Tow Haul mode

[ntar827]

Have a Chevy Class C.

Do you normally drive with the tow- haul engaged or not?

Does it help of hurt on downhill grades?

Thanks

Nick

[rvten]

jdog wrote:
I think some are confusing "Tow Haul" with the overdrive lock out button on the gear shift of E450 motorhomes. I don't think that many E450 Class C motorhomes even have "Tow Haul".

No Tow Haul is standard on 07 and up on a E450.
Only use mine going down hill and exiting the interstate off ramps. Saves the breaks.
All it does is change the shift range.

[Mich_F]

Rolin wrote:
If memory serves correctly:
E350/E450 chassis 2004 and below had O/D button (overdrive lockout)
E350/E450 chassis 2005 and above has Tow/Haul and the five speed transmission

As previously stated Tow/Haul on the Ford changes shift points, prevents gear hunting, and on down grades if you tap the brake it will automatically downshift to a lower gear to aid in braking. Some times I find it a little too aggressive on the downshifting.

That's how my 1997 E350 and 2013 E450 are.

[M_GO_BLUE1]

When towing ON...when not towing OFF

[jdog]

My 2006 Ford E450 diesel chassis does not have Tow Haul. It has an overdrive lock out button.

[Rolin]

If memory serves correctly:
E350/E450 chassis 2004 and below had O/D button (overdrive lockout)
E350/E450 chassis 2005 and above has Tow/Haul and the five speed transmission

As previously stated Tow/Haul on the Ford changes shift points, prevents gear hunting, and on down grades if you tap the brake it will automatically downshift to a lower gear to aid in braking. Some times I find it a little too aggressive on the downshifting.

[jdog]

There are 2 different buttons for Ford E450. One is for O.D. lock out while the other is Tow Haul. They do not exist together. E450 diesel motorhomes do not have tow haul. Overdrive lockout and Tow Haul are 2 different things. Tow haul changes shift points and trans pressure. Overdrive Lockout only locks out the overdrive.

[jdog]

I think some are confusing "Tow Haul" with the overdrive lock out button on the gear shift of E450 motorhomes. I don't think that many E450 Class C motorhomes even have "Tow Haul".

[derh2o]

Update to a previous reply. On my 2011 E450, i also use the T/H mode when i am not driving on a freeway. Due to the weight of these vehicles, i consider us as always "hauling".

[luvztheoutdoor1]

I use mine when towing or hauling. lol

[NWnative]

Use mine all the time. The E450 Drive train is hauling around a lot of weight with my particular set up. It reduces gear hunting and keeps the transmission and engine speed where it's most efficient. It also helps when descending a grade. Your manual will provide a recommendation for how it's designed to be used. Some of the smaller units would probably be fine not using it but, on the 30 footers, I am thinking that using it would be an advantage.

[tenbear]

rjstractor wrote:
Like has been said, it depends on the model of transmission you have. In my 2005 Chevy 2500HD (same transmission as the same year C motorhome with 6.0 V8), tow/haul changes the shift points for better towing performance. It does NOT keep the transmission out of overdrive but it will drop into 3rd more readily. It does nothing on downhill grades. Newer models like the 6L80E have grade braking.

Sounds like mine. 2004 Chevy Express 3500HD, 6.0 V8.

[rjstractor]

Like has been said, it depends on the model of transmission you have. In my 2005 Chevy 2500HD (same transmission as the same year C motorhome with 6.0 V8), tow/haul changes the shift points for better towing performance. It does NOT keep the transmission out of overdrive but it will drop into 3rd more readily. It does nothing on downhill grades. Newer models like the 6L80E have grade braking.

[dan-nickie]

powderman426 wrote:
I can't speak to gmc, but on Ram trucks, the T/H mode is different by year. My friend has an 04 and T/H keeps it from going into overdrive while my 05 is the opposite. I would try to find someone with the same year. JMO

Good point.
At least the same make.

[derh2o]

I have an E450, so our tranny may be different. It also depends on the year of the vehicle. I use our T/H mode on our 2011 year primarily as a method of slowing down the vehicle. whether going down hill, or pulling off the freeway. It works like an engine brake and saves on brakes. I have not seen any value when going up hills, but if someone sees a value, please let me know.