cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Engine braking on 2017 F150 5.0L

plasticmaster
Explorer
Explorer
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?
31 REPLIES 31

Boomerweps
Explorer
Explorer
Whatever you are comfortable with as long as your TT brakes work well.
The tow/haul downshifting works great when hauling a heavy load in the bed.
2019 Wolf Pup 16 BHS Limited, axle flipped
2019 F150 4x4 SCrew SB STX 5.0 3.55 factory tow package, 7000#GVWR, 1990 CC Tow mirrors, ITBC, SumoSprings,

Grit_dog
Navigator
Navigator
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.
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold