Locking out gears

[Ricksc]

I have found using tow/haul works best in manual mode. Takes some learning but helps a lot with the down shifting from braking.

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[JCsTruck]

I own both a 2014 RCLB with the 3.7 305 HP V6 and 6-speed transmission with 3.55 gears. I currently also own a 2024 SuperCab with 5.0 400 HP V8 and 10-speed transmission with 3.31 gears.

The V6 truck needs to downshift on almost every hill. I often need to lock out 6th gear so it doesn't lose speed on hills and if I want to pass with any meaningful acceleration it requires a downshift to 4th. I would imagine this engine behaves much the same way as an Ecoboost 3.5 engine when not on boost and that makes sense if your truck needs to downshift on hills, or you need to lock out 9th or 10th gear. The Powerboosts also needs to carry an extra 800 lbs of weight for the battery and electric motor so this just makes that little V6 either need boost or need to downshift and rev higher to make up for it. My 3.7 V6 in my 2014 RCLB truck seems to settle at around or just under 2000 RPM at 70 MPH. I V6 is still a V6 that fires every 120-degrees of crankshaft revolution and without that boost it behaves much like my naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6.

The 5.0 V8 on the other hand is effortless in its torque delivery. It can hold 10th gear easily going up a hill at highway speeds and even accelerate in 10th gear while going up a hill. By comparison it almost never needs to downshift unless I want it too. This engine seems to settle at around. or just under 1750 RPM at 70 MPH. Around town it often waffles at around 1100-1200 RPM but it feels good and the power is always there and most of the time I don't need to rev it higher than this to keep up with traffic. Ford really did a good job of getting good low end torque from this DOHC V8.

 

[Snakebitten]

Is the Powerboost gaining more weight every year model?

I'm not sure exactly what the weight difference is between a 3.5 Ecoboost vs a Powerboost, but 800lbs sounds a bit high.

 

[Ricksc]

It’s more in the 200 pound range with matching trucks. I would not compare the 3.5 to 3.7. The 3.5 does a great job with 400hp.

 

[Zig10]

2023 PB - I have typically only locked out gears when towing. I have a nominally 7500 lb boat and tow around 2000 miles per year with it. Never thought to lock out the upper gears around town with no towing going on.

In the past 2 days I locked out 9-10 on my typical trip to and from work, and my mileage has gone from 22 MPG to 27 MPG on the lie-o-meter. No matter how you slice it, that is a ridiculous change. Going to fiddle with it a little more over the next few weeks, but that is just nuts.

The power train engineers should be ashamed if there really is that much more meat on the bone with this engine/transmission combo.

 

[JCsTruck]

Is the Powerboost gaining more weight every year model?

I'm not sure exactly what the weight difference is between a 3.5 Ecoboost vs a Powerboost, but 800lbs sounds a bit high.

You are correct Mr “bit by a snake” and crazy because of it man. ? I checked and the weight difference is actually between 300 and 350 lbs more for the powerboost in XLT trim as a 4x4 supercrew with 5.5-ft bed so not that bad actually.

 

[Snakebitten]

Crazy, I can't argue. But the cause(s)is still never been explained.

I honestly don't know exactly the weight penalty for the Hybrid gear alone. Word is that even the frame is heavier, but the GVW is increased by 300lbs as well. So if 2 identical built trucks, one being a 3.5 Ecoboost and the other a Powerboost, and the Payload capacity differed by 300lbs, then there's an argument that the Powerboost is actually 600lbs heavier. Right?

 

[JCsTruck]

I just went by curb weight unloaded apples to apples and same trim. ??‍

 

[Snakebitten]

I just went by curb weight unloaded apples to apples and same trim. ??‍

That would be more accurate.
Then it's less than I figured.

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