Engine brake use

[Dfb]

Even when not towing, I use the tow mode and the exhaust brake... It saves the truck's brakes..

 

[WhatExit?]

Even when not towing, I use the tow mode and the exhaust brake... It saves the truck's brakes..

Yeah, not sure how the Tow/Haul mode would save any brake use. Please explain.

Engine brake (I like Automatic mode) works very well - senses pedal use and position - saves brakes big time. That and down shifting really makes a huge difference on declines.

 

[Dfb]

Yeah, not sure how the Tow/Haul mode would save any brake use. Please explain.

Engine brake (I like Automatic mode) works very well - senses pedal use and position - saves brakes big time. That and down shifting really makes a huge difference on declines.

Let foot off and the truck slows way down.

 

[RMcNeal]

On my Ford, tow/haul mode is what engages the exhaust brake. The exhaust brake slows the truck down significantly when I let off the gas, so I need to use the brakes less.

 

[WhatExit?]

Exhaust brake (engine brake) is controlled separately from tow/haul mode.

I'm sure there's a good use for tow/haul mode but I've stopped using it as I don't like how it affects the truck's shifting. I now prefer to shift manually, use engine braking, and throttle pedal to control the truck's performance downhill.

 

[RMcNeal]

On my F350 from 2014, there is no way to turn on/off the exhaust brake other than to turn on tow/haul mode. I don't have a separate control for the exhaust brake.

 

[twindman]

You guys should get a Chevy! LOL My 2012 has a separate Exhaust Brake switch. I think it works whether toy/haul is on or not.

 

[RMcNeal]

A nice feature I suppose, but it's still a Chevy

 

[PSFORD99]

A nice feature I suppose, but it's still a Chevy

I was thinking the same thing except it's still just a Chevy or Ford !!!!!

 

[DutchmenSport]

Yeah, not sure how the Tow/Haul mode would save any brake use. Please explain.

...

Chevy guy here!

I have Cruise, Exhaust Brake, and Tow Mode on mine.

Exhaust Brake will slow the truck down in the event it begins to pick up speed too much.

Tow / Haul mode does change the shift pattern of the transmission. Yes, it shifts at a higher RPM, but what it also does ..... it holds the transmission in the present gear and will not permit up-shifting.

So, if going down-hill and the down hill speed is 55 mph and both Tow/Haul and Exhaust Brake are active... when the truck begins to speed up, the Tow/Haul will hold the truck in it's present gear. The Exhaust Brake will attempt to slow the truck down, as the engine is actually causing the braking, NOT the actual brakes.

If the engine rev's too much and then you push the brake peddle, and slow down, Tow/Haul will down shift and hold it there.

So, the secret to using both is this...

At the top of the hill, slow your speed down. Say if the desired speed is 55 mph, slow the rig down to 50 and start the descent. Tow Haul will not permit any up-shifting. If the transmission down-shifted into a lower gear, Tow/Haul will hold it in that lower gear without you having to manually shift. Exhaust Brake will cause the engine to slow the speed.

If the speed increased above desired limits, manually hit the brakes until the transmission down-shifts into yet, another lower gear. Yes, the engine will rev, but that's what it's suppose to do.

When doing this .... yes .... cruise control needs to be "off". Otherwise, you have all these systems fighting against each other.

Once you hit the bottom of the decline, hit the cruise again.

I have found (specifically the Mountains of West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina) if I set the speed with cruise at 55 (interstates), hit Tow/Haul, and exhaust brake, the truck towing the trailer will hold exactly 55 mph, going up hill or down hill. If I set it faster, it seems to pick up speed somewhat and then I have to hit the brakes to slow down to shift to a lower gear, but then the engine is reving at the higher speed. 55 works well going down hill.

Whenever towing, if that is flat Indiana or the mountains of West Virginia, Tow/Haul mode is always on, as is exhaust brake. I've never had problems.

 

[flyingjack]

Dutchmen; mostly same here with 2023 2500 Duramax. I'm a little more aggressive in that I set cruise control at 65 up and down I70 over Cont Divide with no issues pulling my loaded 13k lb 5er. I have found the need to bump the brake on some 8% grades in southern CO. I love this truck; way less stress than fighting traffic by having to run much slower to be safe.