New F-350 Order Question- Planning for Bigger Tires

[TexasSixSeven]

Order options seems to change by model. We ordered skid plates for $100. Hill assist is not good to depend on. Better to learn to drive. Those features can malfunction... Driver skill always works!

Traction control is the same deal vs locking diffentials. Not the same thing!

Just because you use hill descent doesn’t mean you can’t have skill too. Like everything in life comforts are nice as long as you have a fall back plan.

 

[GetOutThere!]

I think the hill descent actually independently brakes each wheel. That would be hard to master.

I watched a video on it- seems legit.

 

[stevo_pct]

I don't understand hill descent. Can't you just use a lower gear? What's different about it compared to doing it manually?

 

[GetOutThere!]

it holds a set speed under 20 MPH. It does so with brakes and transmission. I believe it actually independently brakes different wheels which can't be done manually. It's a few hundred bucks- and if you don't want to use it- don't engage it. That's the conclusion I've come to.

 

[stevo_pct]

I think I might have it on my F150 (2019 XLT with FX4). I haven't tried it because I wasn't sure what it did and it's pretty easy to control speed on downhills (even here in Colorado Mountains). But my trailer is only 2500# so the engine slows me down just fine if I put it in 3rd or 4th.

 

[montypower]

It's a gimmick. People think it's magic and it's not. It is automatically riding your brakes. This trick is fine for short descents but longer hills will heat up your brakes. Not to mention it is constantly running the ABS pump which can overheat as well. For short bursts it's fun. But not a practical tool to depend on like physical low gearing.

@stevo-pct - Yes, low gearing is the proper way to slow a descent. Shift down or low range.

 

[tacollie]

I've never actually used hill descent control even though I have it. I was told if you lift to wheel and the truck starts teetering it'll disengage. That isn't good IMO. Locking the transmission into first and for low works great. The 10 speed transmissions have a even lower 1st gear than my 6 speed.

Also don't like the idea of not knowing how much the brakes are being applied. If you're constantly pushing on them you know they're going to be hot. If you're just sitting there and letting the truck do it you're not going to be aware of what's going on with your brakes.

I don't know about the 23' trucks but previous trucks it can be activated with forscan.

 

[Grasslakeron]

it holds a set speed under 20 MPH. It does so with brakes and transmission. I believe it actually independently brakes different wheels which can't be done manually. It's a few hundred bucks- and if you don't want to use it- don't engage it. That's the conclusion I've come to.

My 21 f350 7.3 with 4.30's held 20 mph coming down from Loveland pass in Colorado. It did not have hill decent, it did it anyway. Just fyi....