hill descent control f250

[harry_and_thea]

Should have my new f250 powerstroke diesel by the middle of next week. Bought this truck sight unseen. Just some questions about towing on grades.
My former truck was 2009 duramax/allison. Loved it.
The following features are what I loved about the duramax when pulling my fifth wheel and am wondering if the powerstoke has the same features?
1. in tow haul mode the engine would kind of gear down by itself when coming to a stop
2. a button on the shift lever allowed me to shift up or down at will
3. in cruise control, the engine and transmission would hold the truck at the set speed on downhill grades

This truck also comes with a feature called "hill descent control" Is this used only at slow speeds in the back country or this also of use on the interstate with significant grades?

Last question. It also comes with electronic locking axle. Does this lock out the rear differential? How do you activate it? Is this useful only when stuck in mud and snow or is it for driving on slippery roads as well.

[FishOnOne]

harry and thea wrote:
I think I'm going to enjoy this truck. In the past I've had a 2004 Duramax and a 2009 Duramax which I really liked. I totalled the 09 and my trailer due to black ice three and a half weeks ago. Wanted another Dmax but I would have had to pay at least $10,000 Canadian more for a new one than a new Powerstroke. Also late model low mileage diesels are very expensive because many of them are being sold to the US because our dollar is so low. The most logical choice seemed to be new Cummins or Powerstroke. Getting a terrific deal on the Powerstroke and my research tells me that the 6.7 has proven itself quite well.

Believe me you made the right choice.... Enjoy!

[harry_and_thea]

I think I'm going to enjoy this truck. In the past I've had a 2004 Duramax and a 2009 Duramax which I really liked. I totalled the 09 and my trailer due to black ice three and a half weeks ago. Wanted another Dmax but I would have had to pay at least $10,000 Canadian more for a new one than a new Powerstroke. Also late model low mileage diesels are very expensive because many of them are being sold to the US because our dollar is so low. The most logical choice seemed to be new Cummins or Powerstroke. Getting a terrific deal on the Powerstroke and my research tells me that the 6.7 has proven itself quite well.

[ACZL]

One more thing.....sorry. On the TorqShift tranny, there is a "M" position to which you can move gear selector to it and then manually up/down shift into gears and stay in that gear. Comes in handy if in real strong headwind.

[fireman41]

FishOnOne wrote:

harry and thea wrote:
One poster mentioned engine brake. Is this the same as exhaust brake? I have seen Ram trucks advertised with this. Is this standard on powerstroke or optional or is this even available?

The exhaust brake is a standard feature and is activated via a push button.

The Tow/Haul feature changes the shift points on the transmission and will also down shift and works in unison with the exhaust brake.

The Electronic Locker is activated by pulling on the 4x4 shift knob and only works under 20mph.

And the most important feature... Be prepared to have a permanent grin :B. The power and performance is second to none.

Still can't bring myself to get one of those electric shift transfer case.
I still like my lever and manual hubs. And no the hubs do not have a auto set. Just lock and free .

[FishOnOne]

harry and thea wrote:
One poster mentioned engine brake. Is this the same as exhaust brake? I have seen Ram trucks advertised with this. Is this standard on powerstroke or optional or is this even available?

The exhaust brake is a standard feature and is activated via a push button.

The Tow/Haul feature changes the shift points on the transmission and will also down shift and works in unison with the exhaust brake.

The Electronic Locker is activated by pulling on the 4x4 shift knob and only works under 20mph.

And the most important feature... Be prepared to have a permanent grin :B. The power and performance is second to none.

[Nunyadamn]

I just did the same move you did - moving from 2005 Duramax to a 2015 F250 6.7L powerstroke.

I do not have the hill decent, but do have the exhaust brake button. I have only had my truck for 1000 miles so I haven't done much testing. I do know that when I connect to the trailer, the truck knows and will change on it's own for towing/braking. The chevy I had, as you did, needed that button on the shifter pushed for tow/haul.

Unlike the chevy, I can use the exhaust brake without the trailer (could do it with the chevy if needed by pushing the tow/haul button, but rarely thought about it or needed it to work that way without the trailer). I don't know if I will ever need it, but that could come in handy when traveling in the mountains.

I agree with the other posters about being able to lock out the upper gears. If this truck is anywhere near the old chevy, that will come in handy. Again, you could do it with the chevy by moving the gear shifter down a gear, but I like the way the Ford has the buttons to make the selection - feels less harmful than shifting down.

For the locking differential stuff, I can't help. I will never use it, and rarely even use the 4x4.

[Chuck_thehammer]

Lynnmor wrote:

Chuck_thehammer wrote:


my truck 2012, did not have hill descent...not available.. but does have all the other stuff.

It is/was part of the FX4 package.

did NOT know that,, Thanks. I have a XL. 2 wheel drive.
retired Fleet/Lease truck.:)

[harry_and_thea]

One poster mentioned engine brake. Is this the same as exhaust brake? I have seen Ram trucks advertised with this. Is this standard on powerstroke or optional or is this even available?

[Lynnmor]

Chuck_thehammer wrote:


my truck 2012, did not have hill descent...not available.. but does have all the other stuff.

It is/was part of the FX4 package.

[ACZL]

When we were coming back from Asheville NC last Aug, we encountered some very good grades and I forgot about the hill descent button. I engaged the tow/haul and eng brake, tapped the brakes a time or two and speed was kept in check holding back 22,000 lbs . Was VERY HAPPY. Shoot, I had semis wanting to go faster than speed limit for them on my tail and I WAS doing the speed limit.

[Chuck_thehammer]

the locking rear differential is turned on/off with a dashboard switch.. only works under 20 mph. great in grass and new blacktop. 🙂

hill descent uses the anti-lock braking system. forward or backward.. from a stand still. does NOT turn OFF. my understanding.

I am sure you will love the truck. Have Fun Driving.

and the tow/haul is great towing Heavy. upshift later, downshift sooner.. and you can lockout upper gears.. on the fly..

and going down long grades.. Appling and releasing the brake petal.. and reapplying the brake will automatically down shift 1 gear. Computer controlled.

my truck 2012, did not have hill descent...not available.. but does have all the other stuff.

[harry_and_thea]

Thanks
That is the answer I expected but I wasn't sure. Will be using the first 3 features a lot but will probably never need the last two.

[Lynnmor]

Yes to the 3 numbered items.
The hill decent is a rock crawing feature.
The electronic axle, locks both rear axles together for mud holes and the like.