Tow Haul Button on my Truck

[Mike Cork]

What exactly is this doing? Being and outdated mechanic I imagine that this changes the gearing in the transmission to make it easier on everything. But the mechanic in me is curious about what exactly is happening for sure?

I tow this 21 foot fully rigged bass boat mostly on flat level ground. I have to wonder if it's really helping or just spending more gas by keeping the motor RPM's up?

[Mike Cork]

I should add that my older Chevy over the last couple years performed better with it on. However the new Dodge Hemi doesn't seem to care either way

[cowboy462]

in your old Chevy pretty much all the tow/haul does it keep transmission from shifting into overdrive. Relieving the stress of shifting in and out of it. On your newer trucks the computer actually changes the shift points and keep it from going in overdrive. That is how it was explained to me.

[caddyjoe77]

Also, I believe...but I may very well be wrong...that when you have the tow haul on you are allowing the engine to help you on hills going down.   

For example, it seems to me that when I am in that mode, and the truck senses that it is going down a hill it shifts down, the RPM's go up and I am braking without applying the brakes. 

[Lee Smith]

Mike, that button serves a few purposes:

1.  As Caddy said, it down shifts when it feels the pressure go down aka down hills
2.  As cowboy said, it does change the shift points so you don't get that lull when towing and shifting
3.  Your trans will go into overdrive with the tow/haul button on.  It runs on pressure and once it gets to   
     5th gear and the pressure evens out it will shift on into OD
4.  It is engineered to give you the most power when you are punching it and the best fuel mileage
     when you aren't.

We have had almost 0 issues with this new trans to date.  The few issues we have had where computer related and an update fixed them   

[West6550]

Lee Smith beat me to it!

My new truck actually has a dash view where it shows what degree the truck is on. I have found my new truck drives a little smoother with it on compared to off.

My Titan it only really was noticeable when I had the Stratos 294. The lighter boats it pulled like they weren't there.

[Mike Cork]

Thanks guys. The motor in this truck doesn't really have to work around here. Book says to use it and I will. Gonna have to drive to Arkansas and try the downhill thing LOL

I did notice yesterday that when I passed people on the way to the lake (with it on) there was no wind-up just went out and around.

[Kris]

Stolen from the Ram Forum

TOW/HAUL and OVERDRIVE ExplTOW/HAUL and OVERDRIVE Explained!!
Hello Guys/Girls

After reading numerous post here on RAM Forum there seems to be some confusion what TOW/HAUL mode is
used for or does.

I have had numerous trucks by 2 different manufactures Dodge/Ram and Nissan that have had tow/haul mode equipped on them.

The tow/haul mode only changes the shift points, to allow more bottom end when starting out, it allows the transmission to stay in the lower gear longer before it shifts to help get the load moving.

If your concern is your transmission when you tow, turn off overdrive to stop the transmission from constantly hunting the higher gear.

Turn off the OVERDRIVE is smart practice especially when towing heavy!

Turning OFF OVERDRIVE while driving in city traffic stops the car/truck from shifting into OVERDRIVE at low speeds "LUGGING".

Shifting to overdrive at slow speeds is COSTING you MPG because you are "LUGGING" the motor,rather than it be in the proper gear!! When "LUGGING" along and you need to speed up your car/truck downshifts and uses more fuel.

This constant "Lugging" is hard on your motor and tranmission and burns more fuel.

Lugging an engine/ transmission is not a good practice and over time can cause some damages or shorten the life of your motor and trans do to heat and lack of lubrication at key points in your motor and trans.

Some engine and trans components are not pressure lubricated and is done by a rotating parts slinging the oil from a small cavity or resivoir in the motor and trans to put a film/mist of oil to key parts,LUGGING causes these slinging parts to not rotate at the proper RPM to sling enough oil to the places that depend/use this method to get lubed.

My 2500 has a button on the shifter arm I can limit the highest gear to any gear I need to, this stops the trans from hunting on steep accents when towing heavy in the mtns.

I have never had to use it yet, pulling 10,000 lbs but I can see it has an application and no doubt help pulling big loads.



GO CUMMINS!!

Hope this helps to explain things
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__________________
Regards
Don

[cojab]

I did notice yesterday that when I passed people on the way to the lake (with it on) there was no wind-up just went out and around.

I'm curious about this as well but what you mentioned there Mike is the thing I think it helps with. I feel like it locks the torque converter quicker and holds it in gear longer to where there is not as much slipping going on.
Does that sound right Lee?
I also agree with caddyjoe. It definitely downshifts and helps on grades. That combined with the exhaust brake on my Ram and I hardly use the brakes with a heavy load going down hill.

[Oldfart9999]

It also helps the tranny to run cooler, they must reach a certain level of temp to perform at their best but if they work harder they can overheat, tow/haul helps keep the temp where it belongs. On trucks without the button just don't put it in drive, keep it one level below, also when pulling out of a steep ramp put the tranny in 1, it locks all the clutches so there is less spinning.
Rodney

[Lee Smith]

I'm curious about this as well but what you mentioned there Mike is the thing I think it helps with. I feel like it locks the torque converter quicker and holds it in gear longer to where there is not as much slipping going on.
Does that sound right Lee?
I also agree with caddyjoe. It definitely downshifts and helps on grades. That combined with the exhaust brake on my Ram and I hardly use the brakes with a heavy load going down hill.

You only get complete lockup in final drive

[Rangerman]

Well here's the real deal.  I was a Chevy dealer for 35 years and this is short of it. Use trailer mode when towing, it increase's the pressure and move's the fluid quicker, thus cooling in more as going thru the transmission oil cooler, and engine oil cooler if the truck has a trailing package.  It does cause harder positive shift reducing slip, and cut heat build up. All a plus plus when trailering.  Down side it will effect mileage somewhat for very little. It's on there for a reason so us it.   Don't use it and you get to pay your dealer mucho $$ for a rebuild down the road, out of town in some up North shop 3 times the local good ole boy price at home. All transmissions should be serviced at 40-50 thousand miles if trailering.  Most truck have a 100,000 mile of 5 year power train warranty and hopefully catch a problem while the warranty will cover it.  Service you transmission every 40-50 K and you will save money in the long run. Facts and just the facts

[Polaris425]

It also disables the MDS on the hemi.... Which you want, so you do need to use it. At least at lower speeds.

[SteelHorseCowboy]

It all looks pretty much well covered Mike. You probably won't notice much difference while hauling on flat ground, except that it should stay in lower gear a bit longer while accelerating and may shift a little harder. As others mentioned, there's the mechanical benefits and you'd REALLY notice it if you were hauling up in the Ozarks.
Tell ya what, why don't you come pick me up, and we'll ride scenic 7 up to Table Rock Lake?
I rode that route on my bike, and I promise you you'll gain a full appreciation of the tow/haul mode!

It also helps the tranny to run cooler, they must reach a certain level of temp to perform at their best but if they work harder they can overheat, tow/haul helps keep the temp where it belongs. On trucks without the button just don't put it in drive, keep it one level below, also when pulling out of a steep ramp put the tranny in 1, it locks all the clutches so there is less spinning.
Rodney

We have a 2015 and 2017 F150 at work. Now, I remember well on older vehicles with autos, whenever I chose "2" or "3", the vehicle would start in 1st and work it's way up. My 2012 Dodge car does this too, 4 banger and 4 speed auto.

In our new trucks, they start in the gear selected and just stay there. Never downshifts, never upshifts. You'll start out from a dead stop in 3rd gear if that's where you set it, with no torque or power, and it'll just lug along until it gets up to speed.

Is that odd? For the new ones or the old ones?

[SteveTX]

In our new trucks, they start in the gear selected and just stay there. Never downshifts, never upshifts. You'll start out from a dead stop in 3rd gear if that's where you set it, with no torque or power, and it'll just lug along until it gets up to speed.

Is that odd? For the new ones or the old ones?

My 2011 Z71 has a manual mode I can shift manually with up and down buttons on my shifter handle. I've never wanted to torture my truck so I never loaded it and then tried to start in a high gear so I don't know if it will start in a high gear or not. But I know I can manually shift up and down through the gears with these buttons. Mine also has a trailer mode separate.

Not to duplicate what has already been said but the trailering feature does pretty much what everyone says here. GM also has :

On any grade of about 5 percent or higher, Hill Start Assist automatically engages the brakes for 1.5 seconds or until the gas pedal is pressed. This keeps the truck from rolling rearward and helps in trailering situations like climbing a boat launch.

Pretty nice little feature.

[Oldfart9999]

The bottom line is use it, the vehicle will thank you! When something goes wrong, taken out a second mortgage.
Rodney

[SteelHorseCowboy]

My 2011 Z71 has a manual mode I can shift manually with up and down buttons on my shifter handle. I've never wanted to torture my truck so I never loaded it and then tried to start in a high gear so I don't know if it will start in a high gear or not. But I know I can manually shift up and down through the gears with these buttons. Mine also has a trailer mode separate.

Not to duplicate what has already been said but the trailering feature does pretty much what everyone says here. GM also has :

On any grade of about 5 percent or higher, Hill Start Assist automatically engages the brakes for 1.5 seconds or until the gas pedal is pressed. This keeps the truck from rolling rearward and helps in trailering situations like climbing a boat launch.

Pretty nice little feature.

Our 2013 F150 had the same feature, but that truck was such a POS we threw a fit until the powers that be took it off our hands and gave it to the garbage men. They were always complaining because they get the trucks that are on death's doorstep. Garbage dept. is the last stop before the auction block. They hated the 2013 too.
My dept. and the head honchos get the newest vehicles. They get them because rank has it's privileges, I get them because my department is fed regulated and runs 24/7, they can't risk us breaking down. Also why we always have two. After a couple years, they start getting passed down the food chain to other departments.

Our newer trucks don't have the manual shit feature though.

[Rangerman]

What you talking bout, Hemi whats a Hemi Sure nuff your transmission will thank you and your wallet in the long run.

[Rangerman]

Just mash the trailer button it's DA proof It's there for a reason, I you worried about 1 mpg on flat ground you need to sell you mess , trailer button will same mucho money in the long run. Dead Bang Fact!! and just the facts.   Use it it's there for a reason.

[sillybass]

It all looks pretty much well covered Mike. You probably won't notice much difference while hauling on flat ground, except that it should stay in lower gear a bit longer while accelerating and may shift a little harder. As others mentioned, there's the mechanical benefits and you'd REALLY notice it if you were hauling up in the Ozarks.
Tell ya what, why don't you come pick me up, and we'll ride scenic 7 up to Table Rock Lake?
I rode that route on my bike, and I promise you you'll gain a full appreciation of the tow/haul mode!We have a 2015 and 2017 F150 at work. Now, I remember well on older vehicles with autos, whenever I chose "2" or "3", the vehicle would start in 1st and work it's way up. My 2012 Dodge car does this too, 4 banger and 4 speed auto.

In our new trucks, they start in the gear selected and just stay there. Never downshifts, never upshifts. You'll start out from a dead stop in 3rd gear if that's where you set it, with no torque or power, and it'll just lug along until it gets up to speed.

Is that odd? For the new ones or the old ones?

Something is wrong . It should always start off in low gear (1st) no matter what you have what gear you have selected other than reverse and neutral.

[SteelHorseCowboy]

Something is wrong . It should always start off in low gear (1st) no matter what you have what gear you have selected other than reverse and neutral.

That's what I was thinking. But they're both new trucks, built two years apart, so I was wondering if it's a new thing.

Here's a horror story:
The 2015 had an issue with suddenly accelerating while riding down the highway. And I'm not talking about when it gives a little more gas on an incline with the cruise control set, I'm talking about balls to the wall, 5500-6000 RPM, standing on the brake pedal and thinking "HOLY CRAP WHEN'S THE GOVERNOR GONNA KICK IN?!"
We'd throw it in neutral and wait for it to calm down because the dealership was no help. It happened with cruise on AND without it.
Dealership refused to do anything. I'll even name them, Hixson Ford of Monroe. Said they couldn't duplicate the problem, therefore they couldn't fix it. Wasn't setting off a code or service light either.
Last time we took it in was because it accelerated hard on it's own twice in one day... except this time, once was while cruising a city side street, and the second time I was sitting at a dead stop waiting for a break in traffic so I could pull out. Ended up doing a donut in the middle of the busiest street in West Monroe, and no, there was no safe break in traffic, everyone had to dodge me.
That time, we dropped it off, and I took a pic of the odometer.
When they called us back, they said they couldn't "duplicate the issue".
I looked at the odometer, and it hadn't been driven by their service department.

We normally take vehicles under warranty to the dealership for anything other than basic service, this reduces the workload a little on our own service shop because they're always working frantically to keep old, worn out POS's running. Some of which I don't even consider street worthy, and I've own some real junkers in the past.
So this time we took it to them. Well, I threatened to sue the dealership, Ford Motor Company, and my employer if I had an accident as I dropped it off in front of the shop, screaming and cussing.

They replaced the electronic throttle control and the linkage, and it hasn't happened since then.
But now it misfires of #'s 5 and 6 cylinders.

[Oldfart9999]

That's what I was thinking. But they're both new trucks, built two years apart, so I was wondering if it's a new thing.

Here's a horror story:
The 2015 had an issue with suddenly accelerating while riding down the highway. And I'm not talking about when it gives a little more gas on an incline with the cruise control set, I'm talking about balls to the wall, 5500-6000 RPM, standing on the brake pedal and thinking "HOLY CRAP WHEN'S THE GOVERNOR GONNA KICK IN?!"
We'd throw it in neutral and wait for it to calm down because the dealership was no help. It happened with cruise on AND without it.
Dealership refused to do anything. I'll even name them, Hixson Ford of Monroe. Said they couldn't duplicate the problem, therefore they couldn't fix it. Wasn't setting off a code or service light either.
Last time we took it in was because it accelerated hard on it's own twice in one day... except this time, once was while cruising a city side street, and the second time I was sitting at a dead stop waiting for a break in traffic so I could pull out. Ended up doing a donut in the middle of the busiest street in West Monroe, and no, there was no safe break in traffic, everyone had to dodge me.
That time, we dropped it off, and I took a pic of the odometer.
When they called us back, they said they couldn't "duplicate the issue".
I looked at the odometer, and it hadn't been driven by their service department.

We normally take vehicles under warranty to the dealership for anything other than basic service, this reduces the workload a little on our own service shop because they're always working frantically to keep old, worn out POS's running. Some of which I don't even consider street worthy, and I've own some real junkers in the past.
So this time we took it to them. Well, I threatened to sue the dealership, Ford Motor Company, and my employer if I had an accident as I dropped it off in front of the shop, screaming and cussing.

They replaced the electronic throttle control and the linkage, and it hasn't happened since then.
But now it misfires of #'s 5 and 6 cylinders.

Is it still under warranty? Time to give them some more SHC Thunder!!!
Rodney

[SteveTX]

I agree the loudest complaint will get the attention. I had a dealer try blowing me off once.

My 87yr old grandmother who had early stages of dementia called a number off her TV when she saw a car supposedly getting 40mpg. Mind you my grandfather was legally blind and had no license in years. They told the dealership they couldn't drive there so the dealership sent a salesman and a car to their house and had them sign the papers in the living room on a car they couldn't get off the porch to look at much less drive.

Initially I was basically told go pound sand. Then it was there was nothing they could do the papers we're signed. Then it was you need to leave talking about me. I told them they would regret that move.

Before I was done they were meeting me before I got out of the truck. Extremely nice to me now go figure.

I'll call everyone or show up at their desk until I get answers. The local papers are a great tool as well as FOX use to have a # to call and report shady practices. I didn't have to call it but I had the advertisement showing the number in my hand and showed them who I was calling next.

Instant change in attitude when they see their bluff was called and the story was going public. 

[Oldfart9999]

Their is no reason for us to be nice if they think they are going to screw us. I once set a loud scene in a bank because their headquarters in another state was too damn lazy to correct my records, they corrected them to shut me up, it worked well enough that when they fixed it I yanked all my accounts, screw them!!!
When we  don't stand up for what is right with these companies they will roll over us.
Rodney

[SteelHorseCowboy]

Rodney, the truck is still under warranty, but there's a catch to how much I can do about it.
The owner of the dealership is friends with someone way higher up than I am. Probably the only reason we don't get work trucks from them is because maybe they're not a commercial dealer, I'm not sure.
So, if I make too much noise at the dealership over a work truck owned by my employer, I fear it could affect my job. Posting what I already have could possibly affect my job if the wrong person sees it.
So could the rest of what I have to say about it...

The people I work for are petty and incredibly corrupt. While we have whistle blower protection laws, they only protect you from losing your job or being punished for blowing the whistle on corruption. Those laws do not protect you from losing your job due to cutbacks, or losing your job because you suddenly end up in jail on trumped up false charges. Because even if you do manage to clear your name (will NOT happen, it's like working for the mafia), they can still use it as a reason to fire you, and it also discredits your accusations of corruption.

How do you survive in such an environment?
Well, just in case the wrong person does happen to see this public posting on the internet and figures out who I am, I'll state this in all caps...
YOU GATHER DIRT. AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, ON AS MANY SUPERIORS AS POSSIBLE, AND ON AS MANY OF THEIR ASSOCIATES AS POSSIBLE.
One of the first "classes" I got when I hired on was "who's who and what'd they do".
And I've had several years to add to the dossier, meanwhile, I've kept my own nose as clean as possible.

It's not blackmail...