Tow/Haul button: what is it for?
Hi all, very noob question. Just purchased my second RV., 2012 24' Class C on E350. The tow/haul button automatically comes on when started. Sales person said to just turn it off. What is it used...
Forum Discussion
Desert Captain wrote: Anytime you are descending a long grade you should have the Tow Haul engaged. About the only time you don't need it is when lightly loaded and descending a very slight, 1 or 2 per cent grade or running on dead level terrain and no head wind.
Fully agree on both points.
You MUST use the engine on downhills or you'll burn your brakes up. In addition to tow/haul, I often manually shift into 2nd and even 1st depending how steep and how slow you're going. Just ride the engine downhill and touch the brakes now-and-then - DON'T ride them!
And, on flats, slight downhills when you're not working the engine with your load, turn off tow/haul and the let engine kick into "overdrive" and drop RPMS for fuel efficiency.
Bottom line is that with heavy vehicles you have to actively manage your transmission and braking. Consider your transmission as semi-automatic that needs shifting throughout your drive.
I almost destroyed my brakes on my Class C in Zion on its maiden voyage! Pulled-over and let them cool before realizing I was being stupid for not engine-braking!
Bill
Fully agree on both points.
You MUST use the engine on downhills or you'll burn your brakes up. In addition to tow/haul, I often manually shift into 2nd and even 1st depending how steep and how slow you're going. Just ride the engine downhill and touch the brakes now-and-then - DON'T ride them!
And, on flats, slight downhills when you're not working the engine with your load, turn off tow/haul and the let engine kick into "overdrive" and drop RPMS for fuel efficiency.
Bottom line is that with heavy vehicles you have to actively manage your transmission and braking. Consider your transmission as semi-automatic that needs shifting throughout your drive.
I almost destroyed my brakes on my Class C in Zion on its maiden voyage! Pulled-over and let them cool before realizing I was being stupid for not engine-braking!
Bill
