Community Forums

darcyracing · 08-27-2012, 06:59 AM

I have a 2010 f250 6.4 and tow a 35 tt about 7000 lbs.
In tow mode the truck spends a lot more time in lower gears just reving.I was wondering if driving without tow mode, as long as I was not loading the motor down tring to acc quickly if there was any down side.
Without tow mode on the truck still pulls the TT with ease.

Thanks,

trackman · 08-27-2012, 07:13 AM

If on the flat roads I take it out of tow. When on inclines or curves I put it back due to the frequency of changing gears. Sometimes I leave the tow on and really do not see that much difference in handling or fuel

SmokeyWren · 08-27-2012, 08:32 AM

The Ford integrated brake controller should be switched on for climbing grades or descending grades. So in hill country with frequent ups and downs, or when climbing mountain passes or coming down the mountain, turn on the tow/haul mode. But in normal highway travel on relatively flat roads, it has no advantages over the stock Drive setting of your SelectShift tranny.

The answer may be different if you are towing overloaded.

hooverbill · 08-27-2012, 01:10 PM

Don't know about Ford, but GM says to use the Tow/Haul mode when GCW reaches 75% of GCWR.

mhs4771 · 09-02-2012, 08:30 AM

Again, don't know about Ford, but with tow/haul mode on in a GM it locks up the torque converter in lower gears thus reducing slippage and heat. And it depends on the weight you're pulling. When we had the TT, only approx 4500#, didn't use tow/haul, but not with a 15K# 5er use it all the time to help keep tranny temps down.

J Birder · 09-02-2012, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokeyWren

The Ford integrated brake controller should be switched on for climbing grades or descending grades. So in hill country with frequent ups and downs, or when climbing mountain passes or coming down the mountain, turn on the tow/haul mode. But in normal highway travel on relatively flat roads, it has no advantages over the stock Drive setting of your SelectShift tranny.

The answer may be different if you are towing overloaded.

I think you meant the Tow Mode should be switched on for climbing grades or descending grades. The integrated brake controller should be switched on whenever you are towing.

Joel

SmokeyWren · 09-02-2012, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Birder

I think you meant the Tow Mode should be switched on for climbing grades or descending grades. The integrated brake controller should be switched on whenever you are towing.

Joel

Yep, you're right, Joel.

JohnBoyToo · 09-02-2012, 01:46 PM

In the last 4 or 5 ford diesels I've had, I rarely used tow haul unless the tranny was doing a lot of up and down shifting in near mountainous terrain

(actually that's not true, I will save my brakes, by punching the button to slow down @ red lights using tranny and engine braking instead of wearing out my brake pads)

One of the contributing factors to tranny heat is the torque convertor locking and unlocking to shift...

the new 6.7 deezle's 6 speed tranny has a manual mode that I will get up to speed in 6th and put it in manual mode and let the turbo do the pulling up the grades instead of the tranny shifting up and down...
(newer vehicles on cruise control now DOWNSHIFT when going downhill to keep speed from increasing above your set speed... drives me (and my mpg) crazy

)

wingnut60 · 09-02-2012, 09:12 PM

Smokey,
A SelectShift transmission in a 6.4? Maybe you also meant TorqueShift?
Joe

wingnut60 · 09-02-2012, 09:16 PM

darcyracing,
With a 7k trailer, you probably would never need the TowHaul mode if you don't like it. But, it will save a little on brakes when going downhill. I use mine with a 17k load a lot, and now have 116000 with original brakes.
Joe

SmokeyWren · 09-03-2012, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingnut60

Smokey,
A SelectShift transmission in a 6.4? Maybe you also meant TorqueShift?
Joe

The description in the 2012 Order Guide calls it a "Transmission - TorqShift 6-speed SelectShift Automatic O/D." But the 6.4Ls had the older 5-speed that probably wasn't called a SelectShift. My bad.

wingnut60 · 09-04-2012, 08:10 PM

Smokey,
Just hassling you...have gotten lots of good data from you on the forums. Thanks.
Joe

ensiv · 09-04-2012, 08:40 PM

I have a 2006 with the 6.0 and haul boats and other equipment every week. On local roads, in traffic and on open roads when climbing hills I will switch on Tow Mode. On open roads at highways speeds it is not necessary.

The worst thing for you transmission is constantly on and off the accelerator with Tow Mode off. When you let off the torque converter free spools and then when you press the accelerator there is that moment of the torque converter spooling up to match engine rpm. With Tow Mode on the torque converter stays engaged.

It also helps with braking keeping Tow Mode on. Sorta like a Jake Brake but not really.