Gregg150

Hey everyone,

First off I'll apologize I'm sure there is a good chance that a post of this type exists somewhere in the depth of the forum lol.

I have a 2009 F150 FX4 package truck and a 12ft long 6ft wide enclosed trailer. The trailer is normally used locally and not always that often but, I am planning a last minute trip with it this week to help a friend move.

- I live in New York and will be taking the truck and trailer to Florida. Now I have been told over and over that for towing the trailer locally the "TOW/HAUL" mode isn't necessary. But, for the long trip I am getting mixed answers as to whether or not I should. I basically would just like to use the best option as to not hurt the truck on this 18 hour drive there and then 18 hour drive back pulling the trailer.

The truck from what I understand is more then powerful enough for what I do lol but, this will be the first long trip for the vehicle.

* 2009 F150 FX4 package pulling a 6x12 enclosed trailer. will weigh aprox 2,000lbs on the way down and 1,000lbs on the trip back.


Thanks for any input ! and a Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to you all!!!

- Gregg
(A very happy F150 owner!)

jkenprice1

If you find the transmission downshifts more than you like, use tow/haul. If not, don't worry about it.

Gregg150

Thank You jkenprice1 !

So correct me if i'm wrong but being that my trailer isn't that of substantial weight its more of a preference to use TOW/HAUL or not? neither is any better for the truck itself?

acadianbob

Think about it. Why would Ford even create a tow/haul mode if it wasn't beneficial to performance and the longevity of the truck? Use it.

Gregg150

Yes that makes sense I guess the question is more what qualifies as enough weight to be considered a "load" for "TOW/HAUL" i mean pulling something like a 400lbs open trailer is nothing but does my 1,200. Lbs trailer need it?

But yes lol your point is valid thanks acadianbob .

kchill93

Just use it. It really isn't a big deal. I like the way the truck shifts with tow/haul better. It'll rev up and let you gain speed without wanting to shift constantly. I usually just leave it on when towing anything more than a 1000 lbs. but if you're cruising down flat highway you could turn it off too and wouldn't be a difference

smokeywren

The tow/haul mode cancels whenever you stop at a rest stop or for gas. Then I often forget to turn it back on. I don't notice it's not on until I encounter hills or other steep grades, so I don't miss it being on.


But running on cruise control in hilly terrain, it's great. Shifting caused by gear hunting is reduced significantly, and the tranny will automatically downshift to provide engine braking when descending hills or mountain passes.


I suspect your trailer weights are low estimates. A 6x12 enclosed cargo trailer is going to weigh more than 1,000 pounds. But you could double your estimated trailer weights without effecting whether you need to engage tow/haul mode. New York to Florida doesn't have any mountain passes, and not much hilly country to cross. So you probably won't benefit by using tow/haul mode.


If you don't have a weight-distributing hitch, then distributing the load in the trailer is critical to prevent trailer sway. You want at least 12% to 13% tongue weight. More tongue weight is okay if it doesn't cause you to exceed the GVWR of your tow vehicle. But less than about 10% tongue weight could result in uncontrollable trailer sway.


If the road is not slick with ice or snow, then run on cruise control at about 65 MPH where allowed. Your trailer tires are probably limited to 65 MPH, so I wouldn't try to run faster than 65. And keep the trailer tires pumped up to the max on the sidewall, probably 50 PSI for ST tires.

homeskizzle

Roughly, where in NY to where in Florida? That'll determine the terrain crossed greatly.

Edit - I drove from Buffalo down I79 through Charlotte and then off to Greenville, SC. If you were going from western NY down 79, you'll get to encounter the numerous 6-9% grades in West Virginia.

Millinex

I just went from Colorado to Oregon in an 04 with a 32ft trailer weighing approx 7k fully loaded, I did not use tow/haul as my button is defective, did fine.

As long as your truck is well maintained you'll be fine, probably won't even notice 2k lbs

Gregg150

Thanks to everyone for posting. Truly appreciated the feedback. You were all very helpful.


Hope you all had a very Happy New Year !