Tow mode vs normal

[Dadofjax]

Yesterday coming home from my sons racing I forgot to put it back in tow mode. We tow a 20ft all aluminum eclosed trailer total weight maybe 5k LBS (quarter midget cars).

I've read before you don't need to be in tow mode for freeway driving is this true?

It appeared my RPMs stayed lower and had better MPG.

Biggest thing with the tow mode that I switched on for was my off ramp has a pretty big hill so like using the engine brake there.

Normal good or keep in tow mode?

Sponsored

 

[HammaMan]

Depends on your terrain. Tow mode keeps the RPMs up which keeps things cooler. Interstate towing comes down mostly to drag which is constant. If it ran cool, particularly the trans, shouldn't be an issue. If temps are climbing you need higher RPM to keep coolant flow healthy. Which motor?

 

[Dadofjax]

Depends on your terrain. Tow mode keeps the RPMs up which keeps things cooler. Interstate towing comes down mostly to drag which is constant. If it ran cool, particularly the trans, shouldn't be an issue. If temps are climbing you need higher RPM to keep coolant flow healthy. Which motor?

3.5 ecoboost

 

[HammaMan]

Gotta watch your temps on 3.5s. Loads of power with even more heat. Really shows up in the high/hot/heavy regimes under boost. If you're doing 65 on the plains you're likely fine. Powerboosts really have to watch trans temps while using normal mode towing as the HV motor is cooled by the trans fluid and the radiator is undersized for the full demand. Ford missed the mark in that regard.

3.5 has loads of torque but uses the turbos to make it so you should use RPM to increase water flow and heat dissipation. You could begin to run rich to keep turbines cool if you're not mindful. If fuel economy starts to drop you're running the turbos too much and need to trade boost for RPM.

"Use tow mode" is mindless, if you can squeak by with normal than enjoy it, but keep an eye on things in case you're running unnecessarily hot.

 

[UncleFester]

I never use TM and dont have any problems with 6-7000# trailer

 

[Calson]

With my GM truck it was recommended to use Tow/Haul mode only when the trailer load was greater than 75% of the GVWR for the truck which equated to 13,000 lbs. Tow haul mode is designed to keep the ATF cooler by changing shift points and keeping the torque converter locked longer.

My truck is supposed to be able to tow 14,000 lbs but in reality I would need to replace the factory hitch to do so. Towing any load of less than 10,000 lbs there is no reason to use Tow/Haul mode with my F-150.

This information is available in the manuals and guides if one wants to take a few minutes to find it.

 

[Dadofjax]

With my GM truck it was recommended to use Tow/Haul mode only when the trailer load was greater than 75% of the GVWR for the truck which equated to 13,000 lbs. Tow haul mode is designed to keep the ATF cooler by changing shift points and keeping the torque converter locked longer.

My truck is supposed to be able to tow 14,000 lbs but in reality I would need to replace the factory hitch to do so. Towing any load of less than 10,000 lbs there is no reason to use Tow/Haul mode with my F-150.

This information is available in the manuals and guides if one wants to take a few minutes to find it.

From the manual:


TOW/HAUL - 4X2

For improved transmission operation when towing a trailer or a heavy load. This mode moves upshifts to higher engine speeds to reduce the frequency of transmission shifting. This mode also provides engine braking in all forward gears, which slows your vehicle and assists you in controlling your vehicle when descending a slope. The amount of downshift braking provided varies based on the amount you press the brake pedal. The system tunes the steering and suspension to enhance driving comfort when towing or carrying heavy loads. The electronic locking differential is available below 25 mph (40 km/h). See Switching the Electronic Locking Differential On and Off - 4x2.

TOW/HAUL - 4X4

For improved transmission operation when towing a trailer or a heavy load. This mode moves upshifts to higher engine speeds to reduce the frequency of transmission shifting. This mode also provides engine braking in all forward gears, which slows your vehicle and assists you in controlling your vehicle when descending a slope. The amount of downshift braking provided varies based on the amount you press the brake pedal. All four-wheel drive modes are selectable in tow/haul mode. This mode does not default to a certain four-wheel drive mode and maintains the previous selection. The system tunes the steering and suspension to enhance driving comfort when towing or carrying heavy loads. The electronic locking differential is available below 25 mph (40 km/h). See Switching the Electronic Locking Differential On and Off - 4x4.

So, I came here to ask and received way more information than the "manual" that took a few minutes to look up gave me.

 

[FTMS]

I have the powerboost and only realy use the tow haul when I want extra engine braking. I am towing a 6,000 lb bass boat.

 

[Samson16]

Tow/Haul also keeps your HVB ready to assist with load pulling duties, so you won't see electric only operation except while stopped much like Sport Mode behaves. That's been my experience anyway.
edit* You have the 3.5EB. Disregard.

 

[Deleted member 22921]

I use Normal mode on my ‘21 F-150 Lariat FX4 SuperCrew with regular tow package (not Max Tow) to pull my Ranger bass boat with absolutely no problems.

The Ranger Trail boat trailer has surge disc brakes, so I have no need for engine braking under Tow/Haul mode.

Total weight of my Ranger boat with Ranger Trail trailer, along with all my assorted fishing tackle, trolling motor, three batteries, electronics, etc. is about 4,700 lbs.

I tried Tow/Haul mode the very first time I used my new truck to pull the Ranger, buy didn’t like the jerky shift points, jerky engine braking, and higher engine RPMs which weren’t really needed. So I switched to Normal Mode and it just felt smoother and more “normal” and “natural-feeling” to me. So I’ve stayed with Normal mode ever since.

 

[Deleted member 22921]

An additional note, which I forgot to mention: my truck has the 3.5 Ecoboost engine.

 

[Jeff1024]

I have the powerboost and only realy use the tow haul when I want extra engine braking. I am towing a 6,000 lb bass boat.

That is a heavy bass boat.....

 

[Suns_PSD]

OT: It sure is annoying how the mode doesn't remain on your last setting. How silly! Is there a fix for that?

 

[PB2021]

I use Tow/Haul anytime we are pulling our camper for a few reasons. Gears are held longer reducing stress on the bottom end of the engine (powerboost). The engine stays running always in anything but park rather than shifting to electric only at times. Pulling I prefer constant oil and coolant circulation for the turbos. Thirdly on the same vane when we arrive at our destination I can put trans in manual mode, leave in neutral with the e brake on and let it idle a minute or 2 to cool the turbos before shutting off the engine. Can’t do so in normal mode.

 

[Calson]

I guess it escaped people that tow haul mode is designed ONLY to keep ATF temperature as low as possible when towing a VERY HEAVY trailer. ATF has a flash point of more than 400 degees which is difficult to achieve if the ATF level is being maintained.

Gas engine braking is better than nothing but does not begin to compare to an effective exhaust brake with a diesel engine. Brake pad replacement is one of the lowest cost items on a vehicle and I use the brakes to save the transmission and the clutch of torque converter which cost 10 times as much to repair or replace.

For pulling a 10,000 lb plus trailer a "super" duty level truck with a diesel engine is the best choice although the most expensive. Having owned an used such a truck as well as many gas powered half-ton trucks the difference is something that I have experienced first hand.

Sponsored