Towing question...
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Junior User
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 88
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From: NorCal
Towing question...
Once again, I'm new to the forum and new to diesel as well. I was wondering what is the best way to tow a travel trailer, as far as getting the best gas mileage. Should I always use the "tow/haul" button or not? Also, what about cruise control, is it okay to use it while I'm towing on flat, straight freeway? The last time I towed, I DIDN'T use the "tow/haul" button because it seemed to make the engine run at higher rpm's, which I assumed would eat up the gas mileage more. The weight of my travel trailer is about 5500lbs.
Thanks
Thanks
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,370
Likes: 1,858
From: Frederick, MD
Tow haul is designed to hold the gears longer. So less hunting of the gears reduces the tranny temps. It also will help to maintain speed with higher loads.
Tow haul also provides some engine braking and downshifting as well to assist in stopping.
Use it as you feel...with 5500 lbs it is no big deal either way.
I use cruise control period when traveling. hills/no hills. It makes it an easier tow in my book.
I tow at 65 mph. Slower gives better mpgs.
Tow haul also provides some engine braking and downshifting as well to assist in stopping.
Use it as you feel...with 5500 lbs it is no big deal either way.
I use cruise control period when traveling. hills/no hills. It makes it an easier tow in my book.
I tow at 65 mph. Slower gives better mpgs.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
Tow haul is designed to hold the gears longer. So less hunting of the gears reduces the tranny temps. It also will help to maintain speed with higher loads.
Tow haul also provides some engine braking and downshifting as well to assist in stopping.
Use it as you feel...with 5500 lbs it is no big deal either way.
I use cruise control period when traveling. hills/no hills. It makes it an easier tow in my book.
I tow at 65 mph. Slower gives better mpgs.
Tow haul also provides some engine braking and downshifting as well to assist in stopping.
Use it as you feel...with 5500 lbs it is no big deal either way.
I use cruise control period when traveling. hills/no hills. It makes it an easier tow in my book.
I tow at 65 mph. Slower gives better mpgs.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,213
Likes: 1
From: The Woodlands, TX
I truly think Tow/Haul is a preference and comfort feature. Some may not be comfortable with the increased RPM's between gears and the hard down shifting when breaking.
The biggest benefit in my opinion is the drivetrain assisted braking.
Does your travel trailer have brakes?
If you wanna maximize your mileage, make sure you have trailer tires on the trailer, make sure they're inflated properly and check the axle alignment. Especially if its a tandem axle. Another good idea is to check the balance on the trailer. Too much or too little weight in the front or back can create unnecessary drag.
The biggest benefit in my opinion is the drivetrain assisted braking.
Does your travel trailer have brakes?
If you wanna maximize your mileage, make sure you have trailer tires on the trailer, make sure they're inflated properly and check the axle alignment. Especially if its a tandem axle. Another good idea is to check the balance on the trailer. Too much or too little weight in the front or back can create unnecessary drag.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
I truly think Tow/Haul is a preference and comfort feature. Some may not be comfortable with the increased RPM's between gears and the hard down shifting when breaking.
The biggest benefit in my opinion is the drivetrain assisted braking.
Does your travel trailer have brakes?
If you wanna maximize your mileage, make sure you have trailer tires on the trailer, make sure they're inflated properly and check the axle alignment. Especially if its a tandem axle. Another good idea is to check the balance on the trailer. Too much or too little weight in the front or back can create unnecessary drag.
The biggest benefit in my opinion is the drivetrain assisted braking.
Does your travel trailer have brakes?
If you wanna maximize your mileage, make sure you have trailer tires on the trailer, make sure they're inflated properly and check the axle alignment. Especially if its a tandem axle. Another good idea is to check the balance on the trailer. Too much or too little weight in the front or back can create unnecessary drag.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,370
Likes: 1,858
From: Frederick, MD
Think of it this way...it keeps the torque converter locked longer and therefore there is a certain amount of drag when coasting.
Taping/pressing on the brakes then also allows a downshift to provide even more.
Just like manually dropping a gear on the gear shifter.
With very heavy loads it is a must.
Taping/pressing on the brakes then also allows a downshift to provide even more.
Just like manually dropping a gear on the gear shifter.
With very heavy loads it is a must.
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