When to put the truck into tow mode
#12
Senior Member
So not trying to tag on my but this is not good advice.
My truck weighs 6000 on the scale with me in it. Trailer laws in my state are any thing over 1,200 pounds need trailer breaks. So to say wait till you are at the weight of the truck you are going to burn your trany up.
Tranny will not burn up if you don't turn on Tow/haul.
Trailer brakes have nothing to do with Tow/haul, but engine brakes more.
#13
Senior Member
Originally Posted by petrie
So not trying to tag on my but this is not good advice.
My truck weighs 6000 on the scale with me in it. Trailer laws in my state are any thing over 1,200 pounds need trailer breaks. So to say wait till you are at the weight of the truck you are going to burn your trany up.
My truck weighs 6000 on the scale with me in it. Trailer laws in my state are any thing over 1,200 pounds need trailer breaks. So to say wait till you are at the weight of the truck you are going to burn your trany up.
I'll rephrase it. Anytime it's more than just you and the truck, you should put it in T/H.
#14
Senior Member
You will not harm the transmission hauling around an empty trailer without using tow haul mode. However, you will probably enjoy the experience more because of the modified shift points.
I use tow haul anytime there is more wight being moved by my truck then myself and a passenger or two. Its not uncommon for me to use tow haul mode even when the truck is empty. Sometimes I'm not in the mood for the super early up shifts that take place when just is regular mode.
I use tow haul anytime there is more wight being moved by my truck then myself and a passenger or two. Its not uncommon for me to use tow haul mode even when the truck is empty. Sometimes I'm not in the mood for the super early up shifts that take place when just is regular mode.
#15
Senior Member
Just made a 1500 mile trip this weekend towing the biggest and heaviest I ever had. Didn't use Tow/Haul for part of the trip out on the advice of the redneck at the trailer rental joint. Worst decision ever. It was like a new truck when I turned it on. Use it! That truck knows it's transmission better than you ever will. I was floored by how well the 5.0/trans/trailer brake/sway control combo did.
#16
Just made a 1500 mile trip this weekend towing the biggest and heaviest I ever had. Didn't use Tow/Haul for part of the trip out on the advice of the redneck at the trailer rental joint. Worst decision ever. It was like a new truck when I turned it on. Use it! That truck knows it's transmission better than you ever will. I was floored by how well the 5.0/trans/trailer brake/sway control combo did.
#17
Senior Member
I couldn't disagree with that statement more. I absolutely hate tow/haul mode on the F150 for anything with some significant weight to it. For smaller, lighter loads, it does fine but with heavier loads the damn thing screams, wants to keep kicking to 3rd and revving the hell out of the engine. I've had much better luck putting the truck in manual mode and doing the gear changes myself. The truck may know the transmission but I can see the road and put it in 4th before the hill so it can maintain speed, rather than react part way up the hill, once momentum is lost and require 3rd to hold speed.
#18
Not liking tow/haul mode either. I drive like an old man because I am one, with the TT attached and my gentle foot the transmission hangs in gear too long especially the 5-6 shift. If the transmission is not overheating and frequently shifting I'll continue as I have been.
#19
Senior Member
Not liking tow/haul mode either. I drive like an old man because I am one, with the TT attached and my gentle foot the transmission hangs in gear too long especially the 5-6 shift. If the transmission is not overheating and frequently shifting I'll continue as I have been.
#20
Senior Member