Tow/Haul mode -- must use?

[Jd5203]

Both of my GM trucks (2004 1/2 ton and 2012 2500 gas) act rough when using tow/haul while unloaded. However, once loaded with even a moderate weight, they smooth right out. With the new truck, an empty trailer is too light (say 2000 lbs), but with my tractor on (~5000 lbs total) tow/haul performs similar to normal driving. The higher RPMS are noticed, but the harsh shifting is smoothed out entirely.

If it were me, I would run the truck in Tow/Haul mode. Thats what its there for and by doing so, you won't be guessing.

The rough shifting is because the tow/haul mode is only meant to be used with high performance such as pulling trailers. The rough shifting is because your trans while in tow/haul mode is designed to shift quicker so you get going faster while still getting high rpms because you are shifting quicker therefore the rpms aren't allowed to drop as low.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Just got through looking in my 08 Nissan Titans book and it stated tow haul mode must be used whenever the trailers weight is more than 75% the trucks GVWR.

I honestly can say I never remember seeing this before but stumbled on it looking up info on installing a car seat for our baby that is due sometime this or next week.

Chris

 

[tcartwri]

The other reason to enable Tow Haul mode, is because it enables engine braking, at least on the fords. You just tap the brake pedal once and it should downshift and hold it until you get on the gas again.

 

[timswi]

The other reason to enable Tow Haul mode, is because it enables engine braking, at least on the fords. You just tap the brake pedal once and it should downshift and hold it until you get on the gas again.

My GMC does the same thing..I use it anytime I have a load.

 

[WM75Guy]

I use mine anytime there is a trailer behind me. Yes there is a drop in gas mileage. T/H mode does 2 things, keeps you at lower gears longer and engages the engine brake. I have 175,000 miles on my 2003 GMC and the original brake pads. I can also turn OD off with the same button but never have.

 

[shortthrow50]

no. the manufactures only put this feature in newer trucks to run more efficiently while hauling and towing loads.
who in the hecks wants to do that. keep it off

 

[tungularafishcamp]

I have a 05 duramax and have hauled a couple +15 and one +20,000 lb loads up the Alcan and almost always used the tow/haul mode. The one time I forgot to turn it on after a pit stop was pulling a long hill in 4x4 with a couple inches of new snow on the road, glanced down and saw my tranny had gotten a little warm(1st time ever) kicked myself, engauged tow/haul and kept going to a place to pull over, of course there are never any when you need on but by the time I topped the hill the tranny had cooled considerably and was back to normal within a few miles of cresting the hill. I figure a couple of extra gallons of diesel is cheap compared to possible alternatives, also love the increased engine braking with it.

 

[toppop52]

Tow/haul increases transmission fluid pressure, that's what causes the firmer shifts and what helps the tranny run cooler and live longer.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

I honestly can say I never remember seeing this before but stumbled on it looking up info on installing a car seat for our baby that is due sometime this or next week.

Chris

Congratulations Chris!!!

 

[Diamondpilot]

Congratulations Chris!!!

Thanks. We are in a holding pattern right now.

Chris