RPMs While Driving

[Devil6]

I did a quick but maybe incomplete search on this topic, if this has been asked before please point me in the right direction.

While driving, the transmission likes to upshift until the motor is running at ~1,500 RPM. Whether at highway speeds or residential driving, this is what it does.

I have never operated a vehicle at this low of an RPM. In fact, this might lug the engine. Recently I was checking fuel economy and with the needle set at 59MPH, at 1,500RPM, on cruise, on flat terrain, the computer said 34 MPG. This is great but, I feel 1,500 RPM is too low.

At 1,500 RPM the engine is hardly making any power. This plus the weight of the truck is a problem for me. Tow mode or sport setting fixes this

Does the forum have an opinion on this, running at 1,500 RPM?

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[Bluestem]

I agree with Ranger Pride, I set the cruise at 55 most days, around 1400 rpms, been averaging 27 mpg. The reason you get such good mileage is because the engine can cruise at such low rpms, drives more like our Ram 2500 with the Cummins diesel in this regard. That thing loves driving along at 1300 rpms and gets great mileage.

 

[AzScorpion]

I would think that the Ford engineers that designed the truck to run this way have done plenty of research and it's fine to run it this low. Also like everyone's already said if you don't like it drop it in S mode and have more fun with it but you will lose some mpg's.

Personally Love the way it drives and if/when I want more power I drop it in S then back into D for granny driving. ? Play around with it some more and you'll figure out what works best for you. Some here just drive in S mode all the time and shift it themself while other use S mode and let the truck shift. There's a happy medium there somewhere.

 

[JeffM]

Just drive faster, 75 is about 2000 rpm.

 

[Devil6]

I would think that the Ford engineers that designed the truck to run this way have done plenty of research and it's fine to run it this low. Also like everyone's already said if you don't like it drop it in S mode and have more fun with it but you will lose some mpg's.

Personally Love the way it drives and if/when I want more power I drop it in S then back into D for granny driving. ? Play around with it some more and you'll figure out what works best for you. Some here just drive in S mode all the time and shift it themself while other use S mode and let the truck shift. There's a happy medium there somewhere.

I like Ford, I’ve owned several of their products. But, I would never confuse Ford with Honda or Toyota. I’m not sure I have the same confidence in their testing that you do.

 

[AzScorpion]

I like Ford, I’ve owned several of their products. But, I would never confuse Ford with Honda or Toyota. I’m not sure I have the same confidence in their testing that you do.

Honda cars I agree 100% they would be my first choice. After coming from a 2016 Tacoma which was nothing but a headache I would rather walk than drive another Toyota product. Their customer service was the worst and that's Toyota corporate. I have MUCH more confidence in my Ranger than my Tacoma,there's really no comparison! Now to be fair I'm talking about the 3rd general Tacomas which are pure trash. The happiest day was the day I traded mine in and have ZERO regrets buying my Ranger. YMMV

 

[Devil6]

Just drive faster, 75 is about 2000 rpm.

That’s an option except I live in A densely populated portion of Germany. 75MPH in a 62MPH area, if your lucky gets you an expensive ticket in the mail. If a Polizei pulls you over you get to pay it on the spot. Then you get points on your license.
When I need to go that fast I take the Mustang.

 

[Devil6]

Honda cars I agree 100% they would be my first choice. After coming from a 2016 Tacoma which was nothing but a headache I would rather walk than drive another Toyota product. Their customer service was the worst and that's Toyota corporate. I have MUCH more confidence in my Ranger than my Tacoma,there's really no comparison! Now to be fair I'm talking about the 3rd general Tacomas which are pure trash. The happiest day was the day I traded mine in and have ZERO regrets buying my Ranger. YMMV

I’ve heard that they have had some problems lately but, nobody tests like Honda and Toyota do.

 

[Devil6]

I agree with Ranger Pride, I set the cruise at 55 most days, around 1400 rpms, been averaging 27 mpg. The reason you get such good mileage is because the engine can cruise at such low rpms, drives more like our Ram 2500 with the Cummins diesel in this regard. That thing loves driving along at 1300 rpms and gets great mileage.

The problem is that it isn’t a diesel so running like a diesel at highway speeds is a problem for me.

 

[Roy Johnson]

Devil6
Driving at a low rpm saves wear and tear on the engine and drive train, Saves fuel. Improves the environment, if you want to burn more fuel, create more emissions and burn up your truck have a mechanic change out the rear gear to increase rpm. Which ranger do you own?

 

[pull string get cookies]

That’s an option except I live in A densely populated portion of Germany. 75MPH in a 62MPH area, if your lucky gets you an expensive ticket in the mail. If a Polizei pulls you over you get to pay it on the spot. Then you get points on your license.
When I need to go that fast I take the Mustang.
[/QUOTE

Tried using SelectShift or installing a tune?

 

[Devil6]

Devil6
Driving at a low rpm saves wear and tear on the engine and drive train, Saves fuel. Improves the environment, if you want to burn more fuel, create more emissions and burn up your truck have a mechanic change out the rear gear to increase rpm. Which ranger do you own?

Devil6
Driving at a low rpm saves wear and tear on the engine and drive train, Saves fuel. Improves the environment, if you want to burn more fuel, create more emissions and burn up your truck have a mechanic change out the rear gear to increase rpm. Which ranger do you own?

When you lug your engine you put excessive force on it. Driving at ~1500 RPM over time may cause engine problems.
Since the engine isn’t making much horse power or torque at this engine speed is problematic.

 

[Devil6]

I may try the performance tune, if it doesn’t reduce towing capabilities. I hope I’m not disappointed like I was with the Boss 302 red key.

 

[Roy Johnson]

Change out your rear gear. Do really think ford screwed up the gearing and we are all going to have engine problems down the road because of it. My f150 ran about the same at 55 mph. I am sure it will be fine. Trust me.

 

[AzScorpion]

When you lug your engine you put excessive force on it. Driving at ~1500 RPM over time may cause engine problems.


Since the engine isn’t making much horse power or torque at this engine speed is problematic.

This engine/tranny combo have been out for a while with hundred of thousands of miles on them. You're not "lugging" your engine or putting excessive force by driving at 1500 rpm's! IF they ere problematic Ford would've redesigned them them. Unless you have engineering proof this is going to fail you're just assuming this is going to be problematic. I think the Ford engineers know a little more about this than you do but you're welcome to your theories.

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