How To Ruin A Truck

[22redrocket]

I wouldn’t want my engine in 9th gear with 5,000 pounds behind it no matter what motor. Tow/Haul specifically keeps that from happening so you don’t fry the torque converter lockup clutch and overheat it. I see why he is saying that but that’s just a part of towing. Only engine going into 10th with that load in Tow/Haul would be the 6.7 Powerstroke with the much beefier 10R140 transmission.

I assume he was getting “can’t hold 70mph” confused with “designed not to go that speed in that gear”. If that’s the case then that’s completely different than saying the truck just won’t (or can’t) hold 70. As far as going into OD gears with 5k lbs in tow, my powerboost will go into 9th in the low 60s mph and 10th just under 70 in tow haul. At 70mph+, my truck had absolutely no issue pulling a 5500lb camper in overdrive gears. ??‍

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[JExpedition07]

I assume he was getting “can’t hold 70mph” confused with “designed not to go that speed in that gear”. If that’s the case then that’s completely different than saying the truck just won’t (or can’t) hold 70. As far as going into OD gears with 5k lbs in tow, my powerboost will go into 9th in the low 60s mph and 10th just under 70 in tow haul. At 70mph+, my truck had absolutely no issue pulling a 5500lb camper in overdrive gears. ??‍

I’ve never towed quite that much with my 5.0L, only pull my boat. My boat and trailer is around 4,500 pounds total and tow/haul mode keeps it in 6th gear hiking up the steeper grades. On a flat road it will go into 8th & 9th but I manually downshifted to keep it out of O/D. Idk I didn’t like seeing it that low in the revs with the boat behind me, made me cringe thinking about my lockup clutch trying to dissipate that heat.

 

[Snakebitten]

Imagine a transmission designed for 1400 ftlbs being stouter than one designed for 800ftlbs.

 

[NotMyName]

So a Powerboost has a Max Tow rear axle even if you don't have Max Tow package?

Man I have seen a lot of conflicting information regarding that infamous 3/4" floating axle and the Powerboost.

I just left the dealership because our Bronco has been in the shop for 5 weeks and they are having issues uploading software to the new Image Processing Module that had to be replaced. Jesse had some good advice that I shared with them. Anyway, the GM is a friend and I asked him about the 3/4 floating rear axle. He said he thinks it’s the same but not sure. He did say the majority of bolt shearing was on 2022 Powerboosts. Did they have the Max Tow? Not sure, but he does remember them being Powerboost. My next oil change they will remove my rear wheels and check. I’ll keep you updated.

 

[Snakebitten]

First, I don't think Ford is saying one thing "officially" about towing. Tow Mirrors aren't required for towing. They aren't even included with tow packages. And dropping the Max Tow troublesome rear axle isn't exactly a shock. Neither change in the current 2024 build options is Ford declaring that you shouldn't put a tow ball in that class IV receiver on their trucks.

And Secondly, I have a hard time believing a forum like this isn't sufficient at eventually reporting on issues that the fleet is experiencing. In fact a forum often amplifies an issue rather than hides it.

 

[JExpedition07]

Imagine a transmission designed for 1400 ftlbs being stouter than one designed for 800ftlbs.

10R80 is actually only good for 590 lb ft of input torque, it’s 800 NM which you have to convert to lb ft, that is why the Ford Performance Supercharger package for the 5.0 with warranty is 590 lb ft on the dot, and the aftermarket Whipple is well over 600 lb ft. Ford had to maintain their limitations on the stock transmission to offer a warranty, and had to work with Whipple for a while to dial it in.

 

[Snakebitten]

Thanks for the clarification ?

 

[dafish]

dafish,
FWIW, I know people that tow a lot and truck salespeople that don’t know what that yellow sticker is.
I have been ignorant!
I had Sequoias around 2000, before the jump in size. Towed around 6400# boat/trailer plus extra junk in boat- multiple anchors, floor Jack, extra spare, and anything my wife wanted. In the vehicle my wife, me and 6 full grown boys. Small back storage- packed! Loaded roof carrier.
I can’t find payload specs, but tow capacity max 6500#. So max payload 650-925#. I had over 1200# of people!, forget cargo & trailer.
No trouble and no close encounters.
Some how I learned about Equalizer WDH (internet was not as robust then).which saved me.
I am NOT advocating overloading, but I am pretty sure most people out there are not reading this forum. I have not met the truck salesperson peddling WDH and payload specs yet.

Oh so true. I had to try to explain payload rating to a Salesman a few days ago. And his manager. Both of who insisted the website rating of 2000lbs (or whatever) applied to all f-150 trucks. The sales manager insisted he was correct and had been doing this for over 20 years. I suggested they go open the doors of the first three f-150's they found on their lot and let me know what they read. You can imagine the excuses that followed.

Have I towed over capacity? Can one? I'm not answering any of that. I will say I often tow large distances at interstate speeds, and sometimes in poor weather, and quietly advise such is not the time or place to be pushing capabilites. I also belong to the "drag is more important than weight when towing", "yea, but can you stop it", and "crosswind gusts suck" clubs.

I will say this: if I run close to payload and don't like what i feel I will increase the suspension capability. RAS looks nice.

 

[notabot]

Tow mirrors have to be a knock on CAFE ratings. Could that be the reason why they're dropped?

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