Should you use tow haul mode in mountains?

Should you use tow haul mode in mountains?

When you’re in Tow/Haul Mode, you’ll notice the system holds lower gears longer when you accelerate or decelerate. You’ll notice it even more on long grades and mountain roads. Tow/Haul mode also gives you better engine response and adds engine braking to help in slowing the vehicle down.

When do you downshift in Tow Haul mode?

Grade shifting transmissions while in “tow haul” mode will automatically downshift if you are going down hill, when you apply the trucks brakes. Downshifting going down hill is what we do with manual transmissions. The goal is to save your truck and trailer brakes.

How to handle towing a heavy load downhill?

Simply, turn on the “Tow/Haul” mode on the transmission, enable the exhaust brake (if available), and the truck will help you maintain a safe speed down the hill. Of course, you may need to apply the brakes from time to time to stay under or at the speed limit.

When to use grade braking in tow mode?

This feature is only an option when your vehicle is in Tow/Haul mode and when your exhaust brake is enabled (if you have one.) The Grade Braking function will automatically activate when in Tow/Haul mode. The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified.

Is it safe to tow on a Grade?

You can increase the engine RPM slightly to cool faster. Never ride the brakes when towing on a grade, as this can cause them to overheat and become ineffective. This could potentially lead to a runaway tow vehicle and trailer when descending grades. Towing on a grade can be done, but it must be done safely.

When to downshift in tow or Haul mode?

However, when you are going up hills in tow/haul mode the transmission does not downshift until after you have started up the hill, thus loosing RPM, torque, and speed.

When to not use the tow / haul feature?

I recommend NOT using the tow/haul feature if you want to maximize your gas mileage and maintain your speed when going up hills. I have used the tow/haul and allowed the transmission to shift up and down on it’s own, but I get much better mileage using the LOW (L) gear setting.

How often should I put my truck in tow mode?

The standard recommendation for how often you put the truck into tow/haul mode will vary depending on your make and model. Some owner’s manuals suggest pushing it every time you tow anything, but others will give you a rough idea of how heavy your load should be before you really need it.

Can you use the L setting in Tow Haul mode?

You can still use the L setting in tow haul mode as Manu of us do to get the right gear for hills. You should never tow without the button engaged. As well as the transmission tow haul increases the power out put of the alternator to supply additional power out to the trailer.