Fords altitude towing recomendations
Interesting article about what Ford recommends for towing at altitudes and how they reduce the trucks towing and payload. http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2015/09/should-your-pickup-tow-less-at-altitude....
Forum Discussion
Fordlover wrote:12thgenusa wrote:
I think it's pretty much a non-issue. Yes your engine loses power. All that means is that you slow down a little or your transmission shifts into a lower gear sooner.
I've driven (towed) over most of the passes in Colorado. The interesting thing here (in the mountains) is that as you gain elevation, the roads generally become more twisty with many curves speed marked at 25 to 45 mph. The general speed limit is usually lowered as well as is I-70 approaching the Eisenhower tunnel. So what does all that extra power get you? You have to drive slower anyway.
If Ford is rating their vehicles at sea level, they do a disservice to the majority of drivers since other than people who live directly on the coast, who drives at sea level?
I live in the 4th largest city in the states, about 100 miles off the coast. So if you ask me, a sh*t ton of people drive at (near) sea level. The folks in New Orleans drive below the sea level :)
I'd agree that the vast majority of people in the USA live and drive below 1000 ft elevation.
That said, I also agree with the post that it doesn't seem to make too much difference. We've towed above 10k ft numerous times in our n/a Suburbans, and I can't say I noticed any problems. Mainly because, I suspect, once you're at those elevations, you are generally on slower speed roads, anyway.
