Forum Discussion

Headed_West's avatar
Headed_West
Explorer
Oct 21, 2018

Transmission question

Ok Here it is. I have a 2016 F-250 6.2L gas pulling a 2018 Cougar Half Ton 30RLS roughly 9500lbs loaded. When on pretty steep or long hills with the cruise on the transmission will shift all the way down to 3rd gear while traveling 60MPH. Is this hard on the transmission? I have been kicking the cruise off and keeping it to 4th gear when I can but I sometimes let the cruise do its thing. Just trying to take care of the Tow Vehicle for many many family adventures.
Tow Vehicles
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Oct 21, 2018
    Just avoid excessive shifting near max throttle. Pull the lever and hold the gear to the top. 4th or 3rd is your choice.
  • LanceRKeys's avatar
    LanceRKeys
    Explorer
    Oct 21, 2018
    What kind of RPMs are you turning when it goes down to third? I bet that big v-8 sounds good working hard up a long hill. Your probably just fine, I would think it is better to let it down shift than lug in fourth for too long. I would think it best to find a speed and RPM range where it seems stable, and just hold it there till the top of the hill.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Oct 21, 2018
    On steep hills, I would not use cruise to maintain 60 mph. IMO, it is easier on the transmission, and engine, if hard downshifts, due to using cruise, are not allowed. It is all right to let the engine rev as needed, but I like making use of the manual mode, vrs just using D and the cruise. I am thinking the 16 and newer F250 gas 6.2s have a lighter duty transmission than previous 2011-15 models.

    Jerry
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Oct 21, 2018
    Sounds normal to me for a gas engine pulling close to 10K, that 6.2 need to spin a bit in the hills.

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