Tow Haul

[CountryGuy]

All of our trucks come with tow haul mode for towing heavy loads.
I use mine anytime I'm towing since all the maufactures recommend it.
It changes the shift points and makes them firmer to extend the life of the transmisson. It also holds the lower gears longer making the initial pull easier until up to speed.

Just wondering why some of our members don't use it? DQDick has mentioned in numerous posts that he doesn't engage tow haul when towing. How many others in our group feel they don't need it? And
why?


Al

[Bill-N-Donna]

Contrary to your question, I do use it. As a matter of fact I use it at times whenever I’m not towing. I have used it several times in bad weather to allow the gears to help slow me down when approaching stops. One must be careful though as to not allow yourself to get into a position where using the gears will cause you to slide on a slick surface.

[Hooker]

GM says to use it when the GCW is equal to or greater than 75% of the GCWR.

[helmick]

Al
Tow Haul is there for a reason, so I always us it when towing.
Ron

[CamillaMichael]

quote:Originally posted by helmick

Al
Tow Haul is there for a reason, so I always us it when towing.
Ron

My thoughts, exactly!

[CountryGuy]

I have found out that there is an added benefit with tow haul.

That is my exhaust brake and downshifts are more agressive in the mountains. This is really nice towing in the hilly terrain - I hardley ever have to touch the truck brakes!!

[kylec2]

I use tow haul mode anytime I am towing my Montana for all the reason stated above.

[BB_TX]

quote:Originally posted by kylec2

I use tow haul mode anytime I am towing my Montana for all the reason stated above.

Same here.

[Ozz]

I love it, such a marvelous invention, it makes hauling so much easier and safer. I would never be without it again, and always use it. Can't imagine not engaging it.

[Drifty1]

The other day I was at the dealer and had a question about shift points on my dodge while towing. It seemed like my truck would not downshift when starting up a grade if I was cruising along about 40 mph at the start of the grade. It would pull the hill fine but it did not quite seem right not to downshift. He said the the computer will sense if you have enough torque to pull the grade and not shift. He said to try running without being tow haul to see if I noticed any difference to which I said wouldn't that harm the transmission and he said no. He said the tow haul mode does change the shift point and keep the transmission from hunting in the higher gears. I do usually run with the tow/haul engaged and I turn on the exhaust brakes most of the time while towing.

[tanner1070]

I always use it when pulling the 5er. It especially helps the downshifts with my GM Allison tranny. Almost sorta kinda like having an exhaust brake. Don

[mhs4771]

And per the GM manual (I know, who looks at the manual) when in Tow/Haul it causes the Torque Converter to Lock up in Lower Gears (forget exactly which gear) to eliminate slippage thus reducing heat build-up. Tow/Haul on when ever towing.

[helmick]

When I towed with my Chevy the trans temp. was alway lower when using the Tow Haul.
Once in a while I would forget to put it on and would see the higher temps. When putting
it in Tow Haul they would go down in about five minutes.

[moutard2]

When towing, I use tow-haul always and the shift limiter (Dodge RAM Trucks)and engine brake frequently towing or not.

[seahunter]

With our Ford, the integrated engine braking is only active when the tow/haul in activated, so this is one of the main reasons to use tow/haul whenever towing for me.

[H. John Kohl]

I use mine anytime I'm towing. It changes the shift points holding the lower gears longer making the initial pull easier until up to speed. When decelerating it will work with the exhaust break keeping the rpms higher for more aggressive breaking. The exhaust break is held in the on mode until 20 mph. If the tow/haul is off and I am in sixth gear the exhaust break shuts off at 40 mph.

[steelpony5555]

Yep, use tow haul any time I am towing or hauling. I also turn the engine brake on whether I am towing or not. Dodge mechanic says the engine brake keeps the turbo from gunking up and the the DPF working correctly, told me to turn it on all the time. Also keeps me from having to use the brakes a lot. Just wish it would come on when I turned the truck on. The trannies on modern trucks are smarter then people, no matter how good you think you are or how long you been driving the transmission has got you beat.

[BusyCarol]

In our 2002 Ford F250 7.3l diesel we do NOT have tow haul as an option. The only option we have is Overdrive Off/On. We always tow with our overdrive off. Some people think the overdrive and towhaul are on and the same. They are NOT per Ford. They are two completely different components. I don't know if this is directly pertinent to your question but I thought I would throw our 2cents in that we are utterly jealous of those of you who do have tow haul!

[mobilcastle]

quote:Originally posted by mhs4771

And per the GM manual (I know, who looks at the manual) when in Tow/Haul it causes the Torque Converter to Lock up in Lower Gears (forget exactly which gear) to eliminate slippage thus reducing heat build-up. Tow/Haul on when ever towing.

You are absolutely right. Your transmission will run cooler with tow haul engaged. It changes the RPM shift pattern.

[HOOK]

I always use tow/haul when towing, even my utility trailor. Heat is the greatest enemy of transmissions.