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Empty Trailer and Tow/Haul Mode

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Old 06-30-2017, 10:32 AM
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Default Empty Trailer and Tow/Haul Mode

First time towing with my 2015 SCAB. Getting ready to pull an empty 5x8 U-Haul trailer 1650 miles from Houston to Syracuse, NY. Trailer weighs 900 lbs. Any need to use the tow haul mode?


On the return trip it will be interesting to see how the truck pulls the fully loaded trailer with the 3:15 diff.
Old 06-30-2017, 10:36 AM
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I pull a landscaping trailer around that is about 500 lbs empty. And I personally keep it off because the engine braking will kick in if I stop "too fast" which I know I have plenty of brakes. But with a loaded bed and camper I use it.
Old 06-30-2017, 10:39 AM
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Is it needed? probably not. But is that Uhaul a box or a flat bed? the box trailers will have a good bit of frontal area that might benefit from T/H mode.

I think you'll be ok either way.
Old 06-30-2017, 10:39 AM
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Good news is that you have 1600 miles to play with it. Hard to say as I don't have the same gearing but I do play between sport and tow depending on what I'm pulling. I also use gear lock out at times depending on how things are working out.
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Old 06-30-2017, 10:42 AM
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Good news is that you have 1600 miles to play with it. Hard to say as I don't have the same gearing but I do play between sport and tow depending on what I'm pulling. I also use gear lock out at times depending on how things are working out.
My thoughts exactly.


And, lately, I've been using Manual mode while Sport is on. It's good fun.
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Old 06-30-2017, 10:54 AM
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Have you considered going up there and getting the Uhaul there on a one-way rental?

May save a little fuel without the additional drag of the empty trailer.
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Old 06-30-2017, 11:36 AM
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I tow my 20 all steel car hauler empty on regular/normal mode.
But you have to see how your truck does when towing.
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Old 06-30-2017, 11:57 AM
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Originally Posted by carrierj
Have you considered going up there and getting the Uhaul there on a one-way rental?

May save a little fuel without the additional drag of the empty trailer.


That was my first thought. Cost $600 to rent a 5x8 enclosed cargo trailer one way from Syracuse to Houston . With my veteran's discount (thank you U-Haul!) it cost $286 round trip for an 11 day rental . Even with getting less MPG still much better off with the round trip.


Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I think I'll take the advice and switch between tow/haul and regular mode and see which suits me better.
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Old 06-30-2017, 12:19 PM
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Originally Posted by MarineLDO
That was my first thought. Cost $600 to rent a 5x8 enclosed cargo trailer one way from Syracuse to Houston . With my veteran's discount (thank you U-Haul!) it cost $286 round trip for an 11 day rental . Even with getting less MPG still much better off with the round trip.


Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I think I'll take the advice and switch between tow/haul and regular mode and see which suits me better.
Wow! That's an outrageous price for the one way. Looks like you are better off with the round trip deal you scored.

Have a safe trip.
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Old 06-30-2017, 12:23 PM
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No. I've found that with a very light trailer, unloaded, I don't like the shifting in T/H mode. With a heavier trailer, I love the engine breaking T/H provides.
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