Tow/Haul button on shifter
06-29-2013, 02:41 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Tow/Haul button on shifter
I have that tow/haul button on my center shifter. Has anybody used this while towing? Does it actually make a difference? Does it change the shift modes on transmission?
06-29-2013, 03:47 PM
#4
I use it all the time when towing. Well, *almost* all the time. Sometimes I forget to toggle it and wonder why the truck is extra sluggish.
I think its main feature is that it changes the shift points.
I think its main feature is that it changes the shift points.
06-29-2013, 04:21 PM
#5
Retired and loving it!
And tow/haul mode attempts to slow you when going downhill by automatically selecting lower gears....although in the EB "attempts to slow you down" is really all it does. I use a lot more brake and gpo slower downhill than I did in my 5.4 --- but still, the EB is worth it for the rest of the time when towing heavy.
06-29-2013, 06:19 PM
#6
Senior Member
I use it when towing heavy, it changes shift points and holds gears longer. It also incorporates a brake strategy where it shifts to lower gears faster and you can induce this change (09-10) by tapping the brake pedal, now there is select shift which does the same I assume.
06-29-2013, 07:08 PM
#7
Senior Member
Yes. Use it when towing or hauling big loads. It keeps your truck from down shifting excessively by keeping it out of overdrive. The truck will run higher RPMs to maintain the power you need. And it will also help you slow down for stops and going down hills. It's there for a reason, use it. It's better for the truck's transmission to run higher rpms in one gear, than it is to hunt back and forth between gears. You'll lose some MPG, but if you're pulling, you have no right to worry about MPG's.....LOL.....It is after all... a truck!
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06-29-2013, 08:35 PM
#8
I just towed for the first time with my Eco platinum and the only thing I really noticed with the tow/haul was it kept it in lower gears longer and prevented shifting into 6th which was a real fuel sucker. In my Eco towing a 7000lb trailer just driving normal without it worked better as it tows phenomenally maybe with a real heavy load it would be more beneficial, with the 5.0 it might work better
06-29-2013, 10:04 PM
#9
Senior Member
I just towed for the first time with my Eco platinum and the only thing I really noticed with the tow/haul was it kept it in lower gears longer and prevented shifting into 6th which was a real fuel sucker. In my Eco towing a 7000lb trailer just driving normal without it worked better as it tows phenomenally maybe with a real heavy load it would be more beneficial, with the 5.0 it might work better
06-29-2013, 10:15 PM
#10
Senior Member
Excerpted from that overlooked source of information - The owner's manual .....
D (Drive) with Tow/Haul On
The Tow/Haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when using Tow/Haul.
Tow/Haul can be activated by pressing the transmission control switch on the end of the gearshift lever (column-shift transmission) or on the side of the gearshift lever (floor-shift transmission).
The TOW HAUL indicator light will illuminate in the instrument cluster.
Tow/haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting. Tow/haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the transmission is in the D (Drive) position; this engine braking will slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based upon the amount the brake pedal is pressed.
To deactivate the tow/haul feature and return to normal driving mode, press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL light will no longer be illuminated. Tow/haul will also deactivate when the vehicle is powered down.
The Tow/Haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when using Tow/Haul.
Tow/Haul can be activated by pressing the transmission control switch on the end of the gearshift lever (column-shift transmission) or on the side of the gearshift lever (floor-shift transmission).
The TOW HAUL indicator light will illuminate in the instrument cluster.
Tow/haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting. Tow/haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the transmission is in the D (Drive) position; this engine braking will slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based upon the amount the brake pedal is pressed.
To deactivate the tow/haul feature and return to normal driving mode, press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL light will no longer be illuminated. Tow/haul will also deactivate when the vehicle is powered down.
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