Do you put truck in Tow when hauling with EB??
#1
06-11-2013, 10:58 AM
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Do you put truck in Tow when hauling with EB??
I have a 4,000 pound boat that I pull. With all my gear I guess I am at about 5,000 pounds. When pulling it is mostly highway. I have pulled with it on and with it off. Either way it pulls the load just fine BUT when going down steep hills in Tow a couple times the engine has downshifted really hard a couple times. Like freaked me out hard, RPMs shot way up. Is this normal? Is this okay for the truck? After that happened I finished my ride there and all the way home with the tow off and the truck did just fine. I have not noticed any difference in the MPGs I get with it on or off, I average about 9 - 10 pulling....sort of stopped paying too much attention to that, after all you don't pull a boat to the lake to not spend money on gas! 
#3
06-11-2013, 12:02 PM
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#5
06-11-2013, 01:11 PM
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#7
06-11-2013, 08:05 PM
I can't remember a time when I've ever heard of clutch packs wearing out in a transmission. I'm sure it's possible, but it's far more common to have mechanical or hydraulic failure in the transmission.
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#8
06-11-2013, 11:35 PM
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I only use it going up or down steep grades. It's a HUGE help slowing the truck down going downhill. I tap the brakes once to start slowing then the transmission does the rest. We are so spoiled with these trucks when it comes to towing. 
I really enjoy towing with this truck. It makes me feel like I'm driving an 18 wheeler.
I really enjoy towing with this truck. It makes me feel like I'm driving an 18 wheeler.
#10
06-12-2013, 12:44 PM
#11
06-12-2013, 01:22 PM
Originally Posted by roller57
Tow/haul has never worked in any truck I ever had over 60 mph. So I guess unless your hauling a big load under 60 mph its useless!
#12
06-13-2013, 07:55 AM
Tow/Haul can't just be a change of shift RPMs. There's got to be more to it than that. For example, some transmissions can't hold much power in overdrive without burning. In that case you wouldn't want to climb a hill with a heavy load even if the engine had the torque to do it. I don't know how the F150 transmission works, but I'll bet Tow/Haul mode takes into account inherit weakness of transmission and avoids operations that might hurt the transmission.
#13
06-13-2013, 08:53 AM
In my 2010 F150, when in the tow haul mode, if you double tap the brakes going downhill with a load, it will automatically downshift a gear.
That was part of the design of the 6 speed tranny, but not really documented anywhere. Going down a steep hill I can continue to double tap the brakes to bring it all the way down to first gear without my hands leaving the wheel. (providing you are at a speed it can downshift to the next lower gear.)
I think it's a fantastic feature. It just catches you by surprise if you don't know about it.
That was part of the design of the 6 speed tranny, but not really documented anywhere. Going down a steep hill I can continue to double tap the brakes to bring it all the way down to first gear without my hands leaving the wheel. (providing you are at a speed it can downshift to the next lower gear.)
I think it's a fantastic feature. It just catches you by surprise if you don't know about it.
#15
06-13-2013, 10:01 AM
In my 2010 F150, when in the tow haul mode, if you double tap the brakes going downhill with a load, it will automatically downshift a gear.
That was part of the design of the 6 speed tranny, but not really documented anywhere. Going down a steep hill I can continue to double tap the brakes to bring it all the way down to first gear without my hands leaving the wheel. (providing you are at a speed it can downshift to the next lower gear.)
I think it's a fantastic feature. It just catches you by surprise if you don't know about it.
That was part of the design of the 6 speed tranny, but not really documented anywhere. Going down a steep hill I can continue to double tap the brakes to bring it all the way down to first gear without my hands leaving the wheel. (providing you are at a speed it can downshift to the next lower gear.)
I think it's a fantastic feature. It just catches you by surprise if you don't know about it.
Originally Posted by 2013 F150 owners guide p. 210
The Tow/Haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when
using Tow/Haul.
Tow/haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting.
Tow/haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the
transmission is in the D (Drive) position; this engine braking will slow
the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when
descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load
conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control
the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal
being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based
upon the amount the brake pedal is pressed.
To deactivate the tow/haul feature and return to normal driving mode,
press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL light
will no longer be illuminated. Tow/haul will also deactivate when the
vehicle is powered down
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when
using Tow/Haul.
Tow/haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting.
Tow/haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the
transmission is in the D (Drive) position; this engine braking will slow
the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when
descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load
conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control
the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal
being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based
upon the amount the brake pedal is pressed.
To deactivate the tow/haul feature and return to normal driving mode,
press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL light
will no longer be illuminated. Tow/haul will also deactivate when the
vehicle is powered down
And QwkTrip, I've never heard of a transmission that is incapable of handling the full power of the engine in overdrive. Not saying you're wrong or anything, but do you have a source or example?