with downhill control and transmission/engine braking power with a load. Just my thinking anyway.

+1. That's a great point. Would using 4wd make a difference controlling the vehicle and trailer on a decline? Interested to see what those more experience have to say on this!

 

[Vagabond_Ham]

I Like UGADog96 said, i locked out 8 thru 10, and used cruise control while towing for about 20000 miles around New England

Newbie question, but how do you lockout 8 thru 10? We've only towed our trailer to the dealership for warranty work after one short flat haul to a nearby campground for shakedown.

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