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plasticmaster's avatar
plasticmaster
Explorer
Mar 28, 2023

Engine braking on 2017 F150 5.0L

I have a 2017 F150 with the 5.0 engine. When I tow my TT in tow haul mode, it seems to me that Ford has overdone it with the engine braking. As I apply the brakes, it downshifts really hard and revs really high to the point of making me wonder if it could damage the engine or transmission. On my last trip, I would disengage tow/haul when I knew I was getting ready to hit the brakes. Should I be concerned about this, or just let it do its thing?
Tow Vehicles
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Mar 28, 2023
    Every newer truck with tow haul, including a 5.0 F150 6 speed will take the engine up to or near redline when it downshifts in a grade braking scenario.
    The question is what is your perception or definition of really high and downshifts hard?
    Truck is 6 years old, so is this a new condition or new to you truck, or something you just noticed?
    And fwiw, engine stress at any rpm in this scenario are far less than full throttle under load at the same rpm’s, which the engine is obviously designed for, so no worry about the engine.

    Trans is also designed for high rpm downshifts in the same conditions.

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