Forum Discussion
58 Replies
- JohnBoyTooExplorerIf we r taking a poll, I only use mine when slowing down....
Even when not towing as the engine braking and tranny downshifts save my brake pads ( which aren't under warranty)
Other than slowing I don't usually use it as it holds the gears too long IMHO :.
And since its my truck hope I can drive it like I want to :-) - Amdavis76ExplorerI like tow/haul mode because downshifts sooner to respond to hills, holds the gear longer, and engine-breaking automatically occurs at higher speeds.
- JustLabsExplorerI don't like the way the transmission shifts in T/H,so unless I want the grade brake feature,I don't use it.
Pulling my 11,000lb trailer or my 10,000lb boat,the transmission actually runs cooler without T/H. - avvidclif1Explorer
Atom Ant wrote:
avvidclif1 wrote:
The 6.4 doesn't have an exhaust brake - the 6.7 does.
Here's the explanation on the 6.4 Ford operation.
"I’ll try to explain. Exhaust braking closes off (blocks) the exhaust manifold, leaving the exhaust gases in the cylinders to compress and slow down the engine. Engine braking doesn’t allow fuel to be injected into the cylinder, so a vacuum is created in the cylinders, which slows down the engine, which is connected to the transmission and slows the truck down."
Copied from The Diesel Stop".
All I know is it works. Cruise control set on 60mph. It held it at 60mph down a long 6% (marked) grade. I never touched the brake. Grossing 18,100 lbs.
Proved it to me.
PS A jake brake and an exhaust brake are different things. Look up how a jake brake works on a big truck, no flapper vales, all done by holding open valves.
What you describe is correct for the 6.4, just simple engine braking combined with the integrated brake controller and tow haul telling the torgueshift when to shift.
Not sure where the "jake brake" came into the discussion.
Jake brake was an aside.
A diesel engine has almost zero engine braking as thought of in a gas engine. Ergo the exhaust brake to create a restriction. On the 6.4 Ford did things with the turbo to create a working "engine brake". - Atom_AntExplorerI think it is disabled if you come out of tow haul. Tow haul in itself can cause complications on ice
- stickdogExplorerI have read where using exhaust brake on wet or snow slick roads is an invitation for disaster. If that is true, then an integrated exhaust brake with TH would prohibit use of that function under those conditions?
- Atom_AntExplorer
avvidclif1 wrote:
The 6.4 doesn't have an exhaust brake - the 6.7 does.
Here's the explanation on the 6.4 Ford operation.
"I’ll try to explain. Exhaust braking closes off (blocks) the exhaust manifold, leaving the exhaust gases in the cylinders to compress and slow down the engine. Engine braking doesn’t allow fuel to be injected into the cylinder, so a vacuum is created in the cylinders, which slows down the engine, which is connected to the transmission and slows the truck down."
Copied from The Diesel Stop".
All I know is it works. Cruise control set on 60mph. It held it at 60mph down a long 6% (marked) grade. I never touched the brake. Grossing 18,100 lbs.
Proved it to me.
PS A jake brake and an exhaust brake are different things. Look up how a jake brake works on a big truck, no flapper vales, all done by holding open valves.
What you describe is correct for the 6.4, just simple engine braking combined with the integrated brake controller and tow haul telling the torgueshift when to shift.
Not sure where the "jake brake" came into the discussion. - avvidclif1ExplorerHere's the explanation on the 6.4 Ford operation.
"I’ll try to explain. Exhaust braking closes off (blocks) the exhaust manifold, leaving the exhaust gases in the cylinders to compress and slow down the engine. Engine braking doesn’t allow fuel to be injected into the cylinder, so a vacuum is created in the cylinders, which slows down the engine, which is connected to the transmission and slows the truck down."
Copied from The Diesel Stop".
All I know is it works. Cruise control set on 60mph. It held it at 60mph down a long 6% (marked) grade. I never touched the brake. Grossing 18,100 lbs.
Proved it to me.
PS A jake brake and an exhaust brake are different things. Look up how a jake brake works on a big truck, no flapper vales, all done by holding open valves. - Atom_AntExplorer
ol Bombero-JC wrote:
Why would anyone go to another forum to get facts - Go to the manufacturer itself.ib_leblanc wrote:
Pulling 10,000 lb fifth wheel with f350, 6.4 deisel.. do you have to always use tow haul mode even on flat interstates?
Looking at the first couple of replies.....
you have reply from a Dodge owner with a 2006 Dodge CTD.
His info is good - but not totally correct. No point in explaining.
Then the Ford owners chime in.
No doubt Chevy (& GMC) D-Max owners will also.
Looks like even some of the FORD owners are posting incorrect info!.:R
Suggest you visit one of the several *BRAND SPECIFIC* diesel forums, so you're getting info pertinent to YOUR brand and year etc.
Also, you will find (working) mechanics and techs furnishing info.
Example: The tow-haul mode for the aforementioned DODGE CTD operates totally different between 2005 & 2006 48RE (Dodge) transmissions.
Obviously, selection and operation of the feature differs from FORD trannys.
For *FORD* diesel forums -and info-, suggest:
The Diesel Stop (dot com)
(there are others for both diesel & gas. Google- Ford diesel forums)
~ - ol_Bombero-JCExplorer
ib_leblanc wrote:
Pulling 10,000 lb fifth wheel with f350, 6.4 deisel.. do you have to always use tow haul mode even on flat interstates?
Looking at the first couple of replies.....
you have reply from a Dodge owner with a 2006 Dodge CTD.
His info is good - but not totally correct. No point in explaining.
Then the Ford owners chime in.
No doubt Chevy (& GMC) D-Max owners will also.
Looks like even some of the FORD owners are posting incorrect info!.:R
Suggest you visit one of the several *BRAND SPECIFIC* diesel forums, so you're getting info pertinent to YOUR brand and year etc.
Also, you will find (working) mechanics and techs furnishing info.
Example: The tow-haul mode for the aforementioned DODGE CTD operates totally different between 2005 & 2006 48RE (Dodge) transmissions.
Obviously, selection and operation of the feature differs from FORD trannys.
For *FORD* diesel forums -and info-, suggest:
The Diesel Stop (dot com)
(there are others for both diesel & gas. Google- Ford diesel forums)
~
About Travel Trailer Group
44,065 PostsLatest Activity: Apr 12, 2026