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Topic: Kent's Trip To Yosemite (Read 24 times) previous topic - next topic
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Kent's Trip To Yosemite
Yahoo Message Number: 159789
Ed,

In response to your request for information on the E450 Transmission, I kept an eye on both speed and RPM during my trip to Yosemite Valley last week.

Now keep in mind that I am in no way an expert as to the inner workings of the 5 speed E450 transmission, these are just my simple observations.

The steepest grade I encountered was the Grapevine leaving and returning to the Los Angeles area. I entered and exited the Valley via 140 which is an easy climb and not a real challenge for the E450 tranny.

With this in mind, I will add that the140 is my newly preferred route into the Valley although it does add time to the drive. It's captivating beauty increases a great deal of pleasure to the drive. 41 is loaded with twists and turns and lacks the view that the 140 offers.

Now back to my Grapevine drive. Uphill at its steepest grade in Drive my speed was 60MPH and the RPM was approx 2200. Downhill grade at its steepest with the Tow Haul ON the speed was again 60 MPH and the RPM was at 3200. I do anticipate the need to engage the Tow Haul and therefore I did not notice any strain on the transmission during the Tow Haul use.

I am pretty conservative on my speed up hill, down hill and on level grades. I stay close to 57 MPH when possible.

My average gas mileage from Long Beach and into the Valley was approx 9.2 MPG. Without resetting the MPG setting, by the time I returned home the average MPG was 9.8

Interestingly enough, I just checked the Ford web page and it states that the 2016 E450 transmission is a 5 speed with overdrive and the Tow Haul Mode. Not sure how accurate that really is so I wonder if the new 2016 LD owners could validate the 6 speed. Just curious.

So there you have it. My simple observations during a most memorable trip to a spectacular place. Hope this helps.

Prepping for Big Bear in a few weeks.

Kent

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2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Kent's Trip To Yosemite
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 159792
Hello Kent. An excellent report and kind of a benchmark for us as we head into the mountains in a few weeks. Did you get that overall 9.8 mpg towing? Our mileage while towing is generally 9.0 - 9.2 mpg.

And thank you for this information.

Ed & Margee '09 MB Fort Worth
Kent's Trip To Yosemite
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 159796
Joan,

Ok. It is interesting that the link you provided shows the E450 cut-a-way with the 6 speed while the link I used showed the 5 speed.

Perhaps it is a different model of the E450 cut-a-way. The one I saw was the E450 DRW. That must make all the difference. So many flavours to choose from.

Thanks

Kent

Sent from AOL Mobile Mail
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"