Ford Tow Mode question

[Rixey & Jeff]

We have a 3231CK 38' Montana pulled by a 2020 F-350 dually 6.7L diesel, and are relatively new with the large truck and large 5th wheel. My question is about when to use the tow mode feature (it's a toggle button on the end of the gear selector). The owner's book seems to say little, except to enable the tow mode when pulling a trailer (makes sense to me) Other resources say to only use the tow mode on upgrades or downgrades but not on the flat and level. Is there a right answer? Thanks

[C&P RV]

I have a 2017 F350 SRW and I switch on the Tow Haul and exhaust brake whenever I'm connected to my 5th wheel. The tow haul changes the shift points to help with engine torque. Combined with the exhaust brake when you are on a down hill grade you can tap the brakes and the transmission will downshift and engage the exhaust brake to help you hold speed or slow down reducing stress on the brake system.

[Rotnjonny]

100% agree with previous post. Whenever I hitch up any trailer, I immediately go to tow /haul mode. If I am carrying heavy weight in bed, I also turn on immediately.

[BB_TX]

Agree with the above. I always engage tow/haul any time the trailer is connected. As noted, it is not just for grades. It changes the shift points for normal driving whether flat, rolling, hilly, or mountainous.

I follow manufacturer instructions rather than “other resources”.

[LeftOverParts]

Ditto on engaging tow mode whenever the 5ver is connected.

As an aside, since you said you’re relatively new at this, you might check your manual on oil weight to use if you will tow extensively. The manual for my 2021 w/ 6.7L recommends 5w40 for towing more than 1000 miles.

[mhs4771]

GM here, but Ditto Tow/Haul and Exhaust Brake when ever hooked up.

[Foldbak]

Yep what they all said!

[Carl n Susan]

[Rixey & Jeff]

I had not thought of the oil angle - thanks!

[Daryles]

Same as above.
With Tow haul on sometimes it doesn't want to shift up after you have decended a hill.
Just toggle tow/haul off and it will shift up normally, then turn it back on.
2016 F350 Dually 6.7 diesel.
I recently read in the owners manual on the right column stick (tow/haul stick)
There is a + & - button.
If you press +, you will see what gear you are in on the display. Press + again to turn that display off.
If you press the minus button while that display is up, you will see the gears blank out meaning you are manually locking out that gear from the automatic transmission sequence.
Read the manual.
Personally I like having the gears displayed.

[Lee-CI]

Originally Posted by Daryles

Same as above.
Personally I like having the gears displayed.

I bet that is especially so with the newer Fords and GMs with the ten speed transmissions. After "rowing the gears" for decades it would drive me nuts wondering what gear I was in.
Tow haul mode and exhaust brake modes are part of our departure checklist. Even unhooked we exercise the exhaust brake at least a couple of times each trip to keep the actuator from getting carboned up after being suggested to do so by HDRam forum members.

[Carl n Susan]

I use the +/- button all the time when towing. Usually in anticipation of a downhill, I shift down to the gear I figure I need going down to limit my speed. I also lock out top gear (6 in my case) when climbing a hill where it would otherwise shift back and forth.

[Donjamin]

What I like about the Ford Tow mode and exhaust brake is that it allows the truck to step down through the gears as you are braking. I use it all the time and can’t imagine towing without using it.

Don

[texas05]

I use tow haul anytime the trailer is connected.

[Waricha]

Leave it in tow/haul mode whenever towing. It adjusts the shift points in the transmission. Plus, when you tap the brakes in tow/haul, it will drop a gear too.

[Twinstax]

I 100% use tow/haul whenever I pull our 3820FK or my 20’ flatbed trailer. I also engage the exhaust brake whenever I get in the truck (2020 F350 King Ranch). Helps save on brakes and better control when loaded

[WaltBennett]

I've never used that mode save for in mountains. Typical driving pulling our 38' doesn't need it and messes with fuel economy.

[Hortense]

I use tow haul and engine brake whenever towing too, as with several of the above.


Note that the engine brake can be either on, or in "auto" mode. Notice that as you use it. I will sometimes take it out of auto mode before a steep grade downhile, and use the engine brake on but not auto. It seems to keep it from running up higher into both speed and RPMs when I do that - smoother, in other words.


The button goes from off to engine brake to auto engine brake. And "A" will be part of the symbol when it's in auto engine brake mode.


This is also from a 2020 F350.

[Byron B]

I never used the tow/haul until about 8 or 9 years ago because I mistakenly thought it used more fuel. My tranny was overheating in my Chevy 3500 SRW and had to pull over a couple times in some Arkansas mountains. That night I read the owners manual and have used tow/haul anytime we are towing. No more overheating and it makes good use of engine braking as well.

[MandK]

Tow/haul whenever pulling and engine brake on. I don’t use the auto engine brake setting when pulling. It’s less aggressive than the “engine brake on”. Auto does remember your speed when you last remove your foot from the brake pedal or accelerator pedal, will use the less aggressive braking below that speed but will apply full engine braking if the vehicle exceeds that last recorded speed as in coasting down a hill. I use the auto when not pulling. I run the tranny in eco and brake in auto to help conserve brake wear and fuel. If roads are snow or ice covered I don’t use any engine braking.