Towing observation

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duneslider

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So, I have done a fair amount of towing this year and a few weeks ago on a return trip I forgot to spin the knob to the trailer mode after filling up. Didn't notice until about 200 miles later but what I did notice is that my gas mileage was better than normal. I thought it might have been a fluke. We went the exact same location this last weekend and I decided to no use the trailer mode again just to see. Sure enough, I got better mileage on the way down and the way back than I normally get. I have towed this same stretch multiple times this year and last year and always am right around 9mpg. Just leaving the transmission in the normal mode I am seeing more like 10.5mpg.

Not a huge data set here but I am finding it interesting that all 3 times I didn't change the mode my mileage has been higher than when I use the tow mode. I do know the tow mode does a better job of holding things back on down hills but this particular trip doesn't hit mountains too much and is mostly a net wash in elevation ups and downs, nothing over about 7000'. My house is about 5800' and the destination is about 6200', so no long downs that I need engine braking.
 

JasonH

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Wind and grades are the enemy when towing. Try the test going both directions, in case the prevailing winds generally blow in one direction or the other. I towed from Houston to Corpus Christi, and got the worst mpg ever while, towing, something like 7.5 - 8.0 mpg. Usually I get around 9 to 10. Turns out I was driving into a stiff headwind the entire trip.
 

jjscsix

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It makes perfect sense. Normal mode allows it to shift into higher gears. Tow mode generally limits it to 8th gear most of the time on ours. It does that to take the stress off both the transmission and the engine.

Over the years before “drive modes” the owners manuals have recommended not trailering in drive, but in a lower gear.
 

Left Coast Geek

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yeah, even my 6 speed stick shift tacoma recommended not using 6th when towing.
5th at freeway speeds with a 4000 lb trailer and i was getting 9-10 MPG
 
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duneslider

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Even in the tow mode the transmission will still shift into 9 and 10 when it can. I have not seen any "hunting" going on which is something I would see in other vehicles I owned when not using tow/haul. The manual also says (big warning) not to use tow/haul if conditions could be slippery. I don't really see that they say you should use it but rather it just tells what changes when you do use it. On flatter trips I don't feel like I see/feel excessive shifting happening, I would still use tow/haul on trips that have me going up and over mountain passes as the downshifting and holding gears on the downs is nice.

Yes, grade, speed, wind do play a big role. These trips have been the same directions and similar weather conditions and mileage has been better than any previous recorded trips I have taken.

In Ford's towing document they state "If excessive shifting does not occur, use overdrive to help enhance performance"
 
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Jon2099

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These engines have a dual pressure oil pump. I wonder if higher oil pressure is triggered by the tow/haul selection, or when a trailer is connected, or if it is completely based on engine load? When towing, the higher oil pressure is probably beneficial. I do know that making no settings changes, but plugging in a trailer will disable auto stop/start.
 

jjscsix

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Even in the tow mode the transmission will still shift into 9 and 10 when it can. I have not seen any "hunting" going on which is something I would see in other vehicles I owned when not using tow/haul. The manual also says (big warning) not to use tow/haul if conditions could be slippery. I don't really see that they say you should use it but rather it just tells what changes when you do use it. On flatter trips I don't feel like I see/feel excessive shifting happening, I would still use tow/haul on trips that have me going up and over mountain passes as the downshifting and holding gears on the downs is nice.

Yes, grade, speed, wind do play a big role. These trips have been the same directions and similar weather conditions and mileage has been better than any previous recorded trips I have taken.

In Ford's towing document they state "If excessive shifting does not occur, use overdrive to help enhance performance"
Ive seen mine do it but its rare. Pretty much have to be in a sweet spot of rpms and flat or down a hill.
 

Mr Big

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It makes sense using normal mode may save gas. Tow mode takes the pressure off the tranny. Using normal mode while towing may cause the tranny to malfunction sooner or at least run hotter.
 

Trailerhitch62

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Does the 3.5 V-6 twin turbo engine have good power and pulling capabilities? Looking at an Expedition as my next tow vehicle.
 

ccssid

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Does the 3.5 V-6 twin turbo engine have good power and pulling capabilities? Looking at an Expedition as my next tow vehicle.
I suppose this has more to do with the weight of the trailer. I have a 4000# trailer (when loaded). My 2021 expedition with HD tow pulls it like butter. I have also pulled the same trailer with a 2018 explorer platinum (essentially the same engine , but 6 speed trans), also pulls like butter. The differences are in the setup of the weight distribution hitch and also, bare in mind , the explorer is rated at 5000# tow capacity and the expedition at 9200# tow capacity
 
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