Towing and 10 speed transmission

Jskane125 · Jul 29, 2021

I'd put this in the towing forum, but I want to focus on 2018+ and 10 speed transmission. I have a 2020 XLT with max towing package. My current trailer is 3700lb. unloaded. New trailer ordered is 5700lb unloaded. The older trailer pulls very easily. I typically just switch to the tow feature and leave it at that. I get between about mpg and 13mgp depending on hills, etc. I do like it it automatically gears down for hills.

The new RV will be a fair bit heavier. I don't anticipate a problem with towing power. My question is about the tow mode. Does everyone just leave it in tow mode always for towing? Or does anyone cheat to improve mileage and switch to normal and 4wd when on long, relatively flat highways.

I doubt I'd try that, but I'm curious what other people have found.

Molaf · Jul 29, 2021

I only use tow haul mode when driving in the mountains. On flat terrain I leave it in default.

mwl001 · Jul 29, 2021

I've towed almost 10k miles with my 2020 Expedition Max w/3.73. Tow mode is fantastic for downhill. You really won't need the brakes except around corners, it's phenomenal. I've tried with and without tow mode at other times, and honestly what saves you fatigue and MPG in my opinion is locking out the OD gears (8/9/10) almost all the time. For me, towing about what you will be (5700lb max on mine), I find that unless I've got a really great tailwind, the truck just can't use those gears without a little or a lot of boost. And when the boost kicks in your MPG will go way down. In rolling hills the truck almost never leaves 7th gear and stays around 2500-2600 rpm, which is still relaxed and you get less turbo whine of course. It seems like the truck has access to plenty of torque in 7 without needing the turbos, which is your optimal MPG scenario. I'm not sure why Ford programmed tow/haul like this (to optimize RPM) but it's perplexing. Good luck!

Other advice is stay at 65 or under, and make sure WDH is dialed in. I love my Gen Y hitch too but that's because we tow a lot of miles. Heavy and $$$.

Matthew Marlowe · Jul 29, 2021

Nothing keeps you from putting in 4wd and tow mode at same time .... I put in tow mode always when trailer attached, and switch to 4A immediately if stressing expedition at all...then back to 2H when towing done.

As far as transmission goes, it's braking and shifting down to lower gears to limit speed 40-45mph and make frequent turns on steep 1 lane downhill passes that stress transmission, on any major road or normal grade downhill with 50-60mph speeds...the transmission will handle effortlessly.

MHay · Jul 29, 2021

Matthew Marlowe said:
Nothing keeps you from putting in 4wd and tow mode at same time .... I put in tow mode always when trailer attached, and switch to 4A immediately if stressing expedition at all...then back to 2H when towing done.

What’s the benefit of switching to 4A when towing? First I’ve heard of this.

Goclmbmnt · Jul 31, 2021

MHay said:
What’s the benefit of switching to 4A when towing? First I’ve heard of this.

+1

Squark · Jul 31, 2021

I was towing our travel trailer up the West Virginia Turnpike in the rain. I gave it some gas going up a steep hill, the transmission downshifted, and instantly my rear wheels broke loose and put the Expy sideways. Thankfully the trailer stayed straight and I was able to countersteer out of it, but after that scare I engage 4A when towing in the rain.

Waterbeach · Jul 31, 2021

We are towing a 5500 lb travel trailer with Expy Max 2020. New to towing this weight and I was aware of how much extra work the engine was doing after being used to it being effectively in quiet idle mode at any cruising speed when not towing. Agree that 65mph kills mpg. Tow mode seems to be best. My main concern is that, despite WD being properly dialled in (100% FALR even) and god sway control it is still very "floaty" going over bumps and humps in the road, and I would not want to do an emergency swerve at speed. I am considering better sway bars and shocks. I tried using Sport mode to stiffen up the suspension but it made little difference from tow mode and used even more gas - about 20% more! Interesting the comment about 4A - I will try it but expect even worse mpg. On rolling country at steady 60 mph I get 11-12mpg in tow mode; at 50 mph I get 14-15. Cruising without tow at 60mph I get an amazing 26 mpg. Shows what tow weight and windage will do.

Curious to hear others experience especially with handling.

lobsenza · Aug 2, 2021

I usually put my SUV in 4A in the rain, even without a trailer. It feels more stable and never slips at an intersection. If it is dry, I use 2H

Anerbe · Aug 2, 2021

Any rain, I'd put it on 4A. My wife spun out on a 4 lane leaving a gas station in the rain in 2H. The concrete was very smooth, and it was a 4 lane turning into an expressway.

The high torque and 3.73 gears can spin out the car before the ESC kicks in.

Towing and 10 speed transmission

Jskane125

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Molaf

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mwl001

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Matthew Marlowe

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MHay

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Goclmbmnt

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Squark

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Waterbeach

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lobsenza

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Anerbe

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