Trucks with Tow/Haul

[mjflora]

If you have tow/haul, how do you use it? All the time while you're towing? Only on hills? Uphill? Downhill? Or both? Does it affect your mileage? We're trying to figure out the best way and time to use this feature!

[AZCampinfool]

I use mine anytime I am towing and never mess with it. As a result, I can't tell you any mileage difference between using it and not using it. In my GMC, the tow/haul mode has to be engaged to activate the Allison Tranny's grade breaking feature. I'm not sure if the Ford is the same way or not.

[steves]

Always keep it in tow haul in all conditions when towing - up-hill, down-hill, highway, cruise control, etc. Check your owners manual.

[rrheik]

We always stay in tow/haul whenever we are hitched up and on the move. Seems to work fine, can't say about the mpg.

bob

[Connorsmom]

I use it anytime I have the Monty on the back. Even if I'm on flat ground (which is about all yer gonna get in MI...LOL) A few times I forgot at first, and it was strange because it was quieter without the tow/haul mode engaged, and it seemed to be smoother also. But boy, the temperature gauge sure did show a major difference when it wasn't engaged! I would engage it, and the temp would drop really quickly. It definitely made a difference in the "hills" of KY and TN.

Jan

[rickety]

Always use tow/haul when hooked up and towing. Tranny temps stay down and the grade braking feature in conjunction with the exhaust brake on my '04 Duramax lets me keep my foot off the brake pedal.
I get about 12mpg towing and 20-22 not towing when out on the highway and 16-18 in town not towing. All in all I am very pleased with the mileage figures amd the towing capabilities of the vehicle.

[SKOOBDO]

I use it everytime I'm hooked up and towing. I leave it on the entire time. I've also used it when driving solo going down a deep grade, and it works great. I was getting 12mpg on my previous trailer I towed with the tow/haul on but haven't pulled my current one long enough to figure out the mpg. Since I haven't towed either unit without the tow/haul, I'm not sure if I'm saving or using fuel.

[bulbrich]

quote:Originally posted by mjflora

If you have tow/haul, how do you use it? All the time while you're towing? Only on hills? Uphill? Downhill? Or both? Does it affect your mileage? We're trying to figure out the best way and time to use this feature!

[bulbrich]

I have a 2007 F350 diesel dually w/tow command/tow boss package. Ford recommends using when ever pulling your rig. It also provides down hill braking with the 5 speed tranny.

[kjtogo]

According to the on-board computer, our mileage is around 10 mpg versus 17 when not in tow haul.

[Clyde n Deb]

quote:Originally posted by kjtogo

According to the on-board computer, our mileage is around 10 mpg versus 17 when not in tow haul.

And this is while pulling the 5er in both cases?

[Montana Sky]

I use the tow haul mode anytime I have a trailer behind the truck over 5,000 lbs. At speeds over 60mph, the tow haul mode will allow the tranny to shift into 5th gear.

[richfaa]

We are in Tow Haul mode when towing and note no difference in MPG.

[Steve and Brenda]

Don't know of any reason not to use a T/H feature if equipped. The shift points change to take advantage of the Diesel's torque, the braking saves brake pads on hills. Wish that there'd be a sensor to detect when I'm hooked up so I'd remember to hit the button on the shift lever!!!

[Cat320]

What does the Ford manual say? Chevy says to use the T/H when the GCW is 75% of the GCWR. It is a great feature.

[padredw]

OK, I'll stick my neck out just because I seem to be in such a minority. I use the tow/haul ONLY in the mountains or on steep hills, mainly on the down slope. Maybe it's because I have one of the smaller Montana models and a fine diesel pickup.

Anyway that's my honest answer whatever that may mean.

[Glenn and Lorraine]

quote:Originally posted by padredw

OK, I'll stick my neck out just because I seem to be in such a minority. I use the tow/haul ONLY in the mountains or on steep hills, mainly on the down slope. Maybe it's because I have one of the smaller Montana models and a fine diesel pickup.

Anyway that's my honest answer whatever that may mean.

Gotta agree with padredw on this one but that was with my 2955. As I haven't towed my 3485SA as yet the jury is still out but I doubt I will change my ways.
On the flats and lesser down grades I always run in Cruise Control and Overdrive 100% of the time. Slowing for an exit or rest area I kick it out of Cruise and O/D and put it in T/H. On any incline and the steeper down grades I'm out of Cruise and O/D and in T/H. When in heavy traffic or highways with frequent traffic lights or stop signs I will again run out of Cruise and O/D and in T/H.

[Emmel]

Also agree with Glenn on t/h mode. However I leave the tranny in od from the time I start the engine till I park it. And I haven't used t/h mode enough to determine the difference in mpg. Also, I check my mileage from point A to point B and don't agree in the computer mpg. The computer gives you mpg at that exact moment, going downhill you can get 25mpg with your foot off the gas! Our friend always told us on the cb he was getting 20mpg pulling his 5er but he took the same amount of gas when we stopped for fuel.

[Broome101]

T/H mode anytime I am hooked up to load. The T/H mode senses your load and works the tranny as needed and locks out converter as needed. If you are on flat land towing and OD is needed then that is what you get, T/H mode takes all guess work out of wroking your tranny hard, it does it for you to keep the clutches from over working in the tranny.

[315RLS]

quote:Originally posted by mjflora

If you have tow/haul, how do you use it? All the time while you're towing? Only on hills? Uphill? Downhill? Or both? Does it affect your mileage? We're trying to figure out the best way and time to use this feature!

We use it anytime when towing. Don't know about mpg but the feature engages the transmission cooler on our TV, so for us it makes sense to turn it on.