Tow/haul function

Marck · 01-29-2016, 06:33 PM

Hi all, just brought home a 2016 ACE 30.1 on a 2016 chassis.(6 speed trans, 320 hp).
On my 2650 mile shake down, I noticed the "tow/haul" switch didn't seemed to do anything.

On my old '98 F150 PU, it acts to lockout the overdrive gear when towing.

Am I missing something on this new setup ??

Thx in advance, Marc

**EA37TS** · 01-29-2016, 06:38 PM

Tow/Haul does not lockout overdrive. It changes the shift points for the transmission causing it to shift at higher RPMs. When descending Tow/Haul mode also allows downshifting with a tap or two on the brake pedal.

Oneilkeys · 01-29-2016, 06:41 PM

The tow haul in the Ford downshifts the transmission automatically when going down steep grades. You turn it on, tap the brakes and the transmission downshifts one gear. Tap the brakes again and it will shift down another gear or if the rpms get too high it will downshift itself. Even when not towing it is an extremely useful tool. I use it all the time .... when I am not in Florida.

Marck · 01-29-2016, 06:47 PM

No kidding, the very same switch on the end of the gear shiter handle clearly gets you up out of OD on my
F150.

Thx for the re education, Marc

Beacher · 01-29-2016, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marck

No kidding, the very same switch on the end of the gear shiter handle clearly gets you up out of OD on my
F150.

Thx for the re education, Marc

Yup, my trusty old 2002 Eddie Bauer 4x4 Expedition has the exact same dashboard, steering wheel, and switch. But a different function as mentioned above.

**EA37TS** · 01-29-2016, 08:34 PM

Not sure when the change over was made but as late as 2008 the switch was labeled Overdrive or OD and did keep the transmission from shifting into overdrive.

BigT · 11-03-2016, 07:53 PM

I bought a used 2012 Thor Majestic. I have not been anywhere in it yet. There is a sticker on the gear shift lever that says "For improved fuel economy operate the vehicle with the Tow/Haul on." It doen't say when. What about on flat land while not towing anything?

gmc · 11-03-2016, 10:12 PM

As dstankov said - Tow/Haul is going to change the shift points... Never seen that as a fuel economy setting - but also not going to hurt on flat land - you will be in the highest gear and stay there.

BigT · 11-04-2016, 12:04 AM

Thanks,
I did drive it about 80 miles with Tow/Haul on It did go into 4th gear but it did not shift into 4th until I got up to almost 50 mph. I didn't necessarilly like that so I am going to see if it will shift sooner with Tow/Haul off.

SuperD · 11-04-2016, 12:09 AM

Don't know if your coach is included but their is a software update for transmission and tow/haul mode. Their is a thread on this forum, might check it to see if it applies to your coach.

Jedsmom · 11-04-2016, 04:19 AM

I've used the tow/haul mode for going down hills, but not going up. Would it be useful in uphill situations also?

Chance · 11-04-2016, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigT

I bought a used 2012 Thor Majestic. I have not been anywhere in it yet. There is a sticker on the gear shift lever that says "For improved fuel economy operate the vehicle with the Tow/Haul on." It doen't say when. What about on flat land while not towing anything?

I rented a Thor Majestic from Cruise America that had that same sticker. I assumed it was placed there by Cruise America and not Ford. On a long trip I tried a few tanks of gasoline with it on, others with it off, and couldn't tell much if any difference in fuel economy. Variations from tank to tank varied more than whether Tow/Haul was on.

I ended up driving with it off most of the time because by shifting sooner at lower RPMs the engine seemed quieter. In the mountains, however, I used it a lot, particularly to provide better engine braking as mention by others. Each tap of the brake forced a downshift (within RPM limits) which was very helpful on steep descents.

gmc · 11-04-2016, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jedsmom

I've used the tow/haul mode for going down hills, but not going up. Would it be useful in uphill situations also?

Yes - it can help uphill too...
If you notice the RV not maintaining speed uphill on cruise (if it matters to you) - or upshifting/downshifting a lot - tow/haul's change of shift points can help... I tend to use it more when actually towing (3500 pounds of Jeep behind the Hurricane does get noticed going uphill..) - but can help other times as well.

No directly related to tow/haul - I find the RV will maintain speed on hills better with cruise on... It downshifts more aggressively on both uphill and downhills (with or without tow/haul) - the uphill behavior I can't always match with the gas pedal alone... (at times won't downshift with just the gas pedal)

JamieGeek · 11-04-2016, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jedsmom

Would it be useful in uphill situations also?

Yes: It moves the shiftpoints higher keeping the camper in a lower gear; more torque available at the wheels for going uphill.

**EA37TS** · 11-04-2016, 01:05 PM

Using tow/haul going uphill will often depend on someone's tolerance to noise. With the more aggressive shift points comes a higher level of engine noise within the driver's compartment. If you can tolerate the higher noise level associated with higher engine RPMs you will climb the hills faster and a little smoother. Going downhill the one tap of the brake downshift is, IMO, essential to safe operation and longevity of the brakes. Using the engine as a brake will keep you from riding the brakes and thereby overheating them on moderate to steep declines.

On flat land depending on the speed limit of the road being traveled I may or may not use tow/haul. At lower speed limits tow/haul may cause the trans to ride at the lower end of one and higher end of a shift point thereby causing numerous unnecessary shifts between gears. This is more common off interstate than on interstate. Within a city I generally turn tow/haul off if I am not towing.

Joe-FL · 11-04-2016, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dstankov

Using tow/haul going uphill will often depend on someone's tolerance to noise. With the more aggressive shift points comes a higher level of engine noise within the driver's compartment. If you can tolerate the higher noise level associated with higher engine RPMs you will climb the hills faster and a little smoother. Going downhill the one tap of the brake downshift is, IMO, essential to safe operation and longevity of the brakes. Using the engine as a brake will keep you from riding the brakes and thereby overheating them on moderate to steep declines.

On flat land depending on the speed limit of the road being traveled I may or may not use tow/haul. At lower speed limits tow/haul may cause the trans to ride at the lower end of one and higher end of a shift point thereby causing numerous unnecessary shifts between gears. This is more common off interstate than on interstate. Within a city I generally turn tow/haul off if I am not towing.

Good explanation of using the T/H mode on the V-10 in a MH. The only time I may activate mine in city driving is if there is a ton of congestion and I desire more engine braking.

Larry · 11-04-2016, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dstankov

Using tow/haul going uphill will often depend on someone's tolerance to noise. With the more aggressive shift points comes a higher level of engine noise within the driver's compartment. If you can tolerate the higher noise level associated with higher engine RPMs you will climb the hills faster and a little smoother. Going downhill the one tap of the brake downshift is, IMO, essential to safe operation and longevity of the brakes. Using the engine as a brake will keep you from riding the brakes and thereby overheating them on moderate to steep declines.

On flat land depending on the speed limit of the road being traveled I may or may not use tow/haul. At lower speed limits tow/haul may cause the trans to ride at the lower end of one and higher end of a shift point thereby causing numerous unnecessary shifts between gears. This is more common off interstate than on interstate. Within a city I generally turn tow/haul off if I am not towing.

Dave,

It's good to see you back on here again sharing your knowledge. Hope you've been busy enjoying yourself and not working too hard.

Larry

BigT · 11-04-2016, 08:25 PM

This is great information about Tow/Haul. I appreciate all the replies. I going camping for a couple of days to try it all out.

**EA37TS** · 11-04-2016, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry

Dave,

It's good to see you back on here again sharing your knowledge. Hope you've been busy enjoying yourself and not working too hard.

Larry

Been busy with work and work related travel. Hope to get back out in the coach shortly.

Teeitup26 · 11-04-2016, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oneilkeys

The tow haul in the Ford downshifts the transmission automatically when going down steep grades. You turn it on, tap the brakes and the transmission downshifts one gear. Tap the brakes again and it will shift down another gear or if the rpms get too high it will downshift itself. Even when not towing it is an extremely useful tool. I use it all the time .... when I am not in Florida.

Would tapping the brakes in tow/haul on a GMC half ton work like that?

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