When to use Tow/Haul mode?

Maxed 08 · 03-08-2008, 08:17 PM

I pull a 24ft enclosed that weighs around 8500lbs. I hadn't planned on running in tow/haul mode, but the truck keeps dropping back to 5th every so often for no apparent reason running around 65 mph and no grade. Once in t/h mode it does fine, is this normal?

Randy

07blkLMM · 03-09-2008, 04:52 AM

It seems me with that amount of weight and the amount of drag that would be associated with it, you would be on the edge of needing the tow/haul mode. I recently pulled a 8K camper on I 77 and after I got up to speed didn't use the tow haul mode. But going up a major incline it would sometimes down shift, not much though. On level terrain it was not needed. Keep in mind though, when it is time to stop, the t/h is very nice

bprimrose · 03-11-2008, 04:45 AM

From what I've heard, the new Tow Haul Mode is different from previous types. It does not cut out the overdrive, it still uses all the gears but changes the shift points. I plan on using it when I tow...we'll see.

**ob_1jr** · 03-11-2008, 02:09 PM

Tow/haul mode never locked out overdrive (that I'm aware of)...on the 03 and newer they had a new feature that you could lockout overdrive if your truck was hunting for a gear. As far as T/H I use it when I am going to be doing a lot of stop and go and also up and down hills. T/H locks your torque converter in second gear and up. I'm not real sure the difference with the 6 speed, but I am pretty sure it is the same.

rjuhlin76 · 03-11-2008, 03:01 PM

I am a huge fan of the T/H mode. I used it towing a enclosed v-nose trailer from Florida to Washington State. I had probably between 7,000 and 8,000 lbs between the trailer weight, contents in the trailer and what was in in the bed. I used the T/H mode the whole way and never had a single problem. In fact I set the cruise control at 80 and the truck never struggled, not once. I even pulled some steep grades and it performed like a champ, maintaing 80 all the way up and leaving Ford's and Dodge's in its wake! Never had the tranny temp go above 150. My dad was with me on the trip, and to this day he still is telling people he couldn't believe how much power my truck had and how it pulled the grades like there was nothing behind it. Like 07blkLMM said, it is a dream to stop with the T/H mode on. Big Fan!

wildturkey_hunter · 03-13-2008, 09:25 PM

I read on the allison website some time ago about the tranny not wanting to stay in overdrive. They blame it on the 285s your running. And its probably true they also said that the downshift feature for assisted braking will also not be working at its full potential.

mmartinsho · 03-20-2008, 05:59 AM

I've got a 40' toyhauler that carries 150 gallons of water, 2000 lbs. sandrail and a fourwheeler-total weight just under 12000 lbs., and truck has 36" tires. The t/h mode is very effective on keeping the truck and tranny running in its optimal power range. Both on up hill and down hill grades, the truck just keeps on chugging. I sometime even use the t/h mode while drag racing

loubazooka · 03-20-2008, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjuhlin76

I am a huge fan of the T/H mode. I used it towing a enclosed v-nose trailer from Florida to Washington State. I had probably between 7,000 and 8,000 lbs between the trailer weight, contents in the trailer and what was in in the bed. I used the T/H mode the whole way and never had a single problem. In fact I set the cruise control at 80 and the truck never struggled, not once. I even pulled some steep grades and it performed like a champ, maintaing 80 all the way up and leaving Ford's and Dodge's in its wake! Never had the tranny temp go above 150. My dad was with me on the trip, and to this day he still is telling people he couldn't believe how much power my truck had and how it pulled the grades like there was nothing behind it. Like 07blkLMM said, it is a dream to stop with the T/H mode on. Big Fan!

Ditto that, why would you guys want to haul without it ? just asking ...I use it ALL the time when trailer is hooked up

duramaxguylasvegas · 03-20-2008, 07:56 AM

you will also notice in tow haul mode the tranny doesnt heat up as much ..if you tow anything heavy and are hitting hills use t/h mode on the flats keep it off unless your braking ... thats my .50cents..

duramaxin14 · 03-20-2008, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ob_1jr

Tow/haul mode never locked out overdrive (that I'm aware of)...on the 03 and newer they had a new feature that you could lockout overdrive if your truck was hunting for a gear. As far as T/H I use it when I am going to be doing a lot of stop and go and also up and down hills. T/H locks your torque converter in second gear and up. I'm not real sure the difference with the 6 speed, but I am pretty sure it is the same.

x2 I run tow haul when sled pulling drag racing and pulling very heavy loads. No i do not have to but allison trannys have 2 differnt ways of learning Your driveing habbits ( In 03 and up) U have normal driving habbits which is like the way u drive around town and stuff then when u push tow haul its use to what u usally give it. Thats the nice thing about it