I have a long trip coming up this week, I will have about 7,000 lbs loaded between my truck and my trailer and will be hauling it about 1350 miles from central LA to central PA. I will be taking an alternate route northeast into Ohio and then cut east into PA so I will miss all of the mountains in VA and WV that I would normally hit on my trip. I will be using Matt's 8K tow tune
I kind of feel dumb for asking this but I don't tow much so I don't normally use my tow tunes or the tow haul button.
My question is: Since I'm using a tow tune on fairly open and flat interstate on such a long distance would you guys recommend hitting the tow/haul button also? I didn't know if since I am already using a tow tune if it would make much sense. I know using the tow/haul button will help me in stop and go traffic or downhills because of the way that the trans downshifts to help slow you down. But didn't know if I should run it on the open interstate.
Thanks

 

This is a personal op. but I don't believe in using a tune while towing. I do use the tow/haul when climbing and descending. When on flat ground I just put the truck in cruise control. If I have a long steady grade I will put it in tow/haul and use the cruise. Remember you have gears for a reason. Use them and spare the motor.

 

The towhaul doesn't make any difference on the interstate on long cruises. Once you hit about 66 it's only good for braking at that point.

 

I have a 10,000lb 5th wheel. I use tow haul under 55mph with innovatives street tune. why? Because the rpms are too low to hold power in 5th gear and I would be luggin the engine. I like to stay above 55mph most of the time. I favor 60mph.
Cruising I like to get it in to 5th gear locked. But once the truck cant handle the incline I use tow haul, the trans shifts down to 4th, then locks and im going between 50 and 60 up the hill.

with 10,000lbs, 90% of the time I do not like to use cruse control.

I use tow haul for breaking at any speed.

 

What are we hauling? I wouldn't, and don't, use cruise control when hauling "cargo" like horses.

I wouldn't say no to a tune in of itself, it would depend on the tune, cargo, and terrain (plus a few other personal preferance details), before I would say no or yes to a tune. Ironically though at my stage of modification I have to run a tune period as running stock will cause for a very bad truck ride.

T/H mode wouldn't really be needed on huge expanse of flat driving with little to no stop and go traffic. Not saying that there might not be something that comes up that requires it's use, but just from what you've said about it, I would say it wouldn't be needed.

 

Just leave it on, like stated, after speed levels out it will select the right gear and it will act normal until braking. Saves your brakes when towing, not to mention the decreased stopping distance gained. I have 60,000 miles and the original brakes are still at 75%/80% frt to rr. Puts less strain on the drivetrain when getting back up to speed from occasional stops/ slowing. Just play with it on and off, you will find what works best in your situation.

 

I have 2008 F250 6.4l and when I am pulling in Towhaul the truck does a violent downshift when going down hill. It appears to jump from 5th to 3rd. It scares the heck out of me. Does anyone else have that problem? I use towhaul when pulling hills or in slower traffic but turn it off when going down hill.

 

I had this problem with my 6.0. The Ford dealer updated the flash and it went away.

 

Your in the wrong forum, your in the 6.0L, this sub-forum will have 6.4L owners like yourself.

6.4L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

 

Haven't used the Tow/Haul feature yet, but I do have a question; can you go into Tow/Haul at any time/speed or do you have to be stopped to engage it?

 

Anytime, any speed...all your doing is changing how/when the tranny shifts. The tranny will still use all 6-speeds....just changes the shift points. Be aware, if your running light and use tow/haul you could slide the rear wheels on wet/slick pavement.

 

Thanks. I've thought about using it several times while hauling the 5er, but figured I better ask first (couldn't find it in the owners manual).