Hi all, I have a quick question obout the tow haul mode. This is my first diesel one ton (04.5 DRW 3500) I'm towing a 10,000 lbs. Weekend Worrior. The question is do I need to use it in tow/ haul mode to tow this trailer. with the 1/2 ton it was a must.

Thanks, Tommy

 

If you find the truck wanting to down shift yes, use the tow /haul. Use it before it shifts on it's own, like before a hill.

 

It also helps with the downhills. It will help with braking.

 

On the 04s it only locks out overdrive. I don't believe it does anything else until on 05 model. With that load you won't need it. Most of the time it will just raise the boost for added power and never down shift. If it downshifts and stays your ok. If it;s trying to go back and forth between 3rd and 4th then hit the button for the hill and then back off when you level out. leaving it in 3rd will KILL your mileage. My camper loaded down is around 8500lbs and another 1000 - 1500 in the truck and even through Colorado I hardly ever use tow/haul. I actually use it more down hill than up if I use it at all - no exhaust brake on mine.

 

Yeah, great site for any questions- never an mean response!

We have a 04 SRW one ton 4WD off road and are usually doing heavy loads on hills or a long haul with a 30 foot trailer and 12,000 boat.

definite weight related, tow haul keeps the sync at speed- no wear and tear on the metal fiber plates in the tranny. Old truckers rule- what ever gear climbing the hill, goes for the down hill at your heaviest weight. (no engine brake). as usual, control is the key to safety and not paying for your blown tranny...

any shifting loads (horses, stacked goods strapped down) need tow haul for the smooth ride, again it will shift on momentum with weight.

figure also- a bumper hitch -you are at the maximum weight and will have the drag shock (front and back ) that will affect the pull.

if you are AT 10,000 and then load up some personal gear you MAY wnat to consider going to a fifth wheel/gooseneck set up.
we have a hidden gooseneck that is direct to the frame and the pin rotates up through a four inch hole in the box. (plug covered when not in use, undetectable)
Good luck- and there are some guys here with amazing experience!! ask the questions......

 

I tow a 36' 5th wheel that weighs around 11,500#. I only need T/H on the steep hills here in south Texas........04.5 SRW one ton 4WD.

 

thanks all for the great info.
Tommy

 

I use T/H mode every time I hookup the 5th wheel to the truck. I feel it shifts much better under a load and acts as a exhaust brake when going down hills pulling our 10k 5th wheel. I also see trans temps about 15* lower when using T/H mode towing the trailer over not using it.