Hill Descent Control

[johndjmix]

So your thinking it will actually allow the vehicle go to pick up speed, rather than lock the wheels?

This is what I would think would be ideal.

--John

 

[woutvc]

Yep I do think so.
The speed will increase, but the braking will be done on the engine to keep the speed increase under control.

 

[gwpfan]

Yea sometimes the hill descent isn't too smooth at all, then others it works great. Sure is nice though when it's working good with a cold beverage in the hand.

 

[Vegas Raptor]

When you use this system you have to trust it! I turn it on at the Crest of the hill any plant my feet on the floor in front of the brake/gas pedal and drive forward. That takes trust. The wheels don't lock up they brake and release. It is very nerve wracking to do it the first time. Try a smaller hill first to get your faith on the system.

 

[johndjmix]

Faith is one thing. But this hill, it's not like the kinda thing that if you start to slide you will wreck your truck. If you slide on this one it's death, Defiantly got to have serious faith in the HDC to use it on this!

--John.

 

[Hoverp]

Faith is one thing. But this hill, it's not like the kinda thing that if you start to slide you will wreck your truck. If you slide on this one it's death, Defiantly got to have serious faith in the HDC to use it on this!

--John.

Pics of the death hill?

 

[pat247]

Faith is one thing. But this hill, it's not like the kinda thing that if you start to slide you will wreck your truck. If you slide on this one it's death, Defiantly got to have serious faith in the HDC to use it on this!

--John.

Per the 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor Supplement:

Hill descent control cannot control descent in all surface conditions and circumstances such as extremely steep grades. Hill descent control is a driver assist system and cannot substitute for good judgment by the driver. Failure to do so may result in loss of vehicle control, crash or serious injury.

So maybe HDC is not suitable for this hill, just a thought.

 

[Deleted member 12951]

Pics of the death hill?

Google search finds:

http://www.dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/672-red-cone-usa.html

 

[Nv Guy]

Was about to start a thread about this but here it is. So here's the question

What will hill decent control do if there is no traction at all. In other words with all 4 wheels locked the vehicle still slides? Will it lock all the wheels?

I wonder this because I'm still hesitant in using it at times. For instance, picture this, going down a steep snow covered hill with major cliffs on both sides. I couldn't bring myself to turn it on in such a spot, thinking ...what if It locks the wheels Or slows them so much I start to slide...I may slip off the edge. In those situations i just use the brake so I can let go and freewheel if necessary to avoid sliding over a ledge.

Possibly it wouldn't do that. Does anyone know the answer?

Oh and Colorado people, that spot I'm referring to is the decent from the top of red cone. If you have been there you know what I mean!

--john.

I wouldn't turn it on part way down, I think you have to let it run the show from the start, because I don't think it will come on unless your stopped (it's been a while since I have fooled with my HDC).
What it wont do, or shouldn't do is allow the wheels to slide at all, but that is assuming there is traction to be had.
If there is no traction, it's going to be going crazy applying and releasing the brakes trying to get the speed under control.

The Ford warning alludes to this, in that if you think you're going to be able to go down a 10% grade covered with ice, you better reconsider because HDC doesn't give you a pass from the laws of physics.
This hill sounds scary as hell, snowy or not. I would probably find a hill with less possibility of death and try the HDC, see what you think.
If we ever get any snow again, I am going to have to go out and experiment.

 

[johndjmix]

I don't have a pic of the exact hill, but here is a shot I took of the top of the area in July. Trail was still blocked by snow at one point so we had to turn back (we were on ATVs). You can get the idea.

Here is a description from trail damage (site that has most of the CO trails).

http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=9

I'll tell you one thing. There is no way I would take my truck, or anyone's truck on this trail. I do it on my ATV but defiantly wouldn't attempt in my truck. I was just curious about the HDC.