Tow/Haul button with the 48RE

[Wardog]

When do you use the "Tow/Haul" button? I pull a 10K f'ver and like to leave it in OD. Is it OK to do this and let it search for the gear needed, or should I just leave it in 3rd gear? Obviously, letting it continually go between 3rd and 4th wouldn't be good for the RE. I put it in 3rd when looking at a steady climb, I just don't like the extra RPM's the tow/haul button creates when not needed. I'd like to hear from the more experienced haulers about this. Don't want to cause any problems due to my driving habits!

 

[y-knot]

I think common sence would rual it's use most of the time, Automatics with heavy loads will not last if allowed to be lugged down. The guy's with 3:54 gears will use it more then those with-out, but I would not let the rpm's go under 1800 while pulling a hill or any other taxing terrain. I to like to hual with the OD on, but it will be different depending on your HP, Torque, transmision, load and gearing. Around town, it is best to leave it off, the stop light to stop light traffic is just un-needed wear and tear on the TC, plus this will help keep the rpm's up and temps down. Your stock 48 suffers from a weak converter and a poor oiling circuit, both hate the low rpm's. Also, Dodge really hasn't addressed the needs of a HD transmission very well, your truck really only has a ON/OFF button for the TC lock-up. There is no true Tow/Haul mode, where the transmission has a different shifting patteren, one that addresses the needs associtaed with towing or hauling larger loads.