[mlts22]

This is an opinion question, since one of the motorhomes I'm looking at uses the I-5, but for people that have the diesel Transit, how well does it do up and down mountain highways and roads?

I'm guessing the fact that it has two turbos minimizes power loss due to elevation, but I've not driven one yet, so don't know.

 

[TomB985]

I'm guessing the fact that it has two turbos minimizes power loss due to elevation, but I've not driven one yet, so don't know.

I think you're confusing it with the EcoBoost engine. The 3.2L Powerstroke only has a single turbo, but that really doesn't matter to this question. Forced induction can minimize the power loss with higher altitude, so it won't lose as much as the 3.7L engine would.

But you're still pulling a heavy RV up a hill with only 180 HP, so it may struggle on some mountain passes. Won't hurt anything though, and you certainly won't be the slowest thing up the hill. The EcoBoost V6 would be considerably more powerful, but it would drink a lot more fuel.

 

[rondo]

No issues whatsoever moving my build over mountain passes. Been living with it at altitude (~9000ft) for a year now and have moved heavy loads over Tioga and Sonora Pass in the Sierras without difficulty. Have also passed plenty of traffic on the way over the passes fully loaded. The diesel has plenty of oompf.

 

[Budsky]

It isn't just horsepower-
torque is the big thing on a hard pull- my 185HP 350lb/ft torque Transit diesel outruns my 260HP 271lb/ft torque Toyota FJ Cruiser towing my 3500 lb travel trailer up a several mile 6-7% grade.
It also does it at 50% better fuel economy even though the whole package is probably about a ton heavier than the Toyota.

 

[danketchpel]

So far I'm quite happy with my 3.2L diesel for driving in mountain conditions.

It will surprise you with what it can do. Sometimes I do wish for "just a bit more" but other times it surprises me with giving me more than I thought it could.

I agree the fuel economy under load will be better than a gas engine. I also believe it's more durable under load than the gas engine, which is why Ford rates the max towing load with the diesel engine.

 

[driley]

I'm very pleased with the Diesel for Mountain driving and it is something we do very often.

 

[TXAggie]

The other day I was traveling along I64 in West Virginia. I was loaded with 12 pax plus luggage. The cruise control was set at 73 in a 70 MPH zone. Without touching the accelerator, I started the climb on a 7% grade.

At the top of the 5 mile run (distance not change in elevation) the engine had smoothly downshifted twice and was still running at 63 MPH all without touching the accelerator & cruise control still engaged. I was still passing cars. I am impressed with the overall power of Ford's 'little' I5 diesel with 6 speed transmission, 3.73 limited slip rear end. Remember, this is their biggest model with the high roof, extended length, & dual real wheels. For those interested in the fuel economy for this trip:

1,413 miles from Southern Maryland (Waldorf, MD) to South Central Kentucky (Campbellsville, KY) via I-64.
78.1 gallons of diesel
18.09 MPG overall
341 miles, 20.6 gals, 16.55 MPG, Westbound
401 miles, 20.2 gals, 19.85 MPG, WB
246 miles, 16.7 gals, 14.73 MPG, EB
425 miles, 20.6 gals, 20.63 MPG, EB

 

[polarbear]

Thank you TX Aggie, useful info. I haven't bought yet but that seems encouraging. I'm contemplating the same configuration.

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