Tow mode or not ?

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Dannycameo

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I have a 2019 2500 with the 6.4 hemi and mine will go into 8th with tow haul mode on. It has only done it twice, but it has done it. The first time it did, I was shocked. Had to double check that I was in tow haul mode...I was. I was going roughly 62-65 mph towing our 11k fifth wheel on a probably 2 or 3% downhill grade when it happened. I think it has to be absolutely perfect in order for it to happen. It downshifted back to 7th even before I hit perfectly flat ground.

I have a 2019 2500 with the 6.4 hemi and mine will go into 8th with tow haul mode on. It has only done it twice, but it has done it. The first time it did, I was shocked. Had to double check that I was in tow haul mode...I was. I was going roughly 62-65 mph towing our 11k fifth wheel on a probably 2 or 3% downhill grade when it happened. I think it has to be absolutely perfect in order for it to happen. It downshifted back to 7th even before I hit perfectly flat ground.
As one other member mentioned or mentioned I know that 7th and 8th are basically overdrive gears on the 8 speed.
So I guess in theory there's no reason it shouldn't go into 8th if the situation is just right, In theory, And a couple of you have reported that it has gone into 8th for you.
I have yet to find that situation towing, I should also mention I have 37" MT's tires on on my power wagon which also Adds to the mix.
I think the combo the 411 gears of the power wagon and 37 MT's, versus 392 or 321 also plays a large part of the difference.
Since I changed to the 37's at At 300 km I've never had a chance to tow with the power wagon with the stock 33's or even 35's for that matter.
Yet I can tell you that when I was towing on a couple of trips the light off road trailer, it's about 700 miles each way so I had plenty of time any of time to watch the gears from start stops and and where it like to sit on the highway.
I will be towing again this time into the rocky mountains in about 3 weeks with the same trailer I will be interested to see on some of the steep downgrades if I do get into 8th.
 
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Dannycameo

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This thread is somewhat confusing because it has comments related to the 1500, 2500, and 3500 (Aisin) transmissions. There are operational differences between them.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 3 June 2018. Now at 74797 miles
This is kind of exactly what I was thinking we have members in this thread, with everything from a 1500 with 3.21's and the 3.6 l on 31 inch tires all the way up to 6.4l, 4.11 gears and 37 inch MT's and everything in between!
There's a lot of different variables in there as far as transmission Shifting is concerned.
I think we need to compare apples to apples, Such as just for example, I'd like to know if there's another power wagon riding on 37 that has gone into 8 well In toe mode While Towing.
We have already established the other members with Higher gear ratios and smaller tires have gone into 8 Well in Tow mode.
 
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Howrood

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2019 RAM 1500 Rebel 5.7l Hemi. Tow mode disables 8th gear for me and limits to 7th. Only ever use tow mode when towing so I don't know if it disables 8th when a trailer is not attached. I will try.
I have a 2015 1500 Laramie CC 4x4, 5.7L, 3.92 gears. I tow a 27’ travel trailer and always use tow haul, and it does go into 8th on level ground.
 

TakingOverGo

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Has anyone had a problem with the trans after NEVER using the tow/haul mode when hauling anything?
 

Dusty

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Has anyone had a problem with the trans after NEVER using the tow/haul mode when hauling anything?
I realize you've asked the question in the negative, so please forgive me for responding in the positive.

With my 2010 1500, 545RFE and 3.92 combination I always used Tow/Haul when pulling my 9700 lb. load. My route of I-390 out of Rochester to the Southerntier is quite hilly, especially just south of the NYS Thruway (I-90) to Bath, NY.

The 2014 1500, with 8HP70 and 3.92 combination, I could pull the same load without using Tow/Haul, however on steep hills I would engage the Tow/Haul mode if I started to get gear hunting.

My current 1500 with 8HP75 and 3.21 combination I expected to get a lot more gear hunting when pulling my 6900 lb. load, but oddly enough it actually seems less. The reason, I believe, is it just stays in 5th or 6th gear longer, or until it senses a significate reduction in load.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 3 June 2018. Now at 75071 miles
 
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