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urnmor · 10-06-2011, 06:22 AM

I currently tow in 3rd gear and frequently use the Tow/haul mode on my 2007 Yukon when towing. Just wondering what others use when towing and when?

Sphere Guy · 10-06-2011, 06:32 AM

I use tow/haul mode, as recommended.

My brother tows a 22' boat with a 2500 Chevy and uses 3rd. But not as heavy as an Airstream.

TouringDan · 10-06-2011, 06:41 AM

My Airstream is fairly light- about 4,300 lbs. I do not tow in tow/haul mode unless I am in the mountains and remember to turn it on. I really can't tell much difference between the two (regular and t/h).

Dan

Ridgerunner3 · 10-06-2011, 07:06 AM

Tow / Haul mode functions vary among brands and models within brands. Typically tow/haul mode changes the transmission shifting characteristics. One benefit is to ensure that the transmission remains relatively cool. On some models, mine included, tow/haul mode activates a grade braking feature that is very useful in reducing the need for using the brakes when going down hill.

The best advice is to read your owners manual closely to see what Tow/Haul mode does for your tow vehicle. Then decide if the benefits are worth putting it in tow/haul mode.

bklecka · 10-06-2011, 08:23 AM

My diesel SuperDuty when in tow/haul revs higher when shifting up and downshifts earlier when on a hill or when you step on the gas. I don't see why anyone would manually keep the transmission in 3rd. It would seem the engine would be turning really fast at highway speeds.

dano · 10-06-2011, 10:00 AM

I do both, it depends on the terrain , a lot of hills I keep it in 3RD , better control I think, otherwise I let the Tow/Haul do it's thing. I tow a 25' Sovereign @ 4600lbs empty with 08 Chevy Avalanche 3:73 gear ratio , similar to your Yukon I would think.

idmtman · 10-06-2011, 12:46 PM

I use tow haul every time I tow the AS... unless I forget to turn it on.

Bill M. · 10-06-2011, 01:06 PM

I tow about 6500 lbs with a dodge diesel and use tow/haul 100% of the time. uses a little extra fuel, but I think it preserves the transmission and makes the unit easier to handle on down grades.

BigAl · 10-06-2011, 01:19 PM

I have a Ford with Ecoboost engine. Manual recommends you run the truck in drive unless it shifts too often(hunts for gears). this is to get max fuel economy.
I use the tow/haul feature when in hilly terrain mostly to get the engine braking advantage. Even with an 8000lb trailer on the back it doesn't seem to hunt for gears.
Al

Erik Olson · 10-06-2011, 02:01 PM

My tow-package-equipped 04 Dodge 5.7 Quad seems to engage an engine braking when in Tow/Haul mode. It definitely feels more confident on steep downhill grades when it is on and cuts down on how often I engage the trailer braking.

idroba · 10-06-2011, 03:00 PM

This week I took my first RV trip with my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 5.7l V8. It has the new 6 speed transmission. I have the 20' Argosy with me, about 4200# as loaded.

Now, realize this is with only 400 miles of towing with it, but in normal Drive it tows fine, but in Tow/haul, the shifts are more solid, and going downhill is great as it downshifts automatically to reduce breaking. Using the fuel meter built into the rig, the mpg seems to be better in tow/haul than in Drive. Maybe because of less engine lugging? I don't know yet. So far it seems to be running about 13.2 mpg towing, lots of mountain grades in western Montana, up Glacier Park area.

Anyway, so far, I am impressed with the Tow/haul mode on this 6 speed transmission V8, and will report more when I have more experiences with it.

nswhite · 10-06-2011, 03:21 PM

Way back when you could not use OD and tow. Modern transmissions are far better. I have a 2005 Suburban and use D whenever practical (mostly flat terrain). Turn on Tow/Haul when needed. Using D saves on gas.

Silver Threads · 10-06-2011, 03:43 PM

We always use tow/haul mode, it works great!

exthemius · 10-06-2011, 03:52 PM

We use tow/haul in our 2009 F150 100% of the time -- if I feel that I need to put it in 3rd, or 2nd, then I will (but I still leave it in t/h because of the engine assisted braking and computerized sway "control"). We've towed 15k miles on both in under a year, and have had no problems (even in the mountain passes of Colorado, Montana, Arizona and the Dakotas).

ROBERT CROSS · 10-06-2011, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nswhite

Way back when you could not use OD and tow. Modern transmissions are far better. I have a 2005 Suburban and use D whenever practical (mostly flat terrain). Turn on Tow/Haul when needed. Using D saves on gas.

Me too...keeping an eye on the tranny temp gauge.

Bob

Flying-Steve · 10-06-2011, 06:20 PM

This question has me wanting to try NOT using the Tow Haul button, at least not on the flats, anything to get a bit better mileage. I'm pulling a 25' with a Tundra and in Tow Haul have to look to even know it is back there, but you can tell at the gas pump!!

ROBERT CROSS · 10-06-2011, 06:51 PM

Steve,

Notice that I tow with an 8.1 Burb, and only use drive on the flats.
It's a computer controlled transmission with a limp-mode (speed restricted), that will kick in when the tranny gets too hot. So it's almost impossible for it to leave you completely stranded.....almost.

I know nothing about the Toyota drivetrain, check with your fellow Toy-drivers.
Be sure, be safe.

Bob

LFM · 10-06-2011, 07:16 PM

I have an Ecoboost also, with only a 19' Bambi. Don't need TH for only 4500 lbs, even in the mountains of Montana. Really like this TV.

Tim A. · 10-06-2011, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idroba

This week I took my first RV trip with my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 5.7l V8. It has the new 6 speed transmission. I have the 20' Argosy with me, about 4200# as loaded... in Tow/haul, the shifts are more solid, and going downhill is great as it downshifts automatically to reduce breaking. Using the fuel meter built into the rig, the mpg seems to be better in tow/haul than in Drive... So far it seems to be running about 13.2 mpg towing, lots of mountain grades in western Montana, up Glacier Park area.

We just did California to Montana and back with our 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 5.7l V8 (essentially identical to the 2012 Jeep GC) and used Tow/Haul the entire time for our 2002 19' Bambi (4500 pounds loaded). Our mileage, using the computerized fuel meter, was the same as idroba's. Shifts in Tow/Haul were perfect, with downshifting for downhill, and there was no searching. Seems like Jeep has done a good job with the Tow/Haul mode.

Tim

Kosm1o · 10-06-2011, 09:04 PM

We tow our 28' Safari with our new Silverado 6 speed. It does occassionally go into 6th gear in tow mode on the flats but normally 5th. I have towed without it and it does fine where there are no big hills and we get a little better mileage. The last trip coming back from to UP we got 12.9 mpg. About half that distance was not in tow mode. We really like the 6 speed, tow mode or not.