V-10 problems
I started out years ago towing our 7,000 lb trailer with my old chevy 2500 with the 350. I tow mostly in the Sierra and Rocky Mts. I hated the way I had to slow down to 45 mph going up the grades. So ...
Forum Discussion
As has been alluded to by others here you lose HP dramatically as elevation rises. I believe that for NA gas engines you lose 3 per cent for each thousand feet of elevation, think thinner air. At just 8,000' that translates into 24 per cent less available HP.
I rechecked the Ford website and for my 2011 Chassis (2012 24' E-350 Nexus), the V-10 reaches max torque of 420# at 3,250 and max HP of 305 at just 4,250. No reason to exceed 4,250 and you will find a lot of that lost mileage alive and well at 3,250 as it is torque that moves you up the mountains.
On long steep grades I am usually running 50 to 55 in 4th at 3,200 rpm and rarely will the 5 speed Torque Shift trans drop down to third kicking up to 4,200 for a brief period of what is usually significant acceleration.
Frankly even at 4,250 my V-10 is just humming along and not all that loudly, conversation in the cab is not negatively impacted. Over the last three+ years and 32,000+ miles we have averaged 9.5 {including 60 hours of generator time}, like clockwork and I usually run at or very near my GVWR (often towing my Harley - bike and trailer just under 1,000#).
If you don't have one get a Scan Gauge and start monitoring your trans fluid temps, use Tow Haul or turn off the O/D and put your foot down and go!
:C
I rechecked the Ford website and for my 2011 Chassis (2012 24' E-350 Nexus), the V-10 reaches max torque of 420# at 3,250 and max HP of 305 at just 4,250. No reason to exceed 4,250 and you will find a lot of that lost mileage alive and well at 3,250 as it is torque that moves you up the mountains.
On long steep grades I am usually running 50 to 55 in 4th at 3,200 rpm and rarely will the 5 speed Torque Shift trans drop down to third kicking up to 4,200 for a brief period of what is usually significant acceleration.
Frankly even at 4,250 my V-10 is just humming along and not all that loudly, conversation in the cab is not negatively impacted. Over the last three+ years and 32,000+ miles we have averaged 9.5 {including 60 hours of generator time}, like clockwork and I usually run at or very near my GVWR (often towing my Harley - bike and trailer just under 1,000#).
If you don't have one get a Scan Gauge and start monitoring your trans fluid temps, use Tow Haul or turn off the O/D and put your foot down and go!
:C
