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09-04-2012, 10:42 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: TN
Posts: 645
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Tow Mode or Not Tow Mode that is the question...
Tow Mode or Not Tow Mode.
Had this discussion with my father-in-law, we both have Dodge with 5.9 Cummins. He has 2500 auto, don't know what rear end he has. I have 3500 auto with 4:10 rear end.
He does not use it unless he is areas with lots of grades (mountains, hilly, etc.). He clams to get better MPG with it off.
I use it when ever the TT is hooked up, as per the truck manual. And before this turns into a "my trucks better than yours" thread, Make of truck does not matter.
What say you and why?
Thanks for your input...
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Russ & Kim
2014 Alpine 3600RS
2007 Dodge Ram 3500 5.9 4X4
2008 Harley Davidson Road King 105th Anniversary
(2011-5 bad year)(2012-40)(2013-45)(2014-23)
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09-04-2012, 11:06 PM
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#2
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Posts: 2,381
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For what it is worth, and regardless of brand, "tow mode" does NOT alter the transmission or the rear end ratio. All it does on most is move the shift points, to keep the engine in the power band, and keep the tranny from "hunting" gears. the constant gear swap is hard on clutches, and accelerates wear. As for keeping the engine in the power band, yes it will use more fuel. When you are getting 10 mpg on a 100 mile trip, in regular mode,that is 10 gallons. If you used "tow haul" and got 9.5 mpg, you burned an extra 1/2 gallon. You spent at most an $2.00 for fuel. Is your $3000 transmission worth it?
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LadyWindrider
2012 Ford F250 ext. Cab 4x4
2002 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
2008 Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic
2008 Work and Play 18LT
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09-04-2012, 11:31 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 903
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I always use it on my Nissan Titan. I notice it most at slower speeds. Not so much while cruising the highway. I switch gears my self it's easier on the truck for me to switch to a lower gears and let the truck stay in that gear till I get up a hill. Other wise it will shift back and forth through gears. I know my Nissan isn't as dramatic as others. My work truck is a Chevy 2500 with 6.0 and six speed auto. Sometimes I think the engine is gonna blow and then when stopping sometimes it almost put you through the windshield. My Nissan is nothin like that at all.
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2012 Sandstorm 203slc
2013 Toyota Tundra
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2004 Yamaha Grizzly 660
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09-04-2012, 11:57 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1,368
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On my f two fiddy, the tow/haul locks the tq more frequently to keep temps down, optimizes shift points for better pwer delivery, and activates the exhaust brake . With that said, it actually says on my info screen to use tow/haul for hills, and to turn it off on flats for better fuel economy.
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2015 F350 Platinum Fx4 6.7 Diesel Dually. B&W turnover, B&W Companion, air bags and wireless controller.
2015 Heartland Road Warrior 420 Rt
2012 f250 Fx4 6.7 Diesel crew cab tinted n tuned
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09-05-2012, 04:21 AM
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#5
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H2oski
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Hartford, AL
Posts: 639
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For what it's worth my manual read " no need to use TOW MODE until your at 80% of max gross combined weight. I normally don't need to use Tow Mode. I have used it going down Mount Eagle on I75 N to assist with engine braking. My weights are 22000lbs GCWR and I'm at 18000lbs combined weight ready for camping.
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Wife
2007 Chevy 2500 HD 6.6
2012 Sabre 31RETS
(LA) Lower Alabama
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09-05-2012, 06:51 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Oshawa, ON
Posts: 979
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Quote:
Originally Posted by h20ski
For what it's worth my manual read " no need to use TOW MODE until your at 80% of max gross combined weight. I normally don't need to use Tow Mode. I have used it going down Mount Eagle on I75 N to assist with engine braking. My weights are 22000lbs GCWR and I'm at 18000lbs combined weight ready for camping.
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Correct, my manual indicates this also, my GVCW is about 80% and I use it. I found that I actually get better mileage than not using it and it does keep the trans temp down.
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Dave, Southern,ON
2017 GMC SLT HD All Terrain Crew Cab (6' 6" Box) 2012 Roo 23SS
E2 Trunnion WDH (1,000 lb / 10,000 lb)
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09-05-2012, 07:33 AM
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#7
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Now a "Top Member"
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Roman Forest, TX
Posts: 4,322
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I use mine whenever I am towing my 5th wheel (except when I stop and forget to engage it again!). As noted above, it activates the engine braking in our F-250's, and does all that other stuff. But it only shifts when needed. Since most of my towing is on the flatter areas of Texas, it makes no difference in mileage for me, since my tranny stays in 6th gear once I get cruising. I think that holds for most with the tow/haul as well. If it's staying in 6th gear (or that highest gear for your truck/tranny), mileage is probably not affected much, if at all, and it will give you the engine braking if needed.
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Ed and Sharon
2010 Wildcat 28RKBS
2019 Ford F-250 XLT - AWESOME Truck!
Retired AF MSgt
I thought I was wrong once, but I was wrong!
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09-05-2012, 07:59 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 553
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The manual for my Chevy says to use above 75% of max load. Also says that using it below that will not hurt the truck, but you will see lower fuel economy.
What I notice is definately higher rpms at cruise with a trailer attached, and lower mpg. I don't really know if it helps or hurts on downhill slopes. On my 2500, I engage my exhaust brake in hilly country to keep from gaining too much speed. Definately tow mode has a bigger effect on my Suburban than it does on my 2500 - probably because with the gas truck, I'm solidly above the 75% threshold.
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09-05-2012, 08:02 AM
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#9
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Phat Phrog Stunt Team
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 34,507
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Also holds the gear longer when upshifting from a stop.
1St to second shift about 800 to 1000 rpms higher than with t/h off. On a gasser.
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09-05-2012, 09:27 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Saskatchewan, Canada
Posts: 292
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I use it whenever I'm towing my TT
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09-05-2012, 09:45 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Camping some place I hope
Posts: 584
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On a Chevy Allison (at least) it will lock the TC and increase the pressure which provides a lower operating temp.
Besides reducing your fuel mileage at higher loads it will save on your brakes as well.
Keep in mind the Cummings Tranny is an entire different animal
Right from the 2011 Chevy Owners Manual:
Tow/Haul is designed to be most effective when the vehicle and
trailer combined weight is at least 75 percent of the vehicle's Gross
Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). See “Weight of the Trailer” under
Trailer Towing on page 9‑94. Tow/Haul is most useful under
the following driving conditions: . When pulling a heavy trailer or
a large or heavy load through rolling terrain.
. When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load in
stop-and-go traffic. When pulling a heavy trailer or
a large or heavy load in busy parking lots where improved low
speed control of the vehicle is desired.
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul when lightly loaded or with no
trailer at all will not cause damage. However, there is no benefit to the
selection of Tow/Haul when the vehicle is unloaded. Such a
selection when unloaded may result in unpleasant engine and
transmission driving characteristics and reduced fuel economy. Tow/
Haul is recommended only when pulling a heavy trailer or a large
or heavy load.
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2019 Chevy 3500 4x4 Crew Duramax
2021 Wolf Pack Toy Hauler
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09-05-2012, 10:37 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Jamestown NY
Posts: 588
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With my Dakota I always use the tow/haul mode whenever I'm towing the camper. Just seems to put a lot less stress on the trans with the changed shift points, and the motor doesn't work as hard.
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2012 Winnebago "Journey To Insanity" 40U
2008 Dakota Sport 4x4
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F.R.O.G. member
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09-05-2012, 11:50 AM
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#13
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Camper Less Camping
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: NW
Posts: 3,642
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Quote:
Originally Posted by camper_Lucy
On a Chevy Allison (at least) it will lock the TC and increase the pressure which provides a lower operating temp.
Besides reducing your fuel mileage at higher loads it will save on your brakes as well.
Keep in mind the Cummings Tranny is an entire different animal
Right from the 2011 Chevy Owners Manual:
Tow/Haul is designed to be most effective when the vehicle and
trailer combined weight is at least 75 percent of the vehicle's Gross
Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). See “Weight of the Trailer” under
Trailer Towing on page 9‑94. Tow/Haul is most useful under
the following driving conditions: . When pulling a heavy trailer or
a large or heavy load through rolling terrain.
. When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load in
stop-and-go traffic. When pulling a heavy trailer or
a large or heavy load in busy parking lots where improved low
speed control of the vehicle is desired.
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul when lightly loaded or with no
trailer at all will not cause damage. However, there is no benefit to the
selection of Tow/Haul when the vehicle is unloaded. Such a
selection when unloaded may result in unpleasant engine and
transmission driving characteristics and reduced fuel economy. Tow/
Haul is recommended only when pulling a heavy trailer or a large
or heavy load.
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Ditto, I use it always with camper
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2013 Sabre 32RCTS-6 (sold)
Family of 4 whose always on the GEAUX!
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09-05-2012, 12:04 PM
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#14
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TeresaInCAL
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: California foothills
Posts: 416
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I always use it because that's what it says to do in the manual.
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Teresa
2013 f150 Ecoboost 4x4
2009 Gray Wolf, 22BH
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09-05-2012, 12:52 PM
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#15
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Dallas Texas
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 296
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90% of the time I use it. It keeps my trany, AF, and oil temps down. If I see a long flat highway ahead I'll turn it off to help the MPG. But, if I have a strong headwind on a flat I'll keep it on.
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2004 Cardinal 33CKT
2006 Ford SDD F250 CC 4WD
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09-05-2012, 01:13 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Smyrna, Tennessee
Posts: 445
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I use mine...still trying to figure out when I get the best gas mileage. Going to find out in the next few days...going to tow over Monteagle on I-24 about an hour's drive away. Also...Chevrolet owner's...do you access your vehicle's manual online?
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2009 Palomino Puma 25RS
2007 Chevrolet Silverado
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09-05-2012, 01:48 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,367
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I tried it last weekend and didn't care for how it acted. It's pretty flat around here so I'll try it again at the end of month in the hills up north.
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09-05-2012, 01:53 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1,368
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EdJunior
I use mine whenever I am towing my 5th wheel (except when I stop and forget to engage it again!). As noted above, it activates the engine braking in our F-250's, and does all that other stuff. But it only shifts when needed. Since mostyou of my towing is on the flatter areas of Texas, it makes no difference in mileage for me, since my tranny stays in 6th gear once I get cruising. I think that holds for most with the tow/haul as well. If it's staying in 6th gear (or that highest gear for your truck/tranny), mileage is probably not affected much, if at all, and it will give you the engine braking if needed.
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you know , a couple of times this last week end I stopped the truck, and got back in to go and tow/haul was still on when I started truck????..normally it turns off when I turn truck off?.....hmmmm
__________________
2015 F350 Platinum Fx4 6.7 Diesel Dually. B&W turnover, B&W Companion, air bags and wireless controller.
2015 Heartland Road Warrior 420 Rt
2012 f250 Fx4 6.7 Diesel crew cab tinted n tuned
2012 lacrosse 318bhs touring- sold
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09-05-2012, 06:55 PM
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#19
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Now a "Top Member"
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Roman Forest, TX
Posts: 4,322
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ironj
you know , a couple of times this last week end I stopped the truck, and got back in to go and tow/haul was still on when I started truck????..normally it turns off when I turn truck off?.....hmmmm
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Really? Hmmm, maybe an update to the 2012's?? Interesting!
__________________
Ed and Sharon
2010 Wildcat 28RKBS
2019 Ford F-250 XLT - AWESOME Truck!
Retired AF MSgt
I thought I was wrong once, but I was wrong!
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09-05-2012, 09:18 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Saskatchewan, Canada
Posts: 292
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So... are some here trying to believe they're smarter than the engineers and mechanics who built and designed these trucks?
If the manual says to use tow/haul mode when towing or hauling why would you think that it's not the right thing to do?
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