Tow haul switch???

BenK wrote:
"Tow...haul" button/switch....I'd use it any time I'm "TOWING"...or..."HAULING" something.... :)

I don't know about that. Yesterday I was HAULING an ATV and TOWING a trailer with 2 more. With T/H on the shifts were way too late and the engine stayed rev'd up far longer than necessary when done with the grade braking.

T/H is overkill for some loads.

Since we're on an RV forum, I'd agree with T/H on for most of those, except maybe a popup.

I've been on both sides of this issue. For a long time I didn't use it, except in the mountains, because I didn't like the shift pattern it created and thought it was probably affecting mileage. Relatively recently I've begun to use it most of the time when towing. I still don't like the shift pattern, but I do like the braking assistance on any/all grades. I've not noticed any appreciable difference in mileage or transmission temps. Guess I'm pretty much in the "use it whenever towing" camp now.

The is an indicator on the dash that will say Tow/Haul, at least there is on my 2002. Don't over think it. You will know when it's on because it changes the shift points. Also, there is no harm in leaving it on. I will sometimes turn mine off while towing at slower speeds to gain an upshift at a lower speed than afforded by Tow/haul. The Tow/haul helps reduce torque converter temperature, which is a definite advantage.

"Tow...haul" button/switch....I'd use it any time I'm "TOWING"...or..."HAULING" something.... :)

What does the owner's manual say?

I am going to have to go take a look at it, I have not insured the truck since I bought it, as I am trying to get the fifth wheel hitch installed, but I never noticed if there is a light that lights up to show it is on, or if the stalk where the button is located is supposed to light up, will have to go see when I get off work.

I will sometime turn it off when I'm ready to accelerate, because it may still think I need the compression. I will do this because it will take high RPMs to shift on its own.

I have a 6.0 litre vortec, and it has the MT1 trans which is a 4L80E as I understand it, and my diffs are 4:10, previous 7.4 vortec I had 3:73 gearing.

When in "tow" mode, the torque converter remains locked so transmission runs cooler. Shift points also change to a bit higher RPM. Use anytime pulling trailer.

You don't say engine/transmission combo. If you happen to have the Allison transmission you can tow in overdrive. Randu

Okay, great, thanks for the info, never had one before, and in my 1996 4L80E only knew to not use overdrive, and to shift down if I had to going uphill or down, but as far as I know that is what the tow/haul switch should be for, but was not sure when one should use it.
So now when I head out this summer I know to use it.