Tow/Haul

MJC62 · 09-13-2019, 03:23 PM

Last rig we had didn’t pull a toad and very rarely used the tow haul mode. This MH we are towing 4 down. My question for those towing 4 down are you in tow haul mode all the time? So far we have towed the Cherokee around the flat Midwest and haven’t used tow haul. Leaving for the Blue Ridge Parkway soon and just want to hear if I should be in haul all the time or just downgrade. I have an idea on how I will drive the ACE but would like to hear how others drive their rig.

Bob Denman · 09-13-2019, 03:27 PM

Ther'es no downside to using it...

Lt Keefer · 09-13-2019, 03:31 PM

I use it all the time when pulling the toad, the moho seems to perform better.

Bob Denman · 09-13-2019, 04:23 PM

We used to even use if whenever we were climbing or descending steep hills also.

ducksface · 09-13-2019, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Ther'es no downside to using it...

Tow/haul is always on with all of my vehicles.
No one has ever presented a valid reason not to use it always.
The gas mileage thing is a 'you're aware and subconsciously backing off' thing in almost every instance of why not to use the tow/haul.

The Gritz Carlton · 09-13-2019, 05:17 PM

Just judge it on how the MH acts. On fairly level roads, towing should be fine. If you enter hills and shifting starts dancing around, turn it on. It changes the shifting patterns.

ducksface · 09-13-2019, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

Just judge it on how the MH acts...It changes the shifting patterns.

I think tow/haul pretty easily equates to 'sport' mode.

Bob Denman · 09-13-2019, 06:20 PM

Well...

It's a bit tough to use that term with a straight face: particularly when you're herding 16,000 pounds or more down the road!

LandKO · 09-13-2019, 09:17 PM

We’ve been using Tow/Haul all this week on our trip.
Found it very useful especially when trying to slow down quickly. It’s surprising how the extra weight of the toad affects your momentum.
Tap the brakes and the transmission down shifts (haven’t been able to duplicate this when not in tow/haul). Tap the brakes again and another down shift.
I definitely recommend using it.

Bob Denman · 09-13-2019, 10:08 PM

The "Tap to Downshift" thing; was the one part that I never figured out...

I tend to tap the brakes, when descending hills. I kept ending up in a much lower gear than I wanted...
So I'd take it out of Tow/Haul, and let it up-shift.
Then I'd engage it again, and re-start the process.

DenverTransplant · 09-13-2019, 11:52 PM

We use tow/haul a lot, especially in the mountains. Coming down from the I-70 tunnels is where we really need it. The drop from the tunnels into Frisco is a couple thousand ft drop in a real short amount of road. Tow/haul downshifts so I barely have to touch the brakes. The engine is screaming, but the V-10 is built for it.

When we first got the coach, Ford had a mistake in the computer that didn’t downshift in Tow/Haul. We made the I-70 run and by the time I got to the bottom the brakes were smelling pretty bad. The we had to do Vail Pass hoping the the brakes would hold. When we got back home, the coach went into the shop to have the software fix loaded.

**16ACE27** · 09-14-2019, 12:47 AM

I don't like using tow/haul mode when accelerating on an on-ramp as it holds the gears too long causing the V10 to rev too high for my liking. It also causes the double-downshift on rolling hills too soon. On the other hand it's an auto reflex for me to engage it when decelerating; helps the braking. I do this all the time regardless of if I am towing or not.

MJC62 · 09-14-2019, 03:05 AM

Thank you all. Pretty much confirmed my thoughts on driving MH towing 4 down. I will more than likely leave it off pulling hills and accelerating on to highway. Crest the hill and put in to haul for the downslope. This forum helps shorten the learning curve.

TimmyB · 09-15-2019, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

The "Tap to Downshift" thing; was the one part that I never figured out...

I tend to tap the brakes, when descending hills. I kept ending up in a much lower gear than I wanted...
So I'd take it out of Tow/Haul, and let it up-shift.
Then I'd engage it again, and re-start the process.

We were driving a brand new U-Haul 26' truck with all of our belongings loaded and we discovered the same thing; it can be a little unnerving on the exit ramp, especially a curved one. We handled it exactly the same way.

Bob Denman · 09-15-2019, 10:13 PM

I'd say that "Great minds think alike."; but I'd never want to insult you like that!

Lt Keefer · 09-15-2019, 11:04 PM

It took me a while to get used to the brake tap/downshift programing feature of the tow/haul transmission. Now that I have, I wouldn't drive without it.

blw2 · 09-16-2019, 12:49 AM

i've often thought about the fact that my e-450 cutaway is basically loaded to near it's capacity all the time... so basically it's always hauling....so it seems like tow/haul should always be used.
that said, I have only used it in the hills. I find it seems to rev too high and shift more aggressively than it needs to with it on in the flat lands....IMO anyway

Bob Denman · 09-22-2019, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt Keefer

It took me a while to get used to the brake tap/downshift programing feature of the tow/haul transmission. Now that I have, I wouldn't drive without it.

I actually kind of miss it in my new rig...

vkb · 09-22-2019, 11:17 PM

We returned Saturday, from a 3 week trip to Colorado and New Mexico.
We visit the Rockies, every year. Having towed our enclosed motorcycle trailer and now, our 'new to us' Jeep.
Tow haul in the mountains is a must for us … and it seems that the
'smart transmission' on the E450 keeps getting better the more we use our Axis.
When we are on the plains of KS, Ron usually disengages the tow/haul.

I noticed someone stated that the weight of the RV and Toad pushing during stops is quite a load....do you not have a braking system on your Toad ?
Our little TJ Sport only weighs 3250 lbs soaking wet...and it has a Patriot Brake...when Ron gently hits the brakes to slow down...the Patriot does not engage...however, when he hits them a bit hard that Patriot hits the Jeeps brakes accordingly.
We wouldn't have it any other way !
If I misunderstood your post...I do not mean to offend anyone.

I know many folks on this Forum will be happy to add information regarding this safety feature.

mountainsam · 09-22-2019, 11:29 PM

I use it all the time, and I don't tow. Works much like an engine brake. I can cruise down the side of a mountain and rarely touch the brakes. One secret is to leave a lot of room for the vehicle in front of you. They will probably be standing on the brakes and causing you to do the same if you are close behind.

MJC62 T/H helps a lot pulling the hills. If you don't have the rpms you take a chance of working the engine and causing excessive heating. T/H is your engines friend, don't be afraid to ask it for help.

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