Community Forums

davie200 · 05-03-2016, 01:24 PM

Asked the dealer what the tow/haul mode does. Got deer in headlight look. Georgetown XL 369DS 2016? Have owned pickup RAM 3500 Diesel with exhaust brake. Let up off gas and brake kicks in. Step on brake pedal a little and it downshifts. Guess will find out if this works on motorhome. Of coarse it doesn't have exhaust brake but wonder if anyone knows? Manual on these things are basically non existent.

Ranger Smith · 05-03-2016, 01:31 PM

It basically changes the shift programming.

**CLIFFTALL** · 05-03-2016, 01:36 PM

I this a Ford ?

JacknKay · 05-03-2016, 05:47 PM

If a Ford, engage tow/haul by pressing the button on the end of the gear shift lever, (anytime). When you press on the brake peddle, the transmission will down-shift as necessary to slow the coach down. Mostly used on a downhill, but can be used anytime to slow the coach. Note that you might still have to use the brakes to slowdown, depending on the steepness of the grade.

Tetonchief · 05-03-2016, 07:46 PM

Look it up in the chassis owners manual--it explains everything about your chassis. Fuses, capacities, how to operate etc.

nothermark · 05-03-2016, 08:15 PM

There are several long threads about this chassis setup. They include a lot of misdirection but the underlying message is to figure it out on a safe hill. What it should do is possibly down shift when you push the button, definitely down shift when you press the brake pedal after pushing the button. You may need to hold it down for a few seconds. It may drop another gear if you hold it longer. If not then coming off the brakes and going back on may cause another down shift. One of the limiting factors is engine speed. That engine will safely rev a lot higher than most others. I routinely see 3500-4000 rpm on downshifts in a different chassis.

normandlegra · 05-03-2016, 08:34 PM

Definetly, the tow haul is a must while towing a dinghy. It actually makes the tranny shift at higher engine revolutions and it greatly helps going downhill by stepping on brake pedal a little and it downshifts and will downshift again if you repress the brake pedal.
I constantly use the tow haul whilt towing or not, it helps in any matters.

SuperGewl · 05-04-2016, 12:11 AM

Tow/Haul is NOT an actual Tow/Haul. It is a Hill decent Mode. The Ford owners manual does a good job of telling you exactly what it does.
When activated it will change the shift points in the tranny and still allow OD. Also when you are traveling thru hills if you top a hill on the descent it will down shift to help maintain speed if you don't have your foot on the gas. If you lightly press the brake pedal it will get a bit more aggressive and down shift more. If you keep your foot on the brakes it will attempt to bring you down to a halt as fast as possible.
Now take all of that into consideration, that if you set the cruz at let's say 55mph and have the Tow/Haul on they will work together to attempt to keep you there not only up the hill but also down the hill. The system does work and is the next and only best thing you can have for a gasser except a GM motor and Alison tranny behind it. Which we all know are not being made anymore.

db7512 · 05-04-2016, 03:13 AM

I use the tow mode almost all the time. Try it out.

**CLIFFTALL** · 05-04-2016, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by db7512

I use the tow mode almost all the time. Try it out.

I lost one MPG when I did that and confirmed with Ford that it will do that and possibly 11/2 .
Thereafter I only used it as advised by Ford when descending hills and in City traffic.