Tow/Haul on Truck

Helps a lot holding speed downhill, with or without a load.

Tvov wrote:

Some Fords have a separate "engine brake" button? With my Fords (2000 diesel, 2008 gas), it was just the tow/haul button that would use engine braking, there is no separate button.

Actually, on my 2000 F250 7.3 diesel, it was an "O/D off", Overdrive Off, button -- did the same thing as tow/haul from what I could tell.

The Ford engine brake button was introduced in 2015 if I recall correctly. Prior to that, the "engine brake" was employed automatically when braking with TowHaul engaged.
Actually, RamblinAnne's 2013 won't have an engine brake button. However, the engine braking feature will occur when in TowHaul mode and the brakes are applied.

I think that Ford also changed the turbo design about that time (2015). They went from twin turbo fans to a single larger fan - don't quote me on that though.

I use it when running roads that have red lights, or stop and go traffic. It really takes a load off the service brakes how exhaust brake works on the Cummins.

But running highway type set the cruse and go I mostly forget to turn it on.

bighatnohorse wrote:
....
Your truck also has an "engine brake" button which restricts air into the engine when your foot is OFF the accelerator peddle.
This is a marvelous feature when going downhill because it uses the engine without applying gas(diesel) - the engine sucks a vacuum then and forces it to slow down. And is fabulous when used in conjunction with the Tow Haul feature on downhill runs.

Engine brake and exhaust brake are two different things.
Google for: engine brake
then for: exhaust brake.
Easy to remember: engine brakes suck, exhaust brakes blow. Both will slow you down.
....

Some Fords have a separate "engine brake" button? With my Fords (2000 diesel, 2008 gas), it was just the tow/haul button that would use engine braking, there is no separate button.

Actually, on my 2000 F250 7.3 diesel, it was an "O/D off", Overdrive Off, button -- did the same thing as tow/haul from what I could tell.

I have a fairly light rig so on flat land, I don't bother with tow/haul. In hills/mountains it has 2 advantages. It locks up the torque converter which helps keep the transmission temperature from rising while climbing steep grades, especially switchbacks. And on the downhill side, as others have mentioned, it improves engine braking.

I always use Tow/Haul when carrying my TC. The transmission temp. will run 20-40 degrees cooler when using it with a load and the "grade braking" feature helps a lot on the down the mountain sections. The trans that I have is an Allison but I believe that all of the big three heavy-duty trannies have this feature now.

Tow/Haul is great. Much better transmission shift points.

Prevents gear hunting, so yes, the RPMs necessary to shift will be a bit higher. However, well worth it.

I use it whenever the camper is on the truck.
And yes, you are right, RPM's "go up". You'll notice that when the truck normally will shift to high gear at 55mph but in Tow Haul mode it won't shift until 60mph (approximately).

Tow Haul does two things;
It prevents the engine from "lugging" in normal driving or uphill driving..
And it provides a sort of transmission braking when going downhill - it will shift into a lower gear while going downhill when you tap the brake.
Both very useful items.

Your truck also has an "engine brake" button which restricts air into the engine when your foot is OFF the accelerator peddle.
This is a marvelous feature when going downhill because it uses the engine without applying gas(diesel) - the engine sucks a vacuum then and forces it to slow down. And is fabulous when used in conjunction with the Tow Haul feature on downhill runs.

Engine brake and exhaust brake are two different things.
Google for: engine brake
then for: exhaust brake.
Easy to remember: engine brakes suck, exhaust brakes blow. Both will slow you down.

Tow Haul lets the engine turn faster going up hill and has better torque (strength). Just like the gearing on a bike, lower gear is easier to go up hill but require more "gas".

Just get in the habit of turning it on every time you start the truck.
How are you and the Bigfoot getting along?

When I got the new truck I was so happy with just using the button on the shift lever to downshift in the mountains because it was so much better than the old 4 speed trans and working the shift lever and OD button. Then I discovered tow/haul and use it all the time with the TC and even us it some empty when heading downhill. Just touch the brake a bit and it takes it down a gear each time and holds it until the go pedal is pushed. Now I hardly use the up/down buttons since I find tow/haul a better option. I also like the way it shifts better in tow/haul as an added bonus. Now if there was just a way to have it come on as soon as the trailer connector is plugged in.