Has anybody done any testing to find out if there is a difference in fuel mileage between Tow/Haul mode and normal mode.
You'd think that there would be some slight difference due to the later shift points.

Chris

 

On the highway, no difference of course. However, I did a ~100 mile test of normal commute driving, and I noticed 1-1.5 MPG better on the overhead with the TOW/HAUL engaged than with it disengaged. It will really help if you travel a lot of ~45mph roads. In my case, I always get to 45, let off the go pedal, and it hits OD locked. It will stay in OD locked down to 41MPH. It will also stay locked in 3rd with the tow/haul engaged, whereas it will go back into 'slush mode' with it disengaged. After I did this test, I made it standard startup procedure to hit the tow/haul button every time I get in my truck. I wish there was a way to have it ON by default every time I start her up!

 

I dont have any real evidence, but I also have noticed that driving in the city with tow/haul on seems to get a little better mileage. I try to remember to set it everytime I get in the truck. You will know when to disengage once you are on highway and get up to OD speeds.

 

Why bother disengaging? Once locked up in OD (and it gets there sooner when engaged), mine stays there no matter what size the hill when empty, and when loaded it works better on anyways. Does the dash light bug you?

 

man i'm glad you said that. i will have to try that around town. with fuel prices what they are now a days any little bit helps.

thanks for the suggestion


britt

 

on the 04.5's Tow/Haul Locks out OD, so thats why he would want to disengage it. I turn it on when i am going to go less than 3 miles in a 65 zone. no point in shifting in OD if its a short trip

 

Oh yeah, duh.. my bad

BTW, the original poster needs to update his SIG so we know what kind of truck he's driving!

 

Running with higher RPM'S uses more fuel.....I'll stay in OD at 55MPH and you stay in direct at 55 and see who gets better mileage!

 

I hit the Tow/Haul button when driving on city streets under 50 mph, on Freeways and Highway, I go into Overdrive. In the city this keeps the transmission from shifting a lot and keeps the rpms in the peak range. Learned this from Tim Holt. When towing a horse trailer on the highway I dont use the Tow/Haul button and the trans holds OD just fine and does not lug the engine.

 

You slush box owners crack me up

 

To Each Their Own Brother.............no need for your comment, now is there. If you don't have an automatic you should move on and not even make a comment!

 

Hairy1.... I agree!

 

Chill out guys, I didn't come in here trash talking auto's. Apparently it's a touchy subject and I apologize.

If it'll make you feel any better, you can come over and post on a 6spd threat and tell us how well your truck shifts nice and easy into 3rd gear and have a chuckle about it.

Us hand shaker guys probably wouldn't be as rude about it as you were.

 

None of us are touchy about having an automatic. I have no complaints about mine.

I dont consider our comments rude either, you are the one that came into a forum with which you are not concerned to make a snide remark. Your calling the auto a 'slush box' is testimony of that.

Lets not be childish and critisize each other just because of the type of transmission in our CTD. If you want to critisize head over to the Powerstroke or Duramax forum. I believe however, if a person chooses and enjoys his Ford or Chevrolet that is his decision. In fact right next to my CTD in our driveway sits a Chevrolet Avalanche that my wife picked.

I guess for some the old 'High School Mentality' dies hard, " My Chevy is better than your Ford" or whatever.

 

Unbelievable, It was little friendly " " post, to this!
You won't have to reply to this, I've learned my lesson. I'll never read another auto thread. Sorry to the rest of you for sidetracking your original post.