Auto Engine Break (Brake)

[ParadiseDBTR]

A bit of a newbie here. Have a 2023 Thor Magnitude. Live in the mountains and have a full size truck as toad. Can I leave the auto engine break on while driving on a longer journey with flat lands and mountains or do I only turn on as needed?

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by ParadiseDBTR

A bit of a newbie here. Have a 2023 Thor Magnitude. Live in the mountains and have a full size truck as toad. Can I leave the auto engine break on while driving on a longer journey with flat lands and mountains or do I only turn on as needed?

Leave it on unless there is a local ordinance against engine brake use.

[ParadiseDBTR]

Thank you very much!!!

[16ACE27]

I hope to never turn on an engine break.

[ParadiseDBTR]

Haha! It’s about 70% of our drives.

[widdershins]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

I hope to never turn on an engine break.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by ParadiseDBTR

Haha! It’s about 70% of our drives.

And the engine still runs?

[ParadiseDBTR]

Nope. 2023 and already failed. ����*♂️

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by ParadiseDBTR

Nope. 2023 and already failed. ����*♂️

Should have used the engine brake instead of the engine break.

[Travelin' Texans]

Originally Posted by ParadiseDBTR

A bit of a newbie here. Have a 2023 Thor Magnitude. Live in the mountains and have a full size truck as toad. Can I leave the auto engine break on while driving on a longer journey with flat lands and mountains or do I only turn on as needed?

Didn't own that motorhome or a Ford, but did have GMC diesel duallies towing 40' 5th wheels, every time I turned the key to haul them I depressed the tow/haul button & turned on the engine brake which is the same procedure I'd recommend to you. I think you'll find that saves the transmission, the brakes & more often than not fuel mileage as well relieves some driving strain from the driver.

[ParadiseDBTR]

Thank you very much. I appreciate that.

[Judge]

I have a ‘20 Magnitude SV34. When towing I use the Tow Haul Mode. I only engage the Engine Brake (Automatic) when I am traveling through hills / mountains.

You should use both together. There is a Manual and Automatic Engine Brake mode for the Ford Super Duty 6.7L. The Automatic mode remembers your speed and holds it there. Manual mode is more aggressive and engages as soon as you remove your foot from the accelerator.

[ParadiseDBTR]

Excellent!! Thank you for this. What “grade” would you engage the engine brake? I assume it’s a judgement?

[Judge]

Originally Posted by ParadiseDBTR

Excellent!! Thank you for this. What “grade” would you engage the engine brake? I assume it’s a judgement?

It is somewhat judgement but certainly when ever I see a sign that says 5% or more I will engage it.

The Automatice Engine Brake works great. I can have the cruise set to 55 and never touch the pedals. Last week I drove from Flagstaff to Phoenix down I-17 and while others were on their brakes, I wasn’t touching either pedal.

[Greybear]

Originally Posted by Judge

It is somewhat judgement but certainly when ever I see a sign that says 5% or more I will engage it.

The Automatic Engine Brake works great. I can have the cruise set to 55 and never touch the pedals. Last week I drove from Flagstaff to Phoenix down I-17 and while others were on their brakes, I wasn’t touching either pedal.

Seconded!

We live out here in the west, and I engage the engine brake whenever we're going downhill, and almost always on automatic. When you brake to the desired speed, the engine brake holds you within a few miles of that target, and works like a champ. No wear on the brakes, just a smooth controlled descent.

On the return leg of our SC trip, we dropped out of the Sangre de Cristo mountains to Delta. 8% grades much of the way, and I felt bad for all the RV drivers riding their brakes.

When towing the Jeep of course, we always have her in tow/haul mode.

[ParadiseDBTR]

Very nice!!! I really appreciate the feedback.

[Tampa.bankie]

Didn’t know you could turn it off can someone explain how to do this?

[Judge]

Originally Posted by Tampa.bankie

Didn’t know you could turn it off can someone explain how to do this?

If you have an F-550 / 600 there is a button on the console above the radio that allows you to have the Engine Brake either Off, On - Manual or On - Automatic.

[williamprunty]

It would have been nice if the dealership would’ve told me about all the drive modes. I didn’t know about the wet, eco and snow/ice mode until a few weeks ago.