Tow Haul Mode. What is it and when should i be using it? 

I also use cruise control only in the flats, because like you say, the engine is surging to get the speed back up. Great tips.

Totally awesome enhancement to the RV owner training program. Thanks so much for this update. Wow!

Thanka for the reminder. I've owned a RAM for 3 years. This is the first camping season I've completely forgotten about using Tow/Haul. Old age is creeping in. I will be using it tomorrow on the next leg our journey. Both that and the Exhaust brake work awesome

On my class a gasser, I use tow/haul descents, in urban stop and start traffic, and approaching in interstate exits. I use cruise on relatively level highways and depress the accelerator as I approach slight upgrades. That keeps the cruise from forcing big sudden downshift at every overpass.

Thank you so much for this video. I learned something knew. I'm traveling and I'm renting a U-haul trailer. This video was helpful. Happy holidays.

I love the tow/haul mode in my Ram. It’s great for down grades and up grades, and I love the engine braking. Saves on the brakes.

2023 Silverado - use tow/haul anytime I’m towing. Only use cruise when already up to speed and only on flats. Also, my tow/haul causes the engine to cruise at a higher rpm.

Just took our new tow vehicle (Silverado 1500 w/3.0 Duramax) on its first trip & loved the tow/haul mode. Shifting was good on back roads as well as interstate, and the engine breaking coming down of a twisty mountain road made life a lot easier. Cruise control wasn't an issue, but the adaptive was a pain. Cars want to cut right in front & speed off, so the truck applies brakes even though that car will be gone in a second or two. Thanks for the videos!

Agree 100%. Thanks for the video.

I've watched many of your videos and realized I haven't subscribed. Just wanted you to know that the subscribe reminder at the beginning of videos does make a difference. Thank you for the great content you provide.

Older Expedition with the 6R80…Tow/Haul is my fave towing feature on the vehicle. Holds gears longer both up and down, but the grade downshifting is brilliant. All I have to do is lift off the throttle, and if the vehicle senses it’s not slowing it downshifts. It also works very well with the cruise control, even in hilly terrain. But I only use cruise in the dry…in the wet I want that immediate control.

Todd, thanks for the tips on Cruise Control and Tow/Haul Mode. I always use my Tow/Haul feature whenever I tow my 30 foot trailer. When I upgraded to my new truck (Chevy 2500HD Diesel), I was impressed with the Exhaust Feature and LOVE IT, especially in the mountain (Sierras) areas. On my last trip from California through Colorado, we used cruise control, tow/haul, and exhaust brake and it made the trip so much easier. Keep these tips coming, we are all learning so much!

As a novice, this video answered 3 very important questions as I’m getting ready to pickup a 37’ travel trailer and tow it 1000 miles

Great video. Having the tow/haul set to on - on a gas class A will sure help reduce your stopping distance. Our rig is 24K chassis but not fully loaded so I use the tow/haul all the time. Noticed no difference in MPG using it or not at cruising speed because the RPM's are the same.

Hey Todd, just want to say how much your efforts in Video production and lighting have improved. YA, I know, I'm the guy that said something at your class about how to improve the production value, I was just trying to help since I spent my life doing it. your info is always spot on, but your audience really appreciates the good production value too.

Like you, I use my cruise when it is fairly flat and only when I get to my desired speed.

Thanks, I learned a lot

I use cruise on the level on a 2007 F250 diesel. That truck’s tow haul mode will also allow the torque converter to lock in direct gear (4th gear in the 5R110 tranny) instead of just in overdrive.

2012 RAM 2500 Cummins. I use tow/haul, exhaust brake, and cruise when towing. Love the exhaust brake. 152k miles and original brake pads. I even use both on without towing in really hilly county. For coasting with the exhaust brake on for this model, if you barely touch the accelerator, it coasts. My EB doesn't activate unless my foot is off it.

Hi Todd. Dan here with a Bounder on a F-53 gasser chassis. (no engine braking for me) Tow Haul mode... Always if I've got the toad attached to the RV. Cruise control... Only on the flats or small hills. I hate to have the engine drop into 4th when I'm headed up hill. When tow haul is off it tries to keep me at the set speed and downshifts going up every hill. Tow Haul and cruise control at the same time will let the speed drop about 5 mph before dropping into 5th gear. It aslo lets me add a few mph headed downhill before it drops into 5th gear to slow me down the hill. That's what I do when I'm driving without CC on. Makes the ride much more enjoyable for me. I kick the CC off when I get into hilly terrain. Thanks for another Tech Tip. Keep them coming. I'm learning from each one.

The tow & haul mode in the 2016 Toyota Sequoia Platinum works like a charm on steep inclines (7% +/-). The only downside we have is if the road is curvy and hilly, the mileage drops like a rock from 13.6 to 13. Thanks, Tod.

This is from my 2022 Ford F-350 owners manual: “When towing with adaptive cruise control, switch on Tow/Haul Mode and Diesel Engine Brake.” I set the engine brake to “automatic” so it only activates when I push on the brake pedal or I am traveling downhill and the speed begins increasing. I use Adaptive Cruise Control as often as I can. It’s one of the most useful features when towing. I try to find a big-rig traveling at my preferred speed (usually 65), set it to max distance, and relax. If we are approaching a steeper grade, I’ll pass the truck since it’s easy for me to maintain speed much better than an 80,000 big rig. If I’m in front of a big-rig on a downgrade I’ll move out of its way (if at all possible) so it can coast. Again, it’s easier for me to maintain speed. Another great video Todd, thanks.

I agree with you 100%.

Makes total sense 🙏🏻

Tow/ haul yes, standard cruise yes, exhaust brake yes. I use the exhaust brake even when I'm not towing to keep the moving parts moving and soot away (also saves brakes). I believe auto exhaust brake would allow you to coast until tapping the brake and setting the hold speed. Only real trucks have that feature 😉.

Another cruise control user here, although I typically max it at 65. I also turn off Lane Assist. I wanted adaptive cruise control but now i see that a higher power was intervening when it wasn't an option. The one downside to Haul mode is that it often downshifts and then sits there even when the descent evens out.

Adaptive cruise is fine. I just set mine for the biggest distance. It would never slam your brakes unless someone stopped in front of you.

I always use tow/haul feature when my 5th wheel is attached. I use my cruise control the same way you do. My truck is old enough that it doesn’t have the embarked feature.

21' Ram 3500 HO dually... 45ft horse trailer. I use tow/haul 100% of the time. I also use my exhaust brake on "Auto" so it does not activate till I press on the brakes.

Hi Todd. My rig is pushing 14,000 lbs (14500 GVW). To me that means I'm "Hauling" all the time. Tow/haul goes on the the whenever the RV moves. I use the cruise control as you do. No adaptive on my rig.

I use tow/haul and cruise control (once at speed). My RAM has two settings for the exhaust brakes - I use the setting where it only applies them when I hit the actual brakes, which is very nice.

(1) I always use tow/haul when towing. (2) I use cruise control when towing in the conditions you describe, so it depends on the situation. (3) I always use my exhaust brake whether I'm towing or not because it slows wear on my brakes and helps keep the turbo clean (2015 RAM 2500 diesel). There is a lot of discussion and evidence I've found to back that up. So it's the first button I push after starting my truck. Exhaust brake FULL all the time. I have not driven it in the winter yet since I just bought it this spring, so I may not use it then. I've heard the exhaust brake could potentially cause a skid in slick conditions. (4) I also lock out 6th gear when towing because it's simply too "tall" and will lug the engine when towing. This is done with the up/down buttons on my RAM shifter.

Todd! You do a good job answering our questions and Yes I am subscribed. Now onto my question. Travel trailer emergency brake switch. IF there is a master cut-off switch for the house battery and it is turn to the OFF position and the camper becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle power cord and the emergency brake switch pulls out will the camper brakes activate? A simple question may be…. Is the emergency brake switch connected to the house battery (bypass master switch) all the time? I know some utility trailers have a motorcycle type battery to power the brakes. No bloopers were used in this question

I use both, however I also don’t set the cruise until I am at the speed I want to cruse at. Teh exhaust brake is a life and brake saver.

I own a Dodge Ram3500 5.9 Cummins and love it…I use the Tow/Haul but not the Cruise Control because I feel like I have more control over my vehicle and trailer

2018 ram 1500 use tow haul all the time. Use cruise control only on flat level ground. My rpm at 62 to 65 mph 1800 to 2000 rpm . Pulling a 8300 travel trailer get about 10 mpg. Been towing it for about 15 ,000 miles no issues. Ram 1500 6ft 4in ram box bed 3.92 rear axle. Heavy duty tow package 5.7l. Only mods cai and shorty headers mid pipe cat back exhaust.

Tow Haul does hold gears longer but also changes line pressure to shift firmer so clutch packs don't burn out from slippage. Typically it also downshifts sooner and relative to brake input to get engine braking in the mix to aid from burning up your wheel brakes. In some instances it will also lock out overdrive or a secondary overdrive or at minimum make the OD active at a higher cruise speed with lower throttle input. The latter is typical on all newer drive by wire throttle controlled vehicles

My 2020 ram 2500 has many features, including being able to manually shift gears for an incline or decline, and I always use my tow haul mode when towing my 38 foot travel trailer. I also use my adaptive cruise control which automatically sets at the full car length (4bars) when towing. I always use my exhaust brake, I love the sound! However, when towing, I use the automatic mode it’s supposedly assist with maintaining the speed you are at and control during steep decline. I Always using one or another.

After years of running a snow plow on the highway, I'm not a big fan of cruise control because I've seen the trouble it gets people into. So I probably won't use it when I'm towing. The truck I currently have is the first one I've had that has the tow-haul mode, but I haven't had an opportunity to try it out yet. (I'm camper shopping right now...).

FYI Regarding Exhaust Brakes, I believe they're found only on diesel engines

Great video. I have been recently wondering about the cruise control question, so this is timely. I went from a gas pickup and travel trailer to a much larger 5th wheel and diesel Ram 3500 in 2020. But we just completed our first long trip over 1000 miles. During that drive the wife and I were discussing using cruise control. I was concerned about the high rev issue getting up to speed. Your tip is very useful. Also, we always use tow-haul and auto-exhaust brake when towing. Standard exhaust brake on my truck does what you say, and activates as soon as you take the foot off the gas. Auto exhaust brake in my truck will only activate if you either hit the brake pedal, or if you take your foot off the gas, and the speed increase due to going down hill, so it will activate and keep the speed close to constant going down hill. It is highly useful. Tow-haul mode on my truck does raise the shift points, tightens up the shifting, and blocks out overdrive gears. It should make the trans last longer. The down side is lower mileage. We have a 2019 1/2 Ram 3500 HD SRW with the Aisin trans. Thanks for the info!

Awesome information! 🫡🫡🫡🇺🇸🇺🇸

Be thankful you have a Ram...I am (2022 3500 DRW). My friend has a Ford and it cost him $13K for repairs because they had to pull the cab to get to his V8 diesel. There's a reason OTR tractors don't run V8's.

As usual a great presentation. What are you towing with your Doge? Is it diesel or gas?

If adaptive cruise control is slowing your vehicle you're way too close to the vehicle in front of you anyway so just back off to about a football field length from the car in front of you. I know I'll probably get flack for this but before you take me to task either look it up at the NHTSA or do the math for the 3 second rule. I've done both. Keep the good stuff coming oh great bearded one.

If you have a newer truck with an 8-speed or 9-speed transmission, the same is still true. One of the transmission gear selections is "Direct Drive" .... and is electronically selected when you engage the Tow / Haul function.

Or just drive a truck with a manual transmission. Having full control over shift timing means you decide when to go up or down a gear or more. Another benefit of a manual transmission is that most people trying to steal your truck probably won't know how to drive stick, which will lead to them getting caught.

Im going to start out by saying. You should always use exhaust brake. To try and keep the vgt clean. I see a lot of vgt problems because lack of exhaust brake. So i use cruise control and exhaust brake as much as i can.

Thanks for the video. I use cruise similar to you. However, if there is standing water on the road I will not use it. Nor will I use it in heavier traffic.

I love the Automatic setting on my engine brake (2020 ram 2500) I also always use tow haul mode. I did some testing on my own it really keeps the trans temp down. Like @GiantsninerFan56 stated the engine brake saves your brake pads and routers.

Thanks god bless

Todd, Why don't manufacturers program the tow/haul mode to come on when the 7 pin is activated? Would help to not forget.

If you have an older truck that does not have a "Tow Haul" or "O/D Off" switch on the gear selector lever, simply put the shifter lever into the D3 position instead of D4.

I love using cruise control but also do not engage it until I'm up to speed in my MH which is typically 60mph. I don't have the adaptive feature nor do I need as I am usually the slowest vehicle on the highway and rarely come up on a slower vehicle. What is annoying is how eager the cruise control is to accelerate over a bridge forcing a downshift of one sometimes even two gears.

Higher RPM = lower MPG. You are correct , Cruise control is for flat terrain when towing.

I use cruise control all the time but when the transmission wants to downshift excessive I will not. Also I have a dodge and mine has an auto exhaust brake which allows me to let off the gas and coast. It only engages when going down hill.

On my 2022 Ram 2500 with a Cummins i can push the engine brake 2 times and the engine brake will not come on untill I touch the brakes. I also use the tow haul mode when I'm pulling a trailer it gives more control when up shifting and down shifting it's easier on the transmission.

Logic and common sense video. Take notes people!

Love the tow/haul and exhaust brake! My 2018 and 2023 Ram Cummins have two settings for exhaust brake the 1st setting will engage the exhaust brake as soon as you let off the gas pedal, the 2nd setting will engage the exhaust brake when depressing the brake pedal! Soo you can coast all you want and only engage the exhaust brake when needed! My Rams have always gotten better fuel economy than any Ford!😊

I am only speaking for a Ford Diesel High Output 2023. There are 2 settings for the Diesel Exhaust brake, One setting is exactly what you said. You let go of accelerator and the brakes kicks in, The other setting (Automatic) only kicks in when you hit the brake. So it drives normal when you coast, but when to hit the brake, the exhaust brakes works. Next... Tow haul mode. On my 2023 F350 it does not delay the shift. It just simply give you a much more detailed display on the instrument cluster. Next... Cruise control. On my ford, if you are going 50MPH and set it for 65MPH, it will gradually increase your speed. This is a welcomed improvement. Next... Cruise control steady driving. On my Ford the speed will only vary by 1MPH. And down hill, the brake lights do not come on. It will only use the Diesel exhaust brake even if you did not select Exhaust brake mode. The Ford forums mention these exact comments. Some seem odd, but they work great. AGAIN, this is only regarding the HIGH OUTPUT Diesel. I am not sure about the other motor choices

What's your advice about the tow/haul mode on a Class A gasser (Ford chassis)? We tow our 4-door Jeep and I use tow/haul, but I've read that some people use it even when not towing to take advantage of the engine brake. Is that okay?

Question: newbie truck owners. We just bought our first truck, a 2007 tundra. At what weight should you use the tow/haul? Our camper weighs 2500#. We pack very light. We camp in the southeast usa.

I need your input, I have an older Ford 150 with a 4 speed automatic, should I turn off overdrive even on a flat highway, when towing? Thanks

The adaptive cruise should work on a motorhome while towing

The only problem I’ve ever had with tow/haul mode is remembering to press the button. 😀

I use tow/ haul only when towing.

Todd, I too use the tow haul mode. However, it seems as though when using the tow haul mode in the city I get more chucking from my 5th wheel as I'm applying the breaks more frequently due to the stop and go traffic, so I turn the tow haul mode off until I get out on the open road again. Is this normal and or advisable? Thanks for the advice.

I have a motorhome with an F53 chassis and I tow a little Chevy Spark. The Spark weighs around 2,400 pounds, should I still use to tow feature?

I did NOT read all the comments....our Ram 3500 DRW has 2 settings on the Exhaust Brake....AUTO and ON.... ON activates it right after you let off gas pedal like you said....AUTO will let you coast and will NOT activate until you push on your brake, then it will activate/assist in the braking

I drive about 36k per year and never use cruise control , because I want to stay alert, however I use exhaust brake always get average 17.6 mpg Cummins 2018 Dodge or Ram (Race me) program

My 96 PSD doesn't have a "tow/haul" feature. I can turn off the overdrive but that does not change the shift points. Thoughts?

Curious as to why tow haul isn't automatically enabled when you plug in your 7 pin? You know for people who forget to hit the button - asking for a friend of course.

Should I turn off the trailer sway on my tow feature

I have 2004-3500 Dually 2WD Dodge Cummins with tow haul. But I also have a Gear Vendor O/D. I use the tow haul, and the Gear Vendor for the OD. Is this correct or should I not use the Gear Vendor with the tow haul. I never use the G/V with the trans O/D unless running empty on the highway. I get 14mpg towing with the tow haul, and Gear Vendor... With both trans O/D & G/V empty I get 21-23mpg..

QUESTION: When using tow haul I understand my RPMs running higher but it is not something I'm used to. What is a safe RPM to maintain and for how long? How do I know when I'm pushing my engine too hard and to back off? 2022 Ram 1500

I hear people talk about manually gearing down when they are on a long incline. I recently tried this and I guess I'm not understanding the concept as the truck was overheating. Is there a video or resource I can view that covers this?

Do you use tow/haul mode when going 60+?

Hi, just wondering when you are in Tow Haul or Tow Haul + and you come to a steep down hill slope, the 2023 Tundra user manual says to slow down before the down slope and downshift. Should you still downshift when in Tow Haul or Tow Haul +? There seems to be some conflicting info on this. I am towing on steep roads soon and would love some clarification. Thx in advance

Does not using the tow haul cause damage to the vehicle? I’m talking more about smaller 16-17 ft boat rather than a rv. The tow/haul makes the gas pedal very touchy on my truck, which isn’t super ideal sometimes. Most of the time when I’m pulling the boat you don’t even notice much difference.

Tow Haul if over 1/3 of my towing capacity on local roads or hilly. Over 1/3 yup 👍. Hilly or heavier than that tow mode most of the time. Dodge Ram 🤣🤣. 5 Comments

lol Tow Haul Mode, I'm the tow mode with my 6 speed manual diesel. New Dodges must be worse, I'm getting 14-15mpg on flat 2003 5.9, and 12mpg going through mountain passes.

I have a 2017 ford f-250 with the 6.7 diesel, I use cruise control almost all the time, I use the exhaust brake the whole time I'm hauling and also my truck has a anti sway option I've tried it with and without this on and I find turning that option off the trailer dosen't sway hardly at all its seems like that option was fighting my blue ox hitch

8.8 roughly with a Ford F-250 SD with the 7.3 liter Godzilla engine towing a Grand Design fifth wheel weing dry just under 10K. No cruise control and a mix on when I use tow mode. Flat long roads.....no tow feature. Pulling in the mountains.....use tow feature.

Use my tow hail mode when on state and local roads.once on the interstate I take it off.

Does any1 know of a page or channel I can go to, to figure out why my 7 pin don't work right on either of my '13 or '18 ram 2500 6.7L cummings trucks with any of my trailers??

I have a different truck than Todd but hopefully he can still answer my question. I use the tow haul whenever my TT is attached regardless of the type of road I’m on. I was told I should also put my truck in low and “shift”it to fifth gear and leave it there. Does that sound correct? Maybe I’m forgetting part of the conversation? Help please getting ready to hit the road again.

???? Butt TODD, my RV have only an OVERDRIVE button I have learned that I don’t use Overdrive on any type of hill and the same thing with CC, Only use on FLAT Land and straight a ways.

But how do I know what to adjust the +/- on the tow haul to?

Question ? My A class is connected to short power , but does not charge my battery what should do. Thank you

Does tow haul use more gas? (Newbie travel trailer tower) We're on our first long trip and had some horrible gas mileage days with wind and hills. ToyotaTundra pulling a Rockwood Minilite. Thx

You have a old pickup if you have a Dodge .

What NO bloopers?

Love the content, but Ford’s manual says not to use adaptive cruise control for the exact opposite reason. “WARNING: Do not use adaptive cruise control when towing a trailer that has trailer brakes. The auto-brake component of the adaptive cruise control system does not operate the trailer brakes. Using adaptive cruise control when towing a trailer that has trailer brakes may result in the loss of vehicle control, which could result in serious injury.”

Nooooo. You have a Dodge I can't believe you down graded. Haha.

You totally skipped over gas trucks. Would have been nice if you would have discussed the way it will downshift when using the T/H feature along with braking.

Maybe some day you can get a Ford. lol. Love your content.

Wrong. The main aspect of GM's "Tow Haul" function is what Ford calls "O/D Off" ... which does not allow the transmission to shift into Overdrive where planetary gears are being used to reduce engine speed and improve fuel economy. But when towing heavy loads, using the smaller spinning planetary gears creates excessive friction and heat in the transmission. By disabling Overdrive the transmission instead stays in Direct Drive (such as D3 in a 4-speed O/D automatic transmission) where the input and output shafts of the transmission are directly coupled together. During this process the engine will be running at a higher RPM which will indeed create more engine torque for towing.

Never, never, never use cruise control in wet or slippery conditions....dry roads only.

Oh no, bad mouthing RAM. No exhaust brake compares to RAMs. Fords exhaust is the one that sucks. Lots of people complain about theirs.

You need to change to a Diesel Ford