Towing when raining on mountain

romore wrote:
I would suggest the writer is trying to limit liability in case the reader messes up. If the tow haul is engaged at high speed there will be an abrupt downshift when the vehicle slows down, common sense dictates that is not a good idea on slippery roads.

Huh?
Tow haul can be engaged at any speed. Nothing happens until you alow or stop. When you start moving again the transmission will hold each gear longer to aid in bringing the load up to speed.
You really need to understand what a transmission tow/haul vs a diesel exhaust brake difference is.

I would suggest the writer is trying to limit liability in case the reader messes up. If the tow haul is engaged at high speed there will be an abrupt downshift when the vehicle slows down, common sense dictates that is not a good idea on slippery roads.

RedRocket204 wrote:

thehippie wrote:
i’ve read not to use tow haul and exhaust brake when raining but not sure if towing on mountain though

Where did you read that? Makes me wonder if the context is lost or if the person who wrote it has any idea what they're referring to?

Don't use Cruise Control when raining, snowing or ice on the road. An engine brake is similar to gearing down your tow vehicle and that is something you always want to be doing in the mountains. You just don't want to be at a high rate of speed and then drop down two gears while on snow/ice or even rain as that can cause loss of traction. Everything in moderation when driving with questionable road conditions.

this Is what I read

“WARNING
Do not use the tow/haul or engine brake features when driving in icy or slippery conditions as the increased engine braking can cause the rear wheels to slide and your vehicle to swing around with the possible loss of vehicle control.”

Do not use cruise control in the rain. I also don't use cruise in the hills.

When I'm towing: Tow-Haul and exhaust brake are always engaged regardless of the weather.

When trailer is hooked up tow/haul is on, no matter the weather or terrain.

We use our exhaust brake anytime we are operating our truck.

I don't have an EB (wish I did) but definitely use the tow/haul on slick roads. I would much rather use compression braking to control speed in poor conditions than rely on the brakes. If things do get hairy pop the transmission into neutral for a few seconds, this will break power to the drive wheels and allow the driver to regain control.

thehippie wrote:
i’ve read not to use tow haul and exhaust brake when raining but not sure if towing on mountain though

Where did you read that? Makes me wonder if the context is lost or if the person who wrote it has any idea what they're referring to?

Don't use Cruise Control when raining, snowing or ice on the road. An engine brake is similar to gearing down your tow vehicle and that is something you always want to be doing in the mountains. You just don't want to be at a high rate of speed and then drop down two gears while on snow/ice or even rain as that can cause loss of traction. Everything in moderation when driving with questionable road conditions.

To the hippie, it is situation dependent. You're speaking of long downhill runs when the th and eb are most needed I presume.
Generally not a problem in the rain with weight in the bed. But speed, curves, load over rear axle, tires, road surface etc all play in.
I'd use both in the rain but until you know how your truck reacts, use with caution. You'll learn the limits of traction of your rig.

donn0128 wrote:
Tow haul only alters the transmission shift points so during acceleration it holds in gear a bit longer. Dry, rain, snow will have no effect on its use.
Are you confusing tow haul with an exhaust brake?
Again, on my Ram I always had the EB on if the truck was moving. Regardless of weather.

That is about 100% wrong unless you're trying to get the hippie in an accident.
Now with a lot of bed/pin weight, it will take more to brake traction, but aggressive downshifts and/or exhaust brake can easily kick the back of a truck loose in 2wd on snow and it's possible in rain too in the right conditions (like braking, coming down hill around a corner empty bed).
It's obvious the OP has little to no experience towing. Please don't pass him bad info.