Class C "Tow Mode"?????

I find tow mode useful when the engine is cold and you are taking off, towing or not. Yesterday, I got our Phoenix Cruiser out of the storage garage about three miles from our home. When the engine/transmission are cold it seems like it really struggles to make a hill outside the storage place. This clears up after a couple of miles of driving when normal operating temps are approached. The tow mode seems to help until then. Otherwise, I only use it like all the others have commented: downhill for braking. It is marvelous on some Colorado passes coming down the far side.

Paul

rockhillmanor wrote:

I just think I would have felt better dishing out all that money to replace my converter if I would have seen a ripped up piece of metal. :W

I feel you, Brother! I fully understand that a plastic might not waste away from corrosion, like plastic vs. aluminum in salt water. If the quotes you sent are true, that the plastic part can be made in one shot where metal calls for forming, joining, machining, etc. then I'm down to one objection: I have seen simply too many cases where plastic has what I'll call a "chemical service life." Namely, the plastic and/or whatever holds it together deteriorates with Heat, Sunlight, Chemical Exposure, and maybe simply TIME. Absent something actually attacking it, like salt corrosion, metals don't display much of that.
We took a ride on this railroad and it's Narrow Gauge, less than the 4' 8-1/2" standard by about 25%. We talked about why Narrow Gauge was used. There's talk about tighter turning radius, but the guide said:
"There are three reasons why they built narrow gauge:
1. It's cheaper
2. It's cheaper
3. It's cheaper"
I rest my case.

http://machinedesign.com/motion-control/plastic-composites-take-road

""Plastic materials, including phenolics, have replaced metal components in various automotive applications. The driving force in these high-volume applications is lower cost.

Plastics save money mainly through production process advantages. Injection molded fiber-reinforced plastic composites produce complex shapes with smooth and precise surfaces, thereby reducing finishing costs associated with metal. In addition, metal components consisting of several metal parts are often replaced by a single molded plastic component, reducing machining and assembly costs.

Replacing metal with plastic reduces weight, and enhances performance characteristics such as chemical and corrosion resistance, thermal insulation, and vibration and sound damping.

Automotive applications in which phenolic composites have replaced metal parts include torque converter reactors (also called stators), as well as other engine, transmission, and brake components.

Torque converter reactors. In the U.S. and Japan, glass-reinforced phenolics are used in reactors that direct transmission fluid within torque converters. These reactors are molded to net shape. Selecting phenolics rather than aluminum results in 20% weight reduction; elimination of crimping and other machine steps; part integration (some reactors incorporate an integral thrust washer); and reduced manufacturing costs.""

I just think I would have felt better dishing out all that money to replace my converter if I would have seen a ripped up piece of metal. :W

Butch50 wrote:

Hemi RT wrote:
One of the best features with tow mode is it stops the converter from locking up which allows the transmission to run cooler as it allows the trans to shift quicker if a lower gear is required.

I don't know but I always read that locking up the torque converter helps the trans run cooler. When the torque converter is unlocked there is more slippage hence more heat generated. Also the Tow Haul is more sensitive to the need to shift and well shift down quicker to keep the engine in a higher RPM where the HP and torque is greater.

At least that it the way I have understood it all the years of driving Ford pickups with the Tow/Haul mode.

All I can add to this is I had the torque converter go out on my MH.

I requested to see the 'bad' converter and what part was not functioning on it. The main part that runs that dang thing is a small 'plastic' part which had failed. :R

Kinda makes you think twice about heating up your trans for long periods of time.

Hemi RT wrote:
One of the best features with tow mode is it stops the converter from locking up which allows the transmission to run cooler as it allows the trans to shift quicker if a lower gear is required.

I don't know but I always read that locking up the torque converter helps the trans run cooler. When the torque converter is unlocked there is more slippage hence more heat generated. Also the Tow Haul is more sensitive to the need to shift and well shift down quicker to keep the engine in a higher RPM where the HP and torque is greater.

At least that it the way I have understood it all the years of driving Ford pickups with the Tow/Haul mode.

Hemi RT wrote:
One of the best features with tow mode is it stops the converter from locking up

It does no such thing.
It might delay it a bit but does NOT stop it altogether......unless your engine is still straining while cruising on the flat.

We use Tow/Haul when in the hills, and for stop and go near cities.

Tow Haul will hold your trans in a lower gear longer.

One of the best features with tow mode is it stops the converter from locking up which allows the transmission to run cooler as it allows the trans to shift quicker if a lower gear is required.

Tow / Haul mode is used at all times by me. Your rig is likely very close to CGVW when towing. Even when not towing, you are likely close to max GVWR. The increased engine braking and shift points designed to keep you engine in its peak power curve are also reasons why. Just my 2 Cents.