Mountain Driving in a PowerBoost?

[TXBugoutFord]

Hey guys,

Apologies if this is in the wrong forum as this is my first post. I am picking up my F150 3.5L PowerBoost later this week and right out of the gate we will be taking it on a long road trip through Colorado.

I am a total flatlander and would appreciate any tips on which Drive Mode is better for Engine Braking downhill and to a lesser extent ascending a steep grade after a switchback.

I read elsewhere that both Sport Mode and Tow Modes are pretty good but thought I would reach out here.

Thanks guys!!

Sponsored

 

[Davexxxx]

I just got mine last week, so not a lot of experience with it but I live in a hilly area and read similarly as you but so far, I was surprised that even in electric mode, there is some engine braking. It doesn't just free wheel. At least not with the cruise set.

Unless towing, which as per Ford, shouldn't be done until 1K miles break in, I wouldn't be too concerned about it. Also, you can switch modes while underway. Tow haul, is just one click to the left and you can manually down shift, locking out the upper gears and no, you don't have to push "M" first.

 

[Oxford_Powerboost]

I would use normal drive mode and monitor the EV coach for when you run out of regen ability. Once that happens, the engine will automatically come on to assist with engine braking. The truck automatically grade shifts to a degree, but if you need more, you can always use the +\- button to limit gears or use M to manually control the gears

 

[wayfarer556]

I spent a few weeks in Colorado and drove my truck up and down various mountains including Pike's Peak.

Hybrid regen is a huge help and definitely assists with the brakes. It's not a silver bullet though, you still need to leverage engine braking by locking out gears.

That being said, the truck did a great job. At halfway point going back down on Pike's Peak there's a guy who checks your brake heat with an laser temp gauge, and he said my brakes were not warm at all, I did great. I'm certain the PB's regen played a huge role in that.

 

[TXBugoutFord]

I spent a few weeks in Colorado and drove my truck up and down various mountains including Pike's Peak.

Hybrid regen is a huge help and definitely assists with the brakes. It's not a silver bullet though, you still need to leverage engine braking by locking out gears.

That being said, the truck did a great job. At halfway point going back down on Pike's Peak there's a guy who checks your brake heat with an laser temp gauge, and he said my brakes were not warm at all, I did great. I'm certain the PB's regen played a huge role in that.

This is great info. Thanks everyone! Sounds like I need to practice locking out gears. Haha.

 

[Fat Vinnie]

Just completed a 3450 mile trip from So. Cal to Glacier NP. PB was great, lots of mountain driving and 80+ mph roads. Averaged 21.1 MPG. And most importantly had plenty of passing power (even uphill) when needed.
as stated above, learn to use the shift lever block out of the higher gears (mostly 7-10). We used both normal and eco modes and had no problems at all. Just drive it and enjoy all the great features.

 

[TechGodfather]

Hey guys,

Apologies if this is in the wrong forum as this is my first post. I am picking up my F150 3.5L PowerBoost later this week and right out of the gate we will be taking it on a long road trip through Colorado.

I am a total flatlander and would appreciate any tips on which Drive Mode is better for Engine Braking downhill and to a lesser extent ascending a steep grade after a switchback.

I read elsewhere that both Sport Mode and Tow Modes are pretty good but thought I would reach out here.

Thanks guys!!

Did you finish towing in the mountains? I’m looking at towing my new toy in Colorado and it ism7500lbs meets the payload but still worried about long downhill in tow/haul mode being pushed down the hill. How were your brakes?

 

[pmbevac]

Hey guys,

Apologies if this is in the wrong forum as this is my first post. I am picking up my F150 3.5L PowerBoost later this week and right out of the gate we will be taking it on a long road trip through Colorado.

I am a total flatlander and would appreciate any tips on which Drive Mode is better for Engine Braking downhill and to a lesser extent ascending a steep grade after a switchback.

I read elsewhere that both Sport Mode and Tow Modes are pretty good but thought I would reach out here.

Thanks guys!!

I'm not a seasoned tower but I've taken mine over the Rockies several times (mostly interstate) with no issues. Regen & engine breaking seem to keep the speed from running away, but I do use the trailer brakes at times (short gradual pumps, not long term), sometimes pre-braking with the trailer brakes before applying the truck brakes just to insure the whole rig doesn't try to swap ends. When in doubt take it slow, no points for being the first one down the hill.
As far as mode I generally just run normal mode as I seem to get slightly better mileage. To be honest 'm not too sure what tow mode does other than locking out the higher gears, it may help with braking?

 

[astro_fusion]

I wouldn't lock out gears unless you're towing or near payload. In normal drive mode these trucks will kick down a few gears if you're riding the brakes downhill for an extended period of time. If you force engine braking on these trucks, it's a good recipe to really wear out some tires on a truck that is already tire hungry.

 

[Nommpop]

I live in and purchased my Powerboost in Colorado, you can use whatever mode you like, the truck does great with all of them. Engine braking is not that great with the 3.5 unless you're high up there in rpms, but you can command that by downshifting yourself.

 

[MPBFord]

... To be honest 'm not too sure what tow mode does other than locking out the higher gears, it may help with braking?

When I was towing, I put it in tow mode and it's cool that it will show the left/right camera view when you turn on your blinker to change lanes/turn. It's a tow-mode thing, I think, and not dependent on just if the trailer is attached? I could be remembering that wrong? And I think it also changes the dash display with more towing-relevant info.

I imagine it changes some shift points to give you more torque in the low ends. I was pretty pleased with it and didn't really consider _not_ using tow mode.

Sponsored