Tow/Haul Mode Question
 

At what point do you Guys/Gals decide to use the Tow/Haul mode feature? I asked this question on a Nitro Bass Boat Facebook page and got all kinds of answers. 99% of the time I will not use it because my 2011 F250 SD doesn't even realize the 18' bass boat is back there. The other 1% of the time I use it is when I'm coming down grades and utilize the 'exhaust brake'. I use the Tow/Haul mode when towing my 30' Weekend Warrior but not the bass boat. What are all of your opinions on this? Thanks.

If I'm loaded heavy enough to alter my driving style, I use it. More accurately, I use M mode almost exclusively.

On my 11 I use Tow/Haul every time I hook up to my 5er or pulling any kind of trailer or load. I also use the feature when I am in slow traffic on I35 so it shifts less rather than use Manual mode. I have to say, the T/H feature is used more than I had ever anticipated.

Only when the load requires it. ATV on ATV trailer? Nope. Travel trailer? Yep.

With a light load, tow/haul tends to slow me down more than I want.

I tow a 8,000lbs travel trailer on fairly regular basis and am often in hills and mountains. So for me pretty much out of the driveway I am in tow mode. I do not think it makes a big impact on my MPG on flat terrain due to later shifting, but it's very handy on the up and downs.

I've gone east a few times now, and once I get to Iowa, I usually forget the truck has the tow button.

Goes without saying that you use it when pulling a heavy load but I find myself using it around town unloaded to help me slow to a stop at a light. Makes me feel like I'm using less brake thus less wear and tear on the brakes. Also when in heavy traffic so it doesn't shift as much.

Pulled a 5th wheel with a dry weight around 8k about 300 miles and didn't use tow haul.

Use it if you want help slowing down. I don't like how it downshifts so I leave it off. 🤙🏽

Anytime I pull my 5th wheel camper, I use T/H. Also, whenever I am driving in the mountains without a load, I use T/H and the exhaust brake so I can let the engine control my speed downhill instead of riding the brakes.

T/H heavy then I use the mode and exhaust brake. There is reason that the tranny shift points change in T/H mode to put less strain on the engine and save the brakes.
You get to decide what is heavy vs. light.

I saw somewhere that a ford engineer had commented on the topic and basically said use it if you want to or don't use it if you don't want to. The truck is designed to work with no problems either way whether empty or towing at the max weight.

Also, here's a snippet from ford towing guide:

When towing my TH at 14K+, I'll use it when the road becomes hilly and it wants to down and up shift. When running I76 east I never need to use it.

The only time I use the tow haul feature is when towing our 14K pound toyhauler. I also use the engine brake for better braking...the way some of the idiot driver's that like to pull out in front of you when towing every extra bit helps. For daily use or when towing my utility trailer I just leave it in drive.

Thanks for all your responses Guys!

I use it all the time when towing my 21' enclosed trailer - I actually wish it would come on automatically when there is a trailer attached - this antique brain simply cannot remember to hit the switch until after I'm 1/2 down a hill scratching my head as to why the engine brake isn't working. Thankfully my passenger has a way better memory than me and she usually reminds me.

My co-pilot has no idea what is going on. She once commented that, "You sure do press a lot of buttons on this truck."