Is the towing configuration enabled when I plug in a trailer harness?

[Jeminfla]

Just became the proud owner of a 2021 CPO F150 Lariat with the 3.5L hybrid powerboost. I've been playing with the around-town mileage for the past few days, seeing if I can get the average up to 20mpg. Yesterday I hooked up my little utility trailer for the first time. This thing is so light I can pull it around the driveway with one hand. While driving around with very little weight in the trailer, I noticed my mpg average steadily dropping, even as I drove with the same light foot.
Once disconnected, the mpg average has now started creeping back up.
So my question is: does the truck automatically go into a different gearing for towing if a harness is detected?

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[{tpc}]

I think its less about how much it weighs and more about the aerodynamic aspect that affects mpg. That said, I don't think attaching a trailer does anything to gear ratio. Even in tow haul mode, I believe that just adjusts shift points.

 

[Ricksc]

I believe all the trailer settings do is allow for BLISS to know how far back your trailer is. No gearing change. Tow/haul just uses engine brake and shift points. Locks out 8-10 gears.

 

[Kanuck]

Just became the proud owner of a 2021 CPO F150 Lariat with the 3.5L hybrid powerboost. I've been playing with the around-town mileage for the past few days, seeing if I can get the average up to 20mpg. Yesterday I hooked up my little utility trailer for the first time. This thing is so light I can pull it around the driveway with one hand. While driving around with very little weight in the trailer, I noticed my mpg average steadily dropping, even as I drove with the same light foot.
Once disconnected, the mpg average has now started creeping back up.
So my question is: does the truck automatically go into a different gearing for towing if a harness is detected?

As far as I know

Tow/haul mode changes shift points and engine braking. I haven't heard of Tow/haul mode locking out 8,9 &10. It is recommended to lock out those gear to stay out of turbo boost and improve mpg. Detects trailer when the electric brakes are sensed. I don't think it detects trailers without brakes. You have to select the trailer that you have saved under the trailer list to adjust different truck settings. The manual explains alot from page 424 to about 465. The manual can be download from Ford.com.

 

[Mash150]

Returned from a camping trip last week with the old tent trailer. I used Tow Haul for a bit and it does not lock out any gears , but it does hold the revs higher for a longer time going through the gears.

 

[medic455]

When you hook the trailer up, you have to configure it. Will ask if you have unit with brakes and a couple other things. Tow haul is great for engine braking but it sucks fuel as it allows higher rev and it doesn’t lock out any gears. I haul a fifth wheel in mine and on occasion I will throw it into sport mode for the hills and back to tow haul coming down. Probably not the best thing for the trans, but I need the power hauling a heavy load like that. With the utility trailer I don’t even worry with tow haul because you really don’t have that much weight on it. As one said earlier it’s more aerodynamics than anything. If it has a ramp like mine does, it’s like having a piece of plywood with some holes in it that really doesn’t help much for airflow. Just my 2 cents

 

[belairbrian]

My truck does detect trailers when I pllug them in, even if they don't have electric brakes.
Had it recognize multiple U-haul trialers with surge brakes before I installed the brake controller kit.

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