Towing for Dummies

[RandyMiller]

What is the general rule of thumb for proper towing with an automatic, ie... when to use the "tow button" etc... ?



My truck is a 2005 4X4 mega cab with no modifications, except for an Amsoil air filter and synthetic oil.



I will be towing a 19' camper trailer.



My main concern is towing up hill in the mountains (Wyoming).



Thanks in advance.

 

[Hoefler]

Use T/H when ever you have a trailer hooked up. I live in SW Missouri, I use it all the time, whether towing or not. It shifts better, stays locked up longer before shifting, locks sooner, etc. .

 

[DCaswell]

19' is not very large so the truck will not have any trouble & could pull you straight up a wall if it had the traction. If you have not towed much just be cautious when changing lanes etc especially if the unit is single axle as they tend to swing more than tandem will. Make sure it is level when hooked up and if you are short of experience towing go to a large parking lot after hours and practice backing up as this will save you embarrasment in the future. Most of all just enjoy the experience.

 

[RandyMiller]

Thanks!

Thanks for the quick response! That's why I love this site!



I've towed before, but not with this rig and didn't know how this automatic would work. I read the manual, but I wanted real world experience.



Thanks Hoefler and DCaswell for responding.

 

[Grizzly]

Welcome to TDR RandyMiller. When turning in tight spaces be aware of the wheels on the trailer as they will turn shorter then the truck. Always watch your mirrors while turning in tight spaces and backing up. If you are not sure while backing, have someone guide you. You don't say if your trailer is a TT or a 5th Wheel. Show you signature as soon as you can.

 

[DCaswell]

Hey Grizz Doubt if it is a 5er @ 19'

 

[BGlidewell]

>8 My main concern is towing up hill in the mountains (Wyoming). 8<

May do some good to have a transmission temperature gauge. You'll see the difference in TH mode.

 

[Grizzly]

Hey Grizz Doubt if it is a 5er @ 19'

Oh, but there are 19' 5er being made.

 

[Grizzly]

I looked at my RV Consumer Rating Group and there are several 19' 5th Wheels, which include New Horizon, only five star rating, Prower, RoadRanger, Scamp, to name only a few. There may be some smaller.

 

[DCaswell]

Well dip me in goose grease & call me slippery

 

[Grizzly]

Well dip me in goose grease & call me slippery

I can do that. That's funny, at least you have a sense of humor. :-laf

 

[DCaswell]

Hi Grizz If you can't laugh the only option is tears and they aint much fun

 

[B.G. Smith]

Use T/H when ever you have a trailer hooked up. I live in SW Missouri, I use it all the time, whether towing or not. It shifts better, stays locked up longer before shifting, locks sooner, etc. .

As stated here, any time you are towing or if you like, all the time. It keeps the torque converter locked when decelerating to help with braking. I like to hit the hills with a little more gusto when towing to prevent as much downshifting as possible, also going down the other side, keep your speed under control so you won't burn up your brakes. bg

 

[wcjp]

What is the general rule of thumb for proper towing with an automatic, ie... when to use the "tow button" etc... ?



My truck is a 2005 4X4 mega cab with no modifications, except for an Amsoil air filter and synthetic oil.



I will be towing a 19' camper trailer.



My main concern is towing up hill in the mountains (Wyoming).



Thanks in advance.

Do you mean 06' Mega? If so, add an exhaust brake.

 

[Grizzly]

Hi Grizz If you can't laugh the only option is tears and they aint much fun

Hay, DCaswell, your all right, I don't care what the rest of the TDR members say about you.

 

[DZink24]

As stated here, any time you are towing or if you like, all the time. It keeps the torque converter locked when decelerating to help with braking. I like to hit the hills with a little more gusto when towing to prevent as much downshifting as possible, also going down the other side, keep your speed under control so you won't burn up your brakes. bg

Let me continue with the question, as I too really have no idea what the tow/haul button is for. I have had 3 trucks now with this option. I can't see a benefit in driving along with the engine screaming at 2500+ RPM towing a trailer, when I could be at 2K, and getting better mileage. Does the tow/haul button act kind of like a jake brake, to slow the truck as soon as you take your foot off the pedal??



Look at my sig, I have a 14' aluminum fishing boat that is so light, the trailer dosen't even have brakes, would it benefit me to use the button for such a small load?

 

[KL7TQ]

I hauled a 29' haulmark to AK from DC I used the OD off button when the truck would start downshifting out of OD and when I was going down long grades. enjoy the better milage and quite rides in OD

 

[B.G. Smith]

Let me continue with the question, as I too really have no idea what the tow/haul button is for. I have had 3 trucks now with this option. I can't see a benefit in driving along with the engine screaming at 2500+ RPM towing a trailer, when I could be at 2K, and getting better mileage. Does the tow/haul button act kind of like a jake brake, to slow the truck as soon as you take your foot off the pedal??



Look at my sig, I have a 14' aluminum fishing boat that is so light, the trailer dosen't even have brakes, would it benefit me to use the button for such a small load?

The upshifting is a little later in tow/haul but the big advantage with a small load would be braking. The TC stays locked up down to at least 20mph in tow/haul where in regular mode it unlocks at 45mph an dthe engine speed goes to idle. bg

 

[DZink24]

The upshifting is a little later in tow/haul but the big advantage with a small load would be braking. The TC stays locked up down to at least 20mph in tow/haul where in regular mode it unlocks at 45mph an dthe engine speed goes to idle. bg

So would it be beneficial with such a minimal trailer load to drive along as normal, and then push in the T/H button anytime I begin to slow on a hill, come to a stop, or anytime I am off the freeway and city driving?

 

[B.G. Smith]

I put mine in tow/haul even when I'm pulling my 2 wheel trailer with two 4-wheelers on it. bg