Tow/Haul mode

[Rich49]

2008 Chevrolet 2500HD 6.0 Vortex Gas.....am curious when others use the tow/haul mode. All the time or when pulling or descending a hill. Towing a 35' Blackstone TT, Outdoors RV. Most of the time I go manual to keep transmission from shifting to much. Your thoughts please. Thanks

[VanDiemen23]

don't know about your 6L but my 8.1 with Allison has never had an issue with hunting for a gear. i use tow/haul to keep the brakes form getting too hot on downhills.

[SouthpawHD]

Some say use it only when it's hunting for gears, some say use it all the time. I say use it all the time as that's why it's there. There is NO harm in using it, but it is possible to cause damage when not using by putting extra strain on the transmission.

[MtnTrek]

Welcome to the forum.


You might inspect your owner's manual.
Mine states that tow/haul should be energized whenever pulling a trailer, or carrying a heavy load. No harm to equipment would result using it all the time (not towing)but fuel mileage could suffer. Shift points could be less comfortable with vehicle un-laden.
Whenever the trailer is connected we're in tow/haul.
We let the transmission / computer do all the shifting, in fact we use cruise control most of the time. YMMV.


Be well.

[lcboy]

I have a 32 ft and always use the tow/haul because it keeps the rpms in the sweet spot for good power and it also downshifts earlier to help slow down so you don't have to brake so much.

[rskeans]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
x2

[SmokeyWren]

I'm a very smart guy and spent my career developing automated computer systems. But I understand that the specialists who developed the software that controls the engine and drivetrain in my pickup are a lot more knowledgeable than I am in the specialty of developing the tow/haul mode software. Think of software developers as medical doctors (MDs) that are speciaists in their field. You wouldn't want your podiatrist (foot doctor) performing heart surgery on you.

So I almost always let the computer in my pickup decide how to handle the engine and transmission when towing. Yes, I tow with cruise control and tow/haul mode with the tranny selector in D(rive). I don't try to outsmart the computer program that controls my gear selection.

[CCH]

👍 agree with Smokey

[cashmore]

Originally Posted by SmokeyWren

I'm a very smart guy and spent my career developing automated computer systems. But I understand that the specialists who developed the software that controls the engine and drivetrain in my pickup are a lot more knowledgeable than I am in the specialty of developing the tow/haul mode software. Think of software developers as medical doctors (MDs) that are speciaists in their field. You wouldn't want your podiatrist (foot doctor) performing heart surgery on you.



So I almost always let the computer in my pickup decide how to handle the engine and transmission when towing. Yes, I tow with cruise control and tow/haul mode with the tranny selector in D(rive). I don't try to outsmart the computer program that controls my gear selection.

Agree completely

[timetogo]

A computer can sense change, but can't see it coming like an alert driver. I shift mine as needed, watch the tach, temp gauge, and anticipate changing road conditions. Up hills and down hills I maintain control and enjoy the drive.

[pt1655]

I agree with timetogo; I use my tow/haul moden whenever I am towing our trailer. Not only does the tow/haul optimize shift points, it does magic in the tranny to help control temps and stress. But I do use the gears manually in anticipation of hills and traffic changes as the cruise control on my Ram likes to drop 5mph before downshifting, way too long to respond to hills or changes quickly, but that may just be my Ram. I try to tow at as consistent a 60mph as I can and that helps. Happy Towing!

[rarebear.nm]

I agree with pt1655. I tow a 32ft, 14k lb 5th with a RAM 3500 in the southwest and the rockies. We have our share of ups and downs on the big mountain passes. I use the tow/haul and cruse control on the lower/flatter roads. However, when it comes to the steeper stuff (Monarch Pass, Co.) I take control and make sure my speed is always in check with the exhaust brake and my gears. This summer I went over Monarch Pass hardly touching the service brakes and had a very controlled and enjoyable ride up and down, both directions. The computer can't see what's ahead and how to adjust for it, but it does great on the level and low rise stuff. Maybe they'll develop a more forward sensing computer system and software tied with a GPS that "really knows" where you are and what's ahead and how to adjust for it. But for now I'll trust my carbon based computer before the silicone version for the steeper roads. I grew up driving these mountain roads. Be safe on the road.

[miniceptor86]

Originally Posted by timetogo

A computer can sense change, but can't see it coming like an alert driver. I shift mine as needed, watch the tach, temp gauge, and anticipate changing road conditions. Up hills and down hills I maintain control and enjoy the drive.

Please remember that the computer code that the computer follows was... Written by a human! As such it is not all knowing. I have the M position on my shift lever and find that in most instances of hill climbing and descending I am better off using my experience and observations to select the proper gear at the proper time. I find that on my '14 F150 down shifts descending could be earlier if needed at all and are held longer the needed. Up grades the transmission's code holds in the upper range too long, scrubbing off too much momentum on long hills or shifts down at the crest of little hills when it could have just stayed in the upper gear.

[wingnut60]

Have a friend with '11 GMC 3500 SRW DMax--he says the manual option works much better for him than the T/H.
Since I own a lesser brand, can't add more than that...
Joe