Forum Discussion

Big_Jimmy's avatar
Big_Jimmy
Explorer
Oct 01, 2021

TorqShift Transmission

We have a 2011 Tiffin allegro 32ca with a V-10 and TorqShift Transmission - Problem - in Tow/Haul going downhill when you hit brakes it shift down and if you hit the brakes a second time it shifts down again and RPM's go way "UP" big time, scary!! Is this normal? thanks
  • Yup. Doing what it is designed to do to help slow you down without overheating the brakes. Don't worry. Your engine was built to rev and it won't hurt it a bit.
  • That is what it is supposed to do but...

    What are the RPM you are seeing?
    - 3000-4000RPM, perfect.
    - If it gets above 5000RPM, give it some brakes to keep the RPM below 5000.

    When you use the brakes going down hill, try not to build up too much speed. Once you are going fast, it's much harder to get it slowed back down. When it gets too high, apply the brakes firmly so it slows down 15-20mph and the RPM gets down to a more reasonable level. Then let it creep back up.

    Do not just ride the brakes lightly. This will heat up the brakes until they are literally red hot. At that point, they will lose a lot of their stopping ability.

    By using short hard braking, they have time to cool off between uses.
  • Thanks for the information, can you engage or disengage the tow/haul while you are moving?
  • Yes, you can switch tow/haul on and off at any time, moving or not, just as you can shift in and out of overdrive, etc. at any time.

    Frankly, there's little reason to disengage it, particularly when it's providing good engine braking. The engine/transmission computer won't do things that damage the engine or transmission; while the higher RPMs may sound a bit scary, they are not a problem and within the design limits of the system. (The V10 is a fairly high revving truck engine, in general, and having at least two more cylinders than most other truck engines makes it sound somewhat like it's spinning that much faster than it actually is.)
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    If it works the way I think it does it will NOT over rev the engine
    It will kick it up right close to red line. But not over .

    Also if you are on a long grade and the speed climbs, and thus the RPM's. it will upshift...

    Key phrase "If it works the way I THINK it does"
  • Yup, it will not over rev the engine. Just like if you try to manually pull down a gear by manually downshifting it will not do it until the computer determines it is safe to do so. Love the T/H system.

    This was Ford's first attempt at stuff like this with a fully electronic transmission and it worked out pretty good. I have over 300k miles on mine with regular service and have only had to replace a sensor.
  • Anytime you start the engine you should automatically turn tow/haul on. The MH is always loaded to near its max GVWR. Tow Haul helps with acceleration as it raises the shift points. And yes it’s supposed to down shift when braking as everyone said. This again helps because it’s loaded to its GVWR.

    So yes it’s operating as designed.
  • Yes, tow/haul is working as designed. The TorqShift has several options. I am towing a FW, and sometimes double towing, on long steep grades, with sharp curves. I prefer to shut off T/H, and use manual mode for lengthy downhills. Otherwise, every time I tap the brakes, due to lots of curves, it will down shift more than I want. I can also lock out upper gears, restricting the use of 6-5 or even 4th if needed.

    It is a great transmission!

    Jerry
  • MFL wrote:
    Yes, tow/haul is working as designed. The TorqShift has several options. I am towing a FW, and sometimes double towing, on long steep grades, with sharp curves. I prefer to shut off T/H, and use manual mode for lengthy downhills. Otherwise, every time I tap the brakes, due to lots of curves, it will down shift more than I want. I can also lock out upper gears, restricting the use of 6-5 or even 4th if needed.

    It is a great transmission!

    Jerry


    Just noting that Ford did not include Select Shift in the F53 chassis until just recently along with introduction of the new 7.3L V8.