Tow Mode brakes too hot

[PaulO]

I have a 2024 Tremor with the 3.5L with 7,000 miles. I live in Colorado and pull a 3,300 camper (dry) over steep passes but always use tow mode so the engine can help do the braking. My trailer also has brakes and they work fine. The past two trips I have noticed my truck brakes smelling and significant heat coming from the wheels after coming down long steep grades no smoke or anything but I really am good about keeping my speed down. Is this normal? Would you recommend I stay in normal mode and just use the plus/minus shifting? Sorry if this doesn’t make sense. Thank you!

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[FaaWrenchBndr]

Use tow mode and down shift to lower gears to maintain a slower speed if needed

 

[PaulO]

I did use tow mode and kept my gears low but it almost seems like my truck was applying the brakes for me when I wasn’t touching them.

 

[Tall Tail]

Are you using ACC?
is your trailer break controller setting optimized? See YT videos.

 

[PaulO]

Are you using ACC?
is your trailer break controller setting optimized? See YT videos.

No I'm not using ACC especially while towing in the mountains. My trailer is set up properly I think set the gain to 5.0. I’ll check YT but I never had this issue with my 2022 PB.

 

[Tall Tail]

From a basic sense, you go to an empty parking lot. And you keep increasing the trailer brake controller setting until your trailer tires. Lock up and you back off one trailer Brake controller setting.

The videos and/or owner's manual will provide you with more details on how to set up the trailer brake controller properly. I believe ford has a youtube video on this.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

I did use tow mode and kept my gears low but it almost seems like my truck was applying the brakes for me when I wasn’t touching them.

yeah, I don’t think the truck can do that. I don’t think tow mode or the brake controller itself will apply the brakes on its own.

 

[Davexxxx]

I do use auto CC and have been across the Rockies and back twice, towing in the 7 - 7.5Klb class, without issue.

I find it enhances engine braking, requiring less friction braking.

But thats on a PB, which utilizes regen braking, taking some load of the friction brakes so ...

YMMV

 

[22skidoo]

Wondering if there is a proper engine rpm (for gas engines) to use engine braking. I went over the rockies last year with my 5,000lb. camper and Powerboost using tow mode. I had to use the minus sign to get into a lower gear many times. The engine was up around 3,500-4,500 rpm and truck/trailer was holding 50-55 mph without having to get on the brakes much (for miles). If I did brake it was when the truck got going to 60-65mph. I would hit the brakes and slow to 45 and let it creep back up to 65. Never rode the brakes.

 

[Davexxxx]

Wondering if there is a proper engine rpm (for gas engines) to use engine braking. I went over the rockies last year with my 5,000lb. camper and Powerboost using tow mode. I had to use the minus sign to get into a lower gear many times. The engine was up around 3,500-4,500 rpm and truck/trailer was holding 50-55 mph without having to get on the brakes much (for miles). If I did brake it was when the truck got going to 60-65mph. I would hit the brakes and slow to 45 and let it creep back up to 65. Never rode the brakes.

Thats why I just use the cruise control.

Does it automatically. Almost never have to touch the brakes, because of downhill grades.

 

[22skidoo]

Thats why I just use the cruise control.

Does it automatically. Almost never have to touch the brakes, because of downhill grades.

Thought I heard you aren't supposed to use cruise when towing. Or was it no lane centering or both?

 

[Davexxxx]

Thought I heard you aren't supposed to use cruise when towing. Or was it no lane centering or both?

Lane centering is disabled in tow haul. Lane keeping still works.

First I've heard of not using cruise when towing. I've got something over 8K miles saying its superior, especially in the mountains.

 

[JohnTrigger]

In the ‘23 owners manual under Adaptive Cruise Control Precautions, FWIW:

”WARNING: Do not use the system when towing a trailer that has aftermarket electronic trailer brake controls. Failure to follow this instruction could result in the loss of control of your vehicle, personal injury or death.”

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/...&vCode=&vFilteringEnabled=False&buildType=web

 

[Davexxxx]

In the ‘23 owners manual under Adaptive Cruise Control Precautions, FWIW:

”WARNING: Do not use the system when towing a trailer that has aftermarket electronic trailer brake controls. Failure to follow this instruction could result in the loss of control of your vehicle, personal injury or death.”

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/...&vCode=&vFilteringEnabled=False&buildType=web

Not sure what they mean by aftermarket trailer brake controls but all my stuff is factory.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Not sure what they mean by aftermarket trailer brake controls but all my stuff is factory.

So the other member is correct, it’s not advisable to use cruise control with a trailer.

The idea is this, with adaptive cruise control, it can slow the truck rather abruptly due to a vehicle changing lanes in front of you or a perceived obstacle. When the adaptive cruise control slows the truck, it does not apply the trailer brakes through the trailer brake controller. The weight, and momentum of the trailer can overcome the truck. This could create a jack knife of the rig or simply push you into another vehicle.

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