Tow/Haul Mode. When Do You Use It?

[@croutster8399]

I’ve towed a bunch in my CDL career with F150/250/350/450/550/650/and 750s…fifth wheel/gooseneck off the ball/ and bumper pulls. I learned a few things in this vid….It is must watch if you are not a frequent trailer tugger for sure! Thanks. BFT!

[@BeardedFordTech]

Anytime my man anytime!

[@marlboroman2393]

Lol hotshot🤣🫵🏻

[@BeardedFordTech]

@marlboroman2393 he wasn't a hotshot driver. If only you knew who he worked for which isn't my place to say. But I assure you it wasn't hot shot

[@croutster8399]

@@marlboroman2393 leave a 50 on the seat when you can’t back your trailer into a tight spot I’ll get In for ya😉

[@Pjnow1366]

I haul quite frequently and always have it on tow haul mode plus I set my exhaust brake to automatic. Never any problems and it saves on brakes. Great advice BFT and great video. 👍👍👍👍

[@BeardedFordTech]

Yep. Exhaust brake is good. Especially on auto. Let it figure out when to use it.

[@garygilstrap-b4p]

Hey Bearded Guy. Best video I have ever seen. I have a Tahoe and the tow mode is basically the same as Ford. We tow 4,500pd RV and will be using the tow mode from here on out. Thank you.

[@BeardedFordTech]

@garygilstrap-b4p your welcome. Use it when necessary and you shouldn't have a problem. Thanks for checking it out

[@nealjennison8855]

I have a 2016 F150 with the 3.5L ecoboost. I'm going to be towing a Toyota Rav4 about 500 miles to a family member who wants the vehicle. This is very useful information. Thanks.

[@BeardedFordTech]

@@nealjennison8855 your welcome. Be safe.

[@RickBrauer]

Just the information I was looking for! Thanks for your time and effort to share this.

[@BeardedFordTech]

Your very welcome

[@brentynparada3647]

Thanks Tony as we speak that was a decent video and IDC mean we could we go over people like me I’ve only been telling Trevor about two years and I still part of my breaks and I hate going up mountains and down. I can never get the right speed, especially down one flat so far.

[@BeardedFordTech]

Trevor? I lost

[@terrydtdi]

Great video brother, lots of awesome tips! Thank you

[@BeardedFordTech]

Your welcome. Now. You don't have to do these. It's just what was recommended to me by a senior master who does nothing but transmissions. And it did help a lot.

[@daddydiesel5889]

Very informative, you should do a video on each drive mode. Possibly explain in detail what each one does, and how it changes the truck.

[@BeardedFordTech]

I can do that. May take a whole Saturday to film that. But I can get It done.

[@patrickdiehl6813]

Older vehicles like my 99 XJ and Ram 1500 don't have these features. However both have OD, the 1500 is selectable but the XJ isn't. Basic rule of thumb is don't use the OD until on wide open flat freeway when towing something heavy. Thanks for spreading the knowledge BFT. Not related but worth noting, yesterday I went shopping to replace my Motorcycle helmet, didn't find the one I wanted and was disappointed because I really wanted to ride my 74 Honda 550 four into work today. Happened across both of your videos last night about the motorcycle accident you witnessed and your follow up a year after. A very sad and tragic event that didn't have to happen had the truck driver been paying proper attention to the traffic, my prayers go out to his friends and family. Riding for over 40 years I have seen a lot and have been lucky many times, mostly from not trusting other drivers to do what is expected. This morning when about 1.5 miles from work I was at a stoplight, got my green and began to proceed, the oncoming vehicle at the light turned left directly in front of me. Had I been on the 550 I don't know what the outcome would have been. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing both of those videos, I know it was not easy for you to do but putting it out here so people can see just how fast a life can end due to another motorist being inattentive to their surroundings and trafic is the right thing to do. Thanks Brother👊

[@BeardedFordTech]

Yeah the older ones had an OD button on the column. Essentially does the same thing. Preciate the kind words. That was a tough year. Be safe out there!!

[@MR-si1eq]

Well great info. I was always told if your pulling more then a lawn mower (2k+) put it in tow. My personal rv is 6k. I use it all the time. And for my work i use it on all tows.

[@BeardedFordTech]

Yeah really anything over 3k. Put it in tow. But cruising now traffic at all no signs of slowing down all the work has been done to get you to that point. Which is what tow/haul does. Changes the shift strategy to get you to that point. So after that nits pointless. Doesn't hurt to use it though. Is mainly for hilly terrain city traffic stop and go and all that good jazz

[@fredkelly4649]

Watched this video few times so good info thanks so much .

[@BeardedFordTech]

Your welcome. Thank you for watching.

[@doncrossley3766]

I have a 2015 F450 CC (Weld Rig) with a rolling weight of 16,200lbs. I "always" run in tow/haul mode because, as you mentioned, It downshifts early (all the way to 2nd gear) to help slow my vehicle and to save braking, It upshifts positive and tight easing the load on the engine and on the freeway, when I come to a downward grade and so much as tap my brakes, it downshift to help slow the Rig, even above 3400 rpm.. My 2¢..

[@BeardedFordTech]

Hey that works!!

[@nysucks4508]

Great info as usual 👍

[@BeardedFordTech]

Thank you 👍💯

[@johnmarino4085]

Thanks for sharing!

[@BeardedFordTech]

Your welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@chrisr.986]

Very informative. 😁🤓😎

[@BeardedFordTech]

😁😁💯💯👍👍❤️❤️

[@ryanwongfishing2695]

Nice Info...Thanks!

[@BeardedFordTech]

Welcome

[@cd9225]

Similar to my Ford Fiesta hill descent control. I was stuck in traffic for the next 20 miles of 5mph to 20 mph. I was think hmm turn it on to see what it does. It held the rpm longer and delayed the shift, which helped a lot. I believe that the Fiesta Dual clutch fully engages at 5mph, I don't think it wore very much.

[@BeardedFordTech]

Yeah fiesta dual clutch was horrible. I did a lot of those. Hill decent helps you down a hill. But if it worked in traffic. Why not then.

[@cd9225]

@@BeardedFordTech I know. That's way I try to keep 5mph and up to reduce clutch slip in traffic. I think it is fully engaged at that speed.

[@BeardedFordTech]

@@cd9225 nope. It's just an automatic transmission with a manual clutch controlled by a computer. Crap design.

[@cd9225]

@@BeardedFordTech I agree it's crap.

[@thomasfarmer8605]

Great to know, thanks!!✌

[@BeardedFordTech]

Welcome

[@kingranch8516]

Great info brother thanks

[@BeardedFordTech]

Welcome

[@vw4517]

Good video. Thanks man.

[@BeardedFordTech]

Thanks. Your welcome.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

If I'm hooked to anything with weight (IE anything but an empty trailer) I just turn it on and leave it on. Newer truck run all the way up to OD gears now anyway.

[@BeardedFordTech]

Nothing wrong with that. 💯💯

[@apersonontheinternet8006]

My trailer weighs about 3250 unloaded but it’s a 14k equipment trailer with a pair of 3500 pound axles under it. I believe my manual (2014 F150 w/Tow Package and factory brake controller) states that tow/haul mode engages the anti-sway control for trailers with brakes. As I understand it, this means the truck can independently and automatically control the trailer brakes when the truck senses swaying without needing manual input on the controller or brakes. I assume it works pretty well, I’ve had a few loads that I wasn’t quite able to properly balance exactly how I would like them yet have never had an issue with it.

[@BeardedFordTech]

@@apersonontheinternet8006 tow haul mode just keeps the transmission in a different gear. The sway control is through the trailer control module and trailer brake brake control module

[@deefarrell4120]

Thank you for your insight! I own a Class C RV (Lazy Daze) on a 2005 Ford E450 chassis. Total weight 12,000 lbs. I've spoken with a few LD owners who told me they always drive in tow/haul mode due to the weight of the vehicle. What is your opinion?

[@BeardedFordTech]

@deefarrell4120 without towing anything? Begging for problems. I run a fleet of 450's. All weight 16,500 pounds fully equipped they don't ride in tow haul

[@melonhead49]

Good stuff man

[@BeardedFordTech]

Much appreciated! 💯

[@champinsoccer9]

Great info! Love towing with my 2020 ranger. Its a beast and handles steep grades well with the engine brake. That pedal monster show up??

[@BeardedFordTech]

No not yet. Should be any day now.

[@ZayGrijalva]

My oil light came on because I drove with the trailer mode on while on the toll road thanks for the advice I know what to do now

[@BeardedFordTech]

Your oil light has nothing to do with tow haul mode. Tow haul is for the transmission. Did you get that checked? Was it low?

[@kl3mm3r86]

If that's a Chevy 08-14 you got a dead cylinder or bout to.

[@deslynch8957]

G,day mate great video

[@BeardedFordTech]

Thank you. G'day to you too.

[@edwinberrios3256]

Great video, great info, quick question, do I need to put tow mode on when pulling two jet skis? They weigh around 1800 pounds gassed up with trailer?

[@BeardedFordTech]

@edwinberrios3256 I would just to be on the safe side. When first starting out and going through stop and go traffic or city.

[@bobj8896]

Good stuff especially if your not use to yanking stuff around...

[@BeardedFordTech]

Yep. If your a everyday hauler guy. Turn it on. Pretty simple 😁

[@mlieser1230]

I had wondered about how the tow/haul mode worked. I always had manual transmissions when I towed my car trailer. My 2004 GMC 2500 HD (my F150 was more HD 🤣🤣) was equipped with tow/haul. I rarely used it as I only towed a single axle trailer with a couple mowers. After years of driving manual transmissions it took awhile to get used to an automatic. When going downhill with the manual I'd drop down a gear and could hold my speed. Automatic transmissions feel as if they freewheel when you coast downhill and you pick up speed. You rely more on the brakes with an automatic. I could have used tow/haul mode in a situation like that. I didn't realize that it used engine braking. The 2000 GMC I currently drive has tow/haul but I think it is inop as the light doesn't appear on the cluster when I hit the button. I'll have to look into getting it working again. Thanks for the detailed information Anthony.

[@BeardedFordTech]

Your welcome. Automatic transmission will downshift going down a hill. Rpms will go up. Basically engine braking. But you do kind of pick up speed doing it.

[@dcldrone7541]

Sounds like the wire to your tow/haul switch has broken. Look it up you tube, common problem on gmc and Chevy.

[@nathansheldonlance]

Thank you sir

[@BeardedFordTech]

Your welcome. And thank you.

[@danaooley6611]

Thank you answers a lot of my questions... F150 eco 2013. Interstate what speed do you run?

[@BeardedFordTech]

Towing? Or just driving? What's the speed limit?

[@Richard-w8d6q]

Can you switch in and out of tow mode when your driving or do you have to be stopped to switch in and out of it. I drive a Dodge 3500 diesel. Thanks for any suggestions. 👍

[@BeardedFordTech]

@@Richard-w8d6q you can do it while driving.

[@Acidrain50001]

Great info and much help. Wondering though at what weight does it actually become important? I know you said heavy but I have an F350 6.7 and at times I have maybe 1k - 1500lbs on the trailer empty the trailer is 880lbs should I use it then as well or how heavy? Thanks!

[@BeardedFordTech]

@Acidrain50001 I wouldn't even worry about 880lb trailer. Now if thay bad boy is fully loaded down then yes. 1k-1500 wouldn't hurt to use it to be on the safe side.

[@barbatosrex6949]

Thanks man

[@BeardedFordTech]

Not a problem your welcome

[@nathansheldonlance]

You erned a new subscriber

[@BeardedFordTech]

@@nathansheldonlance thank you very much. Very much 👏

[@paulhill7818]

Question. I have a 2013 ford f150 3.7 regular cab. Just bought a tracker bass boat. Boat and trailer around 2300 lbs. I live in Florida and it's mostly flat near Me, I'm in the Panhandle. Do I need to engage the tow haul on the truck when going from place to place.. Thank's Paul

[@BeardedFordTech]

Yes. Especially if you are driving in the small areas getting to the beach or load in. Like Destin or Tallahassee. If your just straight cruising down I10 you can turn it off when you get to speed.

[@paulhill7818]

@BeardedFordTech Ok Thank You Sir. All I needed to know..

[@BeardedFordTech]

@@paulhill7818 your welcome.

[@clydeft1083]

Beer buddy, easy. Thanks

[@BeardedFordTech]

💯💯

[@nagazinafireworks7594]

Can I use tow /haul mode and my engine brake at the same time with out towing anything? Just to slow the truck down quicker.

[@BeardedFordTech]

@nagazinafireworks7594 no. Tow haul is for towing to keep the transmission in a certain strategy to pull. I wouldn't do it to slow down. Especially not towing. Engine broke is fine.

[@hunterwendell2460]

Thanks dude🫡

[@BeardedFordTech]

Welcome friend

[@kaitlynrich5540]

What about the 90s f150 with e40d Od on or off when towing

[@BeardedFordTech]

Same applies

[@charlesmagicien207]

Is tow haul mode necessary when hauling a utility trailer with a riding lawn mower on it (all totaling 900 pounds?

[@BeardedFordTech]

No not really I wouldn't even worry about using it for something like that.

[@charlesmagicien207]

@@BeardedFordTech Thanks for replying. I appreciate it.

[@BeardedFordTech]

@@charlesmagicien207 your welcome.

[@kertinaproduction5486]

Thanks for this video. But when I put it on tow/haul mode when I press the break the rpm goes highter and the break kind of shakes when I turn the mode off it drives smooth any idea why?

[@BeardedFordTech]

Keeps it in a higher gear for slowing for fuel consumption. As far as shaking. That may be your brakes

[@305ricky6]

So I’m picking up a boat which is 200 miles away from me . I want to stop 100 miles in to the trip to let the wheel bearings cool on the smaller trailer . Can you touch more on letting my truck idle when I do stop so I don’t cook my tranny? Because I have a gas vehicle I don’t want it to idle when I take that 2 hour break to let the bearing cools , so do I need to let it idle for like 15 minutes??

[@BeardedFordTech]

@305ricky6 no ylu can shut the truck off. It would be no different than going on a road trip driving for 400 miles and stopping for gas and a bite to eat. Your not going to cook the transmission. You should be fine and dandy to just chill out for a little bit 👍

[@305ricky6]

@@BeardedFordTech perfect man thanks , just made my first big decision to get a boat at 20 years old and I’m hyped to pick it up , my truck has tow haul and this video was a huge help !!

[@BeardedFordTech]

@305ricky6 awesome. Congrats on the boat! Now let's go do some wakeboarding (haven't done that since I was 18 probably a bad idea)

[@12yearssober]

I've always been told not to tow in overdrive under any circumstances. Is that wrong?

[@BeardedFordTech]

Overdrive is for toeing

[@eastonstephens7655]

Ty

[@BeardedFordTech]

YW

[@colinl5951]

Arizona is not flat lol. Some parts are, not the north or the eastside of AZ.

[@BeardedFordTech]

I didn't say all of arizona was flat. I should have been more clear on that. But it is most definatly flatter than where I live.

[@colinl5951]

@@BeardedFordTech the I 40 is a bastard in New Mexico, flattens out pass Flagtown going west. In that area, young, Pinetop, show low, strawberry, Holbrook, Prescott, ect. Tucson is okay going to Yuma, bit you get my drift.

[@BeardedFordTech]

@@colinl5951 👍👍

[@Sayitlikeitis1234]

Unrelated question for you. 2021 escape experiencing a issue with sync 3.4. It has started acting strangely where I constantly get the location services are available along with if I want to connect to Apple CarPlay. When this happens FordPass also stops working. I have noticed that automatic system updates along with Wi-Fi shut off on their own. I have tried a factory reset multiple times to no avail. Any suggestions on what could be happening or a fix?

[@BeardedFordTech]

Factory reset as in disconnect the battery and hold the two cables together? Or factory reset through the screen? Cause neither of those will work. It needs a sync module update

[@Sayitlikeitis1234]

They the screen. Ok to the dealer it goes. Thank you

[@BeardedFordTech]

@@Sayitlikeitis1234 your welcome

[@Xrispy_Yream_Zonuts]

I use it when it feels heavy and sluggish compared to small loads.

[@BeardedFordTech]

Exactly!

[@Xrispy_Yream_Zonuts]

@@BeardedFordTech Common sense saved the day! Some KZbin bozo was like “if I got like, a thousand pounds or more…” 1000 ain’t shiit!

[@scotthill1278]

I wonder what they mean by engine braking on gas engine. I you ever want to make a video that would explain exactly how to determine, payload, and towing capacity using the vehicles door imfo. the ecoboost group on facebook with. its an every other question issue. Everyone thinks because a commercial said 13000lb that means all F150's can tow that. getting anyone to read the ford tow guide FINE print is like learning a foreign language. Can you explain why so many people air up their tires to the max psi on the sidewall of their tires and not the door jamb sticker........sigh

[@BeardedFordTech]

I can do that. I'd love to do a follow up video on this and touch on those things you asked. Engine braking is when you let off the throttle and basically.using the engine too slow down. That's different than exhaust braking on a diesel.

[@carlmaro]

13.6 k views but still doesn't mention if the transmission is in D or 3 ??🤷‍♂️

[@BeardedFordTech]

I mean it's kind of obvious you would be in drive. Not 3 2 or 1. Most ford trucks don't have the 3 2 1 it's drive or M now. But to answer your question. Drive. Not 3. 3 is just third gear. You won't go very fast if you do that.

[@JamesHoots]

7th is the last drive gear 8, 9 ,10 are overdrive

[@21psd]

Why would you ever turn TowHaul off while towing? Leave it on anytime your towing a trailer

[@BeardedFordTech]

Because when your up to speed and as mentioned on flat straight surfaces there is no need for it. All the pulling has been done to get you to speed. At that point your just basically running the vehicle in a lower gear with high rpms putting more wear and tear on it. It serves no purpose when you are on a straight road with nobody around. I also said. If you are in hilly terrain like mountains. Or curvy roads or congested. Then it should stay on. I always thought the same thing til I learned it from a senior master transmission guy when I worked at ford. I didn't say you had to turn it off. I said you could run with it on. But it's not doing anything if your not going up and down hills stop and go traffic or passing people or curvey roads.

[@fredkelly4649]

@@BeardedFordTech Great advice i came here to figure out if i had to always have tow haul on towing my new 2023 forest river with my 2016 ford f 150 newbie and got the answers i wanted.

[@carlmaro]

13.6 k views but still doesn't mention if the transmission is in D or 3 ??🤷‍♂️

[@carlmaro]

@BeardedFordTech thank you for your response. Honestly, I have heard / read a million posts that say Only tow in 3rd Never tow on drive.

[@BeardedFordTech]

@carlmaro sorry I was rude. 3 is only third gear. That will burn thay bad boy up. Don't do that.

[@carlmaro]

@BeardedFordTech No worries man. I appreciate your insight.

[@BeardedFordTech]

@@carlmaro 💯💯