When to use 'tow/haul'

[Ryan_V]

Is there a certain weight where you want to use the tow/haul mode?? I have an 08 dodge 2500 cummins. I obviously use it to pull my camper, but what about a wheeler or 2? Or a lawn mower?? Is it necessary anytime anything is behind you?? Just curious.

[Scott K]

I wouldnt be concerned about any of those other things.

[CJH]

I was always under the impression to use it if you are going to be on hilly roads, or if the tranny is shifting often. (Heavy loads also)

[Valv]

Yes, us it as you please, I actually use it many times in town, empty, I like the converter lockup at lower gears and the transmission shift down effect which acts like engine brake, but since you have it in your truck you can avoid this.

[Powerstroke]

I agree with CJH, I focus on how the truck is running and whether the tranny seems to be shifting frequently to find the right gear.

[harvey lee]

In my Chevy, with either the boat or the trailer and the wheeler, I drop it into 3rd.

[Bigtom]

No Ryan there is no certain weight. With a cummins and a 2500 I would use it if towing over 10,000. Like said before tow/ haul is mainly used when going highway speeds up and down hills. It locks out six gear and raises your shift times. Overdrive off, it locks in 4th gear and also raises your shift times or RPMs.

I have a 09 Ram Hemi 2500 and only use tow/haul when pulling a skid loader, or a 29' camper. I very rarly need it on pulling my boat a 05 Creastliner Fishhawk unless pulling at highway speeds up and down hill.

[jeffreyd]

I use mine when in the hills pulling my trailer, helps as discussed keep the trans from hunting up and down the gears. The one other thing i do is if i am in the mountains, there are a few roads that have pretty steep grades 7 degrees i will use the tow button off so it helps slow me down. especially when pulling my trailer. nothing worse than getting half way down and smelling the brakes as the rotors are glowing red.

[Powerstroke]

I think 10K pounds is too much. I pull my 20ft camper (5000 lbs) and depending on the road and wind it may be needed because of the high profile.

I agree that there is no hard number when you should use it. Consider how your truck is running and you'll know when its needed.

[Valv]

One thing to remember it will not harm anything if you use it too much, you will have different shift patterns and you will use a slightly higher amount of fuel, that's it.

If you don't use it instead, you might harm your transmission if it starts to shifts up and down continuously while under load.

[harvey lee]

You got it Valv. I use mine all the time as a bit more fuel will not run what a damaged tranny will. I either use the Tow-haul or simply drop it into 3rd.