Engine Brake

[Lightseekers]

We just returned from 2,600 mile round trip from St. Louis to Cortez, Colorado. I have to say I am more than happy with the engine break on the V10. Just put the MH in Tow/Haul mode when going down hill and the use of brakes is much less! We went over Wolf Creek Pass and not stressful at all in Tow/Haul.

Overall I am happy with the gas mileage as well – the average for the trip was 6.8. We were not towing anything and drove in the 60 to 63 miles per hour (except when going up hill in the mountains when it was more like 30 to 35).

[Rodneykrantz]

I have not drove my Canyon Star in the mountians yet I was worried about the brakes didn't think about the tow haul mode thanks for posting.

[RickO]

Gotta love the engine brakes.... don't know what we'd do without them.

In your search for light houses if you get to the PNW you might want to check out Cape Blanco Oregon State Park. Great spot.

Good luck...

Rick

[Clifftall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lightseekers We just returned from 2,600 mile round trip from St. Louis to Cortez, Colorado. I have to say I am more than happy with the engine break on the V10. Just put the MH in Tow/Haul mode when going down hill and the use of brakes is much less! We went over Wolf Creek Pass and not stressful at all in Tow/Haul. Overall I am happy with the gas mileage as well – the average for the trip was 6.8. We were not towing anything and drove in the 60 to 63 miles per hour (except when going up hill in the mountains when it was more like 30 to 35).

Your post on tow haul matches my experience. However be aware that you burn at least 1-11/2 gallons an hour more when you use it. I use mine sparingly.

[Lightseekers]

I have to be honest, the last thing I was worried about at that point was gas mileage. The only time I used the tow/haul mode was when we were going down the mountains. I wasn't pulling anything, so there wasn't any reason to use it otherwise.

Thanks for you post about the mileage, that will make my brother-in-law feel better. He as the same motor and was pulling his Jeep Liberty. His MH is about 3 feet shorter and his mileage was always lower than mine. I know he drove most of the time with tow/haul on.

[Clifftall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lightseekers I have to be honest, the last thing I was worried about at that point was gas mileage. The only time I used the tow/haul mode was when we were going down the mountains. I wasn't pulling anything, so there wasn't any reason to use it otherwise. Thanks for you post about the mileage, that will make my brother-in-law feel better. He as the same motor and was pulling his Jeep Liberty. His MH is about 3 feet shorter and his mileage was always lower than mine. I know he drove most of the time with tow/haul on.

I was bummed out at the 6.25 I was getting. Called Ford and they confirmed the mileage difference. I'm getting an average of about 7.6 this summer towing a car and only using tow haul for steep roads. I have also slowed down a bit this year. Can't hurt.

[HMXDave]

We just got back from our first longer trip through the mountains...central Alberta to Fairmont, B.C. and back. We did 447 miles at 7.6mpg (US). I really liked the auto grade braking with the tow/haul button pushed. Like most of you, I just turned it on for long descents.

[bronk]

I have to agree with the comments regarding the tow/haul feature. I have a nephew who is a Ford engineer, and while we were in Maine this summer he explained in detail how the tow/haul function works. And, it certainly works at intended. We pull a Jeep Wrangler with our 2011 Damon 38 foot Challenger and have not had any misgivings about going up hill or down in the NC mountains or through the mountainous western states. We love the V10 which has great power and returns around 7 to 7.5 mpg on a consistent basis. Although we really wanted a diesel when we purchased this motor home, we are sure glad we didn't with the extra initial cost, as well as the price of diesel fuel and maintenance.

Bronk