redcelica

Total n00b question but going to pick up my first trailer tomorrow. 16' open car hauler. Steel frame with a brake on one axle; wood floor. Should I put the truck in tow mode on the ride home or do you think it's not enough weight to make a difference?

acadianbob

Use tow mode. That's what it is there for.

brown1

i believe t/h mode just changes some shift strategies so it really doesn't matter. i drive in t/h sometimes just because its fun, kinda like a poor mans tuner!

smokeywren

There's no reason to not use tow/haul mode. But you probably won't notice any difference with the empty trailer. Add a 4,000-pound car or 5,000 pounds or more pickup on the trailer and you definitely want to use tow/haul mode.

JJM

I think it's safe to say that tow/haul should be switched on anytime you're moving more than the weight of the truck. It changes shift strategies and will even downshift for you while braking.

petrie

If you have a trailer put it in tow haul. End of discussion.

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.

SixShooter14

I think that's exactly what he's saying...

If you add a 1000# trailer then you are moving more than the weight of the truck...1000# more.

fafafooey

You should put it in tow mode when you are towing.

MagNitto

It should also be used when hauling a heavy load. It's called tow/haul mode afterall