Tow/Haul mode?

[BEmmert]

To those with the 2010 or newer what exactly happens when you put the transmission in Tow/Haul mode? The only thing I have really noticed is that it will down shift faster and harder when slowing down with the exhaust brake, otherwise I see no difference between regular drive and tow/haul. Hauled about 15k between trailer and forklift on it, on flats and hills. It will down shift going up a hill but sure drags the rpms down before it decides to drop another gear and in some cases simply wont drop on its own at all. Plus it still uses 6th gear and I thought 6th was supposed to be locked out in tow/haul? Anyway just my observations and wondered what others have experienced.

2010 3500, crew, long box, 4x4, auto.

 

[GooseHunter]

I know you can read the manual as well as I, but I dug out mine because your question piqued my interest. Here is what I found.

Page 47 of the 2010 Ram Truck Diesel supplement manual:
When To Use TOW/HAUL - When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load etc. , and frequent transmission shifting occurs, press the TOW/HAUL switch once. In TOW/HAUL mode, fourth to fifth gear shifts are delayed. Shifts into fifth and sixth gear are still allowed under steady cruise conditions. Closed throttle downshifts (for improved engine braking) may occur during steady braking maneuvers.

It goes on to discuss the Torque Converter Clutch, with another reference to the TOW/HAUL feature.

HTH,

Dean

 

[HBarlow]

I don't own and haven't driven a 2010 but in general, Tow/Haul mode delays upshifts, and causes earlier downshifts to aid engine/exhaust brake braking. T/H mode also limits the transmission's tendency to downshift on every grade.

Pickups since '07. 5 and 2010 or 2011 cab and chassis trucks now have the paddle shifter to select any gear as top gear so the Tow/Haul mode locking out sixth gear lockout like on my cab and chassis is eliminated.

The paddle shifter is, IMO, superior to pressing the button in the end of the shifter to select Tow/Haul and lock out sixth that I have to do.

 

[BEmmert]

Well it sounds like what I am experiencing is "normal" programing of the computer then. I do like the paddle shifter, sure makes it nice and the safety defaults built into the programing wont let you down shift to a lower gear on a down grade if the rpms are past a set programed point. Only thing I wish it would do is take the rpms up a little higher before shifting up as it bogs when it grabs the next gear and many times it needs to drop a gear sooner than it does at once again bogs to much and losses speed before it shifts. This is not only something I have noticed while towing it does this empty and the dealer claims this is just the way it is. Programing always tries to keep the rpms around 1000 when its empty around town with 6th gear being shifted into at 40mph.

 

[BurlesonR]

Sounds like your used to a high reving v8 diesel like the power stroke?

 

[HBarlow]

It seems that all the ISB6. 7s w/automatic transmissions are programmed to shift up early to keep rpms down but my '08 Cab and Chassis doesn't shift up to 6th/2nd OD until road speed reaches 50mph. In tow haul mode it downshifts back to 5th, then 4th, then to 3rd fairly aggressively as soon as I lift my right foot. I think the first downshift from 6th to 5th occurs at 50 or maybe even above that.

 

[BEmmert]

Nope not used to a V8 at all, driven a 98 2500 CTD with a 5 speed for the past 10 years. Just used to more control and higher rpms with that vs this auto. Everyday I get a bit more used to it, but still a change not having the total control over it.

 

[BurlesonR]

Nope not used to a V8 at all, driven a 98 2500 CTD with a 5 speed for the past 10 years. Just used to more control and higher rpms with that vs this auto. Everyday I get a bit more used to it, but still a change not having the total control over it.

My apologies then...

What's your rear end gearing?

 

[BEmmert]

It has the 3. 73 anti spin rear end. Its not to bad if it can keep the rpms above 1200 or so, but even at that its not boosting enough in 5th and 6th to accelerate worth anything and every once in a while it will stay in a high gear even with the peddle to the floor. In that case if I manually drop a gear it will then get going. I just think there needs to be some refining of the computer programing. Does anyone know if the Smarty programmers will allow for shift point changes?

 

[BurlesonR]

Hmm, I don't know. I haven't had a chance yet to pull anything with mine (still under the 500 mile mark). Mines 4. 10 and shifts great in T/H. Always seems to be in the right gear with quick firm shifts. Does your's lug too much empty or is it only with the 15k behind it? From what your describing, it doesn't sound like it's working properly... I'll be able to give you a little better perspective in a few weeks after I tow my 18k 5er. For now, I'm very happy with my shift mapping in T/H. Hopefully it will stay as aggressive with a load on.

 

[Jim W]

I do not own nor have I driven a 2010 or late model truck. I do have an 08, 6. 7L, 68RFE Auto, with 3:73 gears and the Smarty installed. I am using Catcher Level 3 and all the over controls are set to default. I do tow a 5er of 11K total GVW and my total truck/trailer weight is under 19K.



I do not use the Tow/Haul mode any more on straight and level roads with the Smarty. I have found that the truck is too aggressive on down shifting when in Tow/Haul mode. I only use Tow/Haul mode in the mountains and on long hills when towing. I do use the manual paddle shifter and I watch the RPMS and EGT's to keep them in line. I try to stay in the 1800RPM range and the EGT's under 1000F, changing gears as required.

Jim

 

[HBarlow]

Hmm, I don't know. I haven't had a chance yet to pull anything with mine (still under the 500 mile mark). Mines 4. 10 and shifts great in T/H. Always seems to be in the right gear with quick firm shifts. Does your's lug too much empty or is it only with the 15k behind it? From what your describing, it doesn't sound like it's working properly... I'll be able to give you a little better perspective in a few weeks after I tow my 18k 5er. For now, I'm very happy with my shift mapping in T/H. Hopefully it will stay as aggressive with a load on.

I'm going to offer an opinion that may unfortunately anger some.

I believe the reason your truck's shift programming is satisfactory and others are not as satisfying when towing is because you wisely ordered your new truck with 4. 10 gears.

I can state with absolute certainty that when you hook up an 18k fiver you will be grateful for the 4. 10 gears.

There is a reason behind Dodge engineers rating 4. 10 equipped trucks to tow heavier than those with other gearing choices.

 

[BEmmert]

Towing it was not as bad as it is empty for lugging in any given gear. It sure likes to be in the highest gear possible all the time vs the right gear for rpms and speed. Such as 30mph its in 5th gear empty at 1000 rpms, 40 mph its in 6th gear at 1000 rpms. If forced into 4th at 30mph it will do about 1400 rpms. Trans programing was reset by the dodge dealer who did drive it and was surprised to find it running so low, but could do nothing other than say its just the way it is and another guy complained of the same thing they said. Once its in a higher gear it simply does not want to down shift and then when it does its for a few second to gain the 5mph or so then it grabs a tall gear again. I just figured it has to do with emissions and the new set up and programing, but thought I would ask others if they are seeing similar numbers.