I have a 2004 3/4 ton Dodge Diesel with a long bed. 2 wheel drive with auto transmission. I pull a 38 foot gooseneck enclosed car hauler with a 69 Dodge Charger in it. My truck is not a Dually.
It pulls just fine...I have had no major problems. But I wonder - am I technically supposed to be leaving it in that "tow haul" mode 100% of the time when I pull the trailer? It just seems to run too hard on the freeway with that function on - so I generally use Tow Haul in town and when I get up to 65 or 70 on the freeway I turn it off.
Could I be tearing something up by doing this? I know it kills my mileage to have it on at speed and the engine really seems to load up unnecessarily.
Thanks for the tips...
Scott

 

I have the same truck but with 4wd and i use the tow/haul mode in town and pulling hills only with my camper and boat. I usually get good mpg when doing this and never have any problems. I would use it only if it seems to search for a gear or you are slowing down due to climbing a hill.

Ryan

 

Mine stays out of tow/haul as much as i can. In town and in the mountains is about all. I like to have the little extra get up in town to show off the whistle. LOL

 

Hello and welcome to the DTR.

My question to you is : Are you running any gauges?

We have a 04 3500 auto ( for people with a lazy left foot) I strongly suggest that you as a min install a transmission temp gauge (in the hot pipe) and a EGT. If you are not running those gauges you will be very surprised when you do. I have found that it is not hard when towing to get the trans in the 240/280 degree temp in stop and go traffic.

Take care and enjoy the truck.
See Ya
Chris

 

If I understand correctly, running in tow haul mode is sort of like installing a shift kit on a transmission to shorten up your shifts when towing to protect your transmission. With the tow mode off, the shifts are more "dragged out", but feel a bit smoother. A second push of the button takes it out of overdrive. Therefore, towing with tow haul should be a bit of extra protection for the auto trans. (Is this correct??)