Towing Fifth Wheel with Tow On/Off

[LolaandRush Participant Rocky Mount,N.C. Cheers: 129]

We own a F-250 2005 Power Stroke. The few times I’ve towed (6-7 times) I’ve used the tow button once. I tried without it and truck didn’t seem to shift no more than normal. Whats yall’s opinion on this?

[James Participant El Paso, Texas Cheers: 771]

I had a 97 chev crew cab 3500 we used to pull of 36ft 5th wheel. I always had it in overdrive and never had any issues with it. When cruising down the highways if the transmission started changing gears back and forth I either slowed down enough to stop it or switched to a lower gear. It all depended on the terrain I was in.

James and Michelle just a strollin

[Ray Keymaster Vancouver Island Cheers: 4 986]

I believe it would help having it on in hilly areas, changing the transmissions shift points for better climbing and helping on the downgrades especially in Tow/Haul mode by using the trucks transmission to help with braking.

My old 94 ford doesn’t have a Tow/Haul mode only the option of disabling the OD gear. I’ve used it when in strong winds where the tranny is hunting between 3rd and OD gears or if coming down a big hill and I want the transmission/engine to give me some braking. Also when tackling a big upgrade I’ll turn off OD early and get the RPM up in 3rd so I hit the hill with lots of RPM. With a diesel and climbing hills the worse thing is bogging the motor (lots of fuel and low rpm) it will lose power and over heat quickly.

Most times on the highways though I have the OD on and cruise at 55 MPH at about 2000 rpm. Sweet spot for gas mileage.

[LolaandRush Participant Rocky Mount,N.C. Cheers: 129]

Thanks Ray, Looking forward to updates on yall’s winter travels.

[LolaandRush Participant Rocky Mount,N.C. Cheers: 129]

Thanks James

[Dan Huhn Participant Shoreline Wa. Cheers: 722]

I have  a chevy 2500 i  use tow mode when ever i pull my 5er The dealership told me it easier on the tranmission to use the tow mode.

[Roger & Sue Fell Participant Edmonton, Alberta Cheers: 1 426]

I have a 2014 F150, 5 liter, 6 speed auto. In tow/haul mode, with cruise on, I don’t have to use the brakes at all on steep downgrades. On uphill climbs, I definitely don’t use the cruise, the only time I did I thought it was going to blow the engine, 6000 rpm in third gear!

I find it does hold the shift up points longer and downshifts more aggressively.

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