Driving In Tow/Haul Mode When Empty
Does anyone in tow/haul mode on a regular or even infrequent basis when empty? In my experience, so far, I can understand where for those driving in relatively flat areas, tow/haul wouldn't buy them anything.
However, I find that here in the hills of Pennsylvania, using tow/haul when empty seems to have advantages. I even invoke it momentarily when slowing down for red lights and on downhill grades for the additional engine braking that just isn't there when not in tow/haul mode. Uphill, the truck seems to pull easier and responds quicker when more power is needed; more like my 5 speed manual Ford PowerStroke did. Although it pulls OK uphill when not in tow/haul mode, to me, it feels like the engine is somewhat lugging and response is sluggish because it's always at a much lower RPM.
What I'm really interested in is fuel mileage. On the flats, yes, fuel mileage would most likely suffer running in tow/haul mode. But, I'd like to hear from those who drive in hilly areas as to what difference in fuel mileage, if any, they've noticed driving with tow/haul mode on vs. tow/haul mode off when empty. Your experiences, in general, would be appreciated too.
From what information I've read so far, it's OK to use tow/haul when empty but shifts may be more abrupt. I also suspect that you might be changing your oil a little more frequently as I believe the Oil Life percentage that displays on the DIC (for those who have this feature) is based on engine revolutions and, of course, there will be more engine revs when in tow/haul mode. Correct me if I am wrong about this or if there are other criteria in determining when the oil needs to be changed.
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2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD | Crew Cab | Standard Box | 4WD | Duramax/Allison
2000 Jayco Eagle 266 | FBS | TT
1986 Coleman Laramie pop-up -- Still in the family!!!
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