Tow/Haul mode

[jbrown5030]

Sorry if this is one of the things that's been asked to death already, but I couldn't find it using the search. What exactly does the tow/haul mode do?

Seems like I read somewhere that it locks out the top couple of gears or something, but after using it today that doesn't seem to be what it does. I've had the truck a year now, first time I've used it. 2015 5.7 4x4 3.92 if it matters.

 

[RoadRamblerNJ]

Sorry if this is one of the things that's been asked to death already, but I couldn't find it using the search. What exactly does the tow/haul mode do?

Seems like I read somewhere that it locks out the top couple of gears or something, but after using it today that doesn't seem to be what it does. I've had the truck a year now, first time I've used it. 2015 5.7 4x4 3.92 if it matters.

If you had some hills, you'd know what it does LOL. Holds gears longer going uphill to keep revs up and provides some engine braking by down shifting when going down a hill if it senses you want to slow down/stop. On my '17 2500, 6.4, 4.10s it will not shift into 6th grar if Tow/Haul is activated. It also won't go into ECO mode, shutting off 4 cylinders. Thats what I like about it. It's more usefull if you're actually towing weight. Even more so anywhere but sea level NC.

 

[Burla]

Reduces wear on the tranny, I have used it 24/7 for 7 years. Keeps engine in higher rpm's and makes it shift better period. No bogging in gears which is bad for the tranny. Poor mans tuner, no downside except maybe gas mileage on a long freeway trip, you can always turn it off.

 

[Burla]

From alpar...


Some models had a “Tow/Haul” mode made faster shifts to cut wear on the transmission, and reduced gear searching by holding lower gears longer, also choosing lower gears when going downhill to increase engine braking.

Use it with confidence every short trip man. it has become second nature for me, the more you use it the easier it is it just hit the button every time you start the truck. peace, burla

they call it tow haul but it is really good for everyday use. But of course the object when towing is to always be in high rpm's to better control the weight and take it easy on the tranny. Now, yes the engine works a little harder, but still not nowhere near enough to be considered abusing it.

 

[jbrown5030]

Ok. So that all sounds like a reasonable explanation. My boat hasn't moved out of the driveway in the year I've had the truck, but yesterday I had to pull a small but heavy old utility trailer with a lawn tractor in it from Raleigh to the coast. At the same time I had some lumber and concrete in the bed, not a lot, but put it all together and I could tell something was back there. Due to the Red Green nature of the project I also had the ladder rack on with a 9 foot kayak up there.

It seemed like a good time to try out that button. Seemed like between Raleigh and Wilson it shifted a lot between 7 and 8 so I put it in 7 until we got to a flatter area.

 

[TRCM]

From the owners manual:

When to Use TOW/HAUL Mode:
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting occurs, press the TOW/HAUL switch to select TOW/
HAUL mode. This will improve performance and reduce the potential for transmission overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL
mode, transmission upshifts are delayed, and the transmission will automatically downshift (for engine braking) during steady braking maneuvers.

NOTE: TOW/HAUL mode locks out Overdrive


So why have an overdrive transmission if you are always gonna use tow/haul, which prevents its use ????


It's your truck & your wallet, so do what ya want, but to me, the way it is written, you use it when towing heavy AND frequent shifting occurs, otherwise, ya don't need it.

I only use it when I am towing my camper, or my boat thru the mountains.

 

[Wahrsuul]

Hmm...that's odd, in a 5spd, I thought 4th and 5th were "overdrive" gears. But ye, when in T/H, my tans shifts all the way to 5th. Used it when towing the Accord to FL. Which now I have to go get and bring back. Seems FL doesn't want to deal with an SC salvage title.

 

[Kincer]

Where I live in Pa my commute is hilly, not steep but rolling hills, I use tow/haul every trip and my gas mileage is actually better than with out it. I also toggle it in to 8th gear every time which turns off mds. I would leave it alone for a highway trips though if I ever do a trip but that's very rare.

 

[TRCM]

I do wish Rams' tow/haul changed other features like chevy does......mainly, when you tap the turn signal, you get 3 flashes of the turn signals in normal, but in tow/haul, you get 6. Perfect for changing lanes when towing.......'bout the only thing I really liked about the it.