I was curious if most FTE members with the 6.0l actually use the tow/haul mode when pulling a load. Please let me know if you do and what type of load WT that you usually tow.

I have towed our travel trailer (8800lbs apx) twice now. I used the tow/haul mode on it the first trip but didn't on the second. The only real difference I could tell was when I was going down hill. (I used the brakes a lot less with it on). It seemed like the uphill was very little or no different.

 

I use mine all the time, even just around town, no trailer or load. Wouldn't even think of towing without it.

 

It is made to help you slow even in a normal stop. It is a lot easier on youbraking system since it uses the transmission downshifting. I tow a 8500 pound travel trailer and use it

 

Absolutely: Engage the tow/haul when pulling which changes the shift points (up & down) with zero adverse affect at cruising speed. You will also find the truck will respond/shift with very slight pressure from your right foot (on the accelerator or brake) becoming quite predictable while towing... I pull a 14-15k load

 

When towing my toy hauler, it's 8000+ lbs when wet and full. I would NEVER think of not using tow/haul with that thing pushing me down the hill! As for going up the hill or on flat ground, T/H mode holds the correct gear... No gear hunting or early shifts. When running empty, I have used it often. Stop-and-go SoCal freeway traffic, just slow cruzin' on dirt, etc... The T/H can also make your 9000 lb truck stop on a dime, where it may have otherwise taken 15 cents. I know it has saved me once, so I've got my finger at the ready when a panic braking situation may arise.

 

I am with Mark, I use it when towing and when empty. I travel alot on backroads highways and everything else in bewtween with hills. The tow/haul saves the brakes and makes the engine work the way all diesels should.....alot

Just my $.02

 

I tow 11k TT and use it everytime I tow. It has saved me from hitting the "im gonna move infront of you and slam on my breaks" folk twice in about 6-7k miles of towing.

 

Thanks for the quick replies, Were headed over the coast range with the trailer again this weekend so I'll be sure to use it.

Does anyone see any long term issues using it all the time? It seems to me that with the 6.0, working the engine is not always such a bad thing.

Also I know driving empty with the Tow/Haul switched on it makes the shift points much higher. This may be a better set up for the engine but probably worse for the tranny? What do you think?

 

Agree. I use is anytime I tow and sometimes when empty. I initially had some mis-givings also. It seemed much less predictiable as to when it would shift. But after using it for a while, I have found that it is very predictiable, just different. The T/H mode really keeps the engine in its peak range, which is what the transmission is supposed to do anyway.... my 2cents with change back.

 

The tranny was built for the tow/haul mode. Do not be afraid to use it with or without the trailer! I just got back from a 10, 450 miles X-country trip with my 30' 5th wheel. I love that tow command combined with the tow/haul feature!! Talk about saving your brake pads in the mountains!! WOW!

 

I don't think there have been any reports here of people having tranny issues unless they were running a tuner, so I probably wouldn't worry about it if you are running stock.

 

Actually, higher shift points are better in the long run. Can't explain it exactly as I'm no expert, but it creates more line pressure and less slipping reducing the heat buildup. It also helps marginally with the turbo lag.

And personally, I hate soft shift points. I'd just as soon my neck gets snapped a little when from a nice, firm shift. If I had wanted soft shifting, I would have bought a car.

 

And the torque converter lock-up keeps the power to the road, not out the pipe.

 

I drive mountain roads a lot towing nothing and use the tow/haul exclusively. It makes running around those curves so much easier and saves on brakes too. And when I do tow, I always use it.

 

I love the Tow/Haul on my '03 6.0. Whether with the 3000+ truck camper, the 6000 lb trailer (and about to start doing them both at once, just haven't had a race since I got the truck camper).

I agree, it makes the engine WORK, which is exactly what the PSD wants. They seem to get pissy if you don't work them, and this is just another way to get it to work. That and towing in itself.

HTH