I run it on auto when towing. I liked the effect on Wolf Creek Pass, both directions. Always start the summit al reduced speed before descent.

In my experience, I find that when in tow/haul (which is all the time for me when towing) setting the exhaust brake to AUTO actually helps prevent the aggressive downshifts the transmission will use to maintain the last set speed (throttle, brake or cruise).

If I am on a downhill section and don't have the exhaust brake on, I find the transmission will downshift several gears to maintain the set speed but it seems that with the exhaust brake on, the downshifts are less. No hard evidence to support this though.

Sometimes, a steep, winding downhill will see the transmission down to say 3rd or 4th gear and RPM's at about 3200 to maintain a speed of say 35 - 40 mph (that I set with brake pedal). The engine sounds like its screaming at me, but it's not in the red line territory. I do find after one of these sections the transmission takes a moment or two to upshift, even after applying accelerator pedal to resume cruising speed.

Didn't find much difference between Manual and Auto - other than more button pushing for me - so I just let the computer do the work.

Not sure any of this helps, but just my experience.

The only thing I know about Wolf Creek Pass is that you do not want to haul chickens down that hill if they are stacked at 13' 9", just sayin.

Brian

LOL They did replace that tunnel years ago. Only problem with the song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-xqfqcgNAE is Pagosa Springs is 30 miles from the bottom of the pass

Thanks for the help folks
Keith

I don't even know what this means...... but it sounds funny!!

I gotta sit around a campfire with Brian sometime soon.... apparently he has a guitar... should be good times..

Scott - play the song I linked in post #5. Then you will understand
Keith

I use manual, I find I have the same issues as you with auto.

While only somewhat related to your question. The Mopar/Cummins tow/haul mode with auto exhaust braking works great. Maybe you need a new truck...lol Just kiddin

i have been using manual but often feel it is too much at times. Good to know others see that too.

I use the exhaust brake in auto mode. This seems to work well on cruise control. When not on cruise, a double tap of the brake pedal causes engine downshifting which makes the exhaust brake more effective.

Rob

Maybe a little of topic but seeing as a mod linked the two............. cruise control while towing a reasonably heavy trailer. Good idea? Bad idea?
A long time ago I was told never use cruise when towing. Trucks are a lot more capable now. Soooooo?

I use cruise control while towing. 106k on the last truck with no issues, not all towing of course. If the roads will allow the use of cruise control I will use it. Traveling thru the mountains is a little hard sometimes with cruise control on so I will have it off for that as it seems to shift a lot.

Brian

I also recall the "old school" cautions never to use cruise control when towing . . . but, I have not seen this in writing from any manufacturer. The only reason that I can think of is that cruise control can only engage engine braking, so there is no way for it to apply the trailer brakes. I have travelled thousands of interstate towing miles on cruise control with both the Ecoboost F150 and the diesel F350. Helps to maintain a steady speed and never had a problem. Brake apply on any reason for significant slow down or grade decent immediately cancels cruise control.

I don't have adaptive cruise control (which some higher trim level trucks have). This matches your speed to the vehicle ahead . . . that would be a nice thing to have.

Rob

Scott'n'Wendy -- I also use cruise while towing. My TV is a Platinum '17 so it does have the adaptive cruise. Now that I've used it, won't buy another vehicle without it. I don't rely on it, but it is nice to have the truck as the "second set of eyes" sensing what's going on in front of me and adjusting to whatever is happening (minor speed changes) without my constant intervention.

I've always towed in manual engine brake mode, but after reading Rob's input I'll use Auto mode on the next leg of our trip to Elkhart. In the video linked below (produced by Ford) the difference is in manual mode full engine braking is applied whenever the accelerator is released versus in Auto the engine braking is modulated based on speed, grade, braking, etc.

Ford's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7NRxxvpwh8

Using Adaptive Cruise with Engine Braking is referenced in the '17's Owner's Manual: Note: If your vehicle has Adaptive Cruise Control, the speed control system uses the selected engine brake mode, transmission gears, and brakes to maintain the set speed and distance to the vehicle being followed.​

The only caution I can find regarding adaptive cruise mentions an aftermarket brake controller: Do not use the system when towing a trailer with aftermarket trailer brake controls. Aftermarket trailer brakes will not function properly when you switch the system on because the brakes are electronically controlled.​

Howard