Need advice on when/where to use 'tow/haul'. Use only when ascending/descending hilly areas? Keep it off when on flat roadways? Exactly what does it do i.e. does it restrict the transmission from it's highest gear? Keep it on all the time when towing? Thanks!

Tow haul changes the transmission shift patterns slightly to help when the coach is heavily loaded or when ever you want to use it towing or not. It does not restrict a gear such as OD on/off. When in Tow/Haul and accelerating moderately hard, such as a freeway on ramp, the transmission will hold a gear a bit longer before upshifting to get every bit of power available to get you up to speed as quickly as possible. Floor the accelerator and you'll probably get the same effect. The cost is a bit more engine noise with the higher RPM, more fuel consumed and maybe a slightly higher shock when the shift does occur.Slowing down is when you'll really feel the change. The transmission will get a bit aggressive dropping into ever lower gears as you slow down naturally or when using the brake. The torque converter will also stay in lock up much longer also. The goal is to help slow the coach down with less use of the brakes. Somewhat like using the shifter to force the transmission into a lower gear sooner.When to use is up to you. Always? Never? Only when towing? Only on hills? There really isn't a right or a wrong answer. There are a couple of short paragraphs in the owner's manual that describes the feature also.

When towing our Motorcycle trailer I always just leave it in Tow mode. Wife reminds me to do that. 1500 miles up 1500 miles back.

A motor home is always “hauling”. Nothing wrong with using it all of the time.

I use it all the time as it really saves the brakes. You can go without when driving at slower speeds if you're confident in your brakes. It doesn't prevent using higher gears. The 5 Star Tune is great for the older 4 and 5 speed transmissions. Reviews when installed on 6 speed transmissions don't seem to be as conclusive, but worth looking at. But, when cruising at highway speeds, the tow haul mode is a definite safety factor and I suggest using it.

This is off Fords site. The tow/haul mode reduces shift cycles. Depending on the truck, it may also boost torque and engage an engine braking mode to help drivers maintain control while driving up and down hills. In general, the tow/haul mode changes shift points to higher RPM limits. This helps you keep moving as you haul your trailer.If on flat ground you should get better mileage with it off.

Need a bit of 'educating'... | Good Sam Community

dodge_guy
Explorer II
May 01, 2019
I had the 5 star tune in my V-10 Excursion with the 4 speed auto. it made a world of difference in how it towed the trailer. We now have a 2012 class A with the F53 V-10 and 5 speed auto. the tow haul is amazing in how well it handles the V-10 and the weight of the MH. I tried it with and without. without it shifted normally, but I was on flat ground in the Midwest. I was also 1500lbs less than what I would normally weigh and no toad. I`m sure I will always be using T/H. whether or not I want to get 5 star tune has yet to be determined. I`ll wait till I get some miles on it before I decide.
T18skyguy
Explorer
May 01, 2019
georgelesley wrote:
G-Dad wrote:
A motor home is always “hauling”. Nothing wrong with using it all of the time.

I called the Ford RV hotline and asked their opinion. They agreed. Since most motorhomes are within 10% of max vehicle weight when loaded and also when towing, they recommend using it all the time. They also recommended schedule 2 (severe service) maintenance schedule.

One of our members has a transmission temperature gauge. He says when he's in tow haul the trans temperature is much lower, so he uses it all the time. I think that's a good idea. Lower trans temp usually means longer transmission life. I use it all the time and it's so nice, particularly if you need to slow down quick;tap the pedal drop a gear then repeat.
stripit
Explorer
May 01, 2019
When you use the T/H button it will increase the engine rpm, on my rig it changes just under 600 rpm. I watched today to verify that it is locking out the 6th gear and will let the shift points go farther before any upshifts. When I'm rolling on what would be a flat I shift it off, to lower the rpm's. Any grades or hills, before I hit that incline, I shift it back on.
BarabooBob
Explorer III
May 01, 2019
What happened this time? Usually have at least one person say that they never use it. For me, if I have a trailer on the back, have a load on the truck, or I am in hill country, I am always in tow/haul.
goufgators
Explorer
Apr 30, 2019
goufgators wrote:
Need advice on when/where to use 'tow/haul'. Use only when ascending/descending hilly areas? Keep it off when on flat roadways? Exactly what does it do i.e. does it restrict the transmission from it's highest gear? Keep it on all the time when towing? Thanks!

Great info from all. Many thanks! Nothing like receiving a bit of free 'education'.
goufgators
Explorer
Apr 30, 2019
goufgators wrote:
Need advice on when/where to use 'tow/haul'. Use only when ascending/descending hilly areas? Keep it off when on flat roadways? Exactly what does it do i.e. does it restrict the transmission from it's highest gear? Keep it on all the time when towing? Thanks!

Great info from all. Many thanks! Nothing like receiving a bit of free 'education'.
georgelesley
Explorer
Apr 30, 2019
One more reason to use it is a bit more braking in a panic stop no matter where you are, that seems like a good idea. Don’t ask me how I know this.....
pianotuna
Nomad III
Apr 30, 2019
I only use tow haul when going down mountain passes.
Jayco-noslide
Explorer
Apr 30, 2019
Tow/haul causes the trans to stay in lower gears longer under a load so as to keep the RPMs up where the engine develops more power. Perfectly OK to leave it on and let the computers determine when to shift better than you might though MPG might go down a tiny amount. Also OK to turn off and on if you wish. If you leave it on all the time the trans might never shift into the highest gear but that's OK too if the engine is laboring.
georgelesley
Explorer
Apr 30, 2019
G-Dad wrote:
A motor home is always “hauling”. Nothing wrong with using it all of the time.

I called the Ford RV hotline and asked their opinion. They agreed. Since most motorhomes are within 10% of max vehicle weight when loaded and also when towing, they recommend using it all the time. They also recommended schedule 2 (severe service) maintenance schedule.