Tow/haul vs manual mode

[chuck s]

Thanks, I'll check out the links.

-- Chuck

 

[GlennSullivan]

I have a 2017 6 speed that I tow 6500lbs about 1200+ miles a 4 times a year. I found that the Tow / Haul mode downshifts the trans on all hill descents using the engine as a brake, which revs the engine quite high which I personally don't think this is good. I prefer to set the trailer brakes higher when in hilly areas to accomplish the same thing. I stay out of Tow Haul mode and lock out 6th gear in this type of terrain. I find that this provides better mileage (less boost) even though the engine rpm is slightly higher.

 

[dragosa]

How do you lock out gears on a 3rd gen with an 6r80? I see D, 3, 2, 1

 

[JasonH]

How do you lock out gears on a 3rd gen with an 6r80? I see D, 3, 2, 1

Press the down button on the gearshift level. First one shows the gears on the display. Subsequent presses will lock out gears sequentially. Press up to reverse.

 

[chuck s]

There's a up/down toggle button on the driver's side of the gear lever that controls how high the transmission will shift. (Page 160 of the 2017 Owner's Manual under Transmission.) Personally never seen any need to lock out any of the higher gears when towing my 6000 pound travel trailer with either my '07 or '17 but our mountains here are not Sierra-grade. I use Tow-Haul when I remember and often don't notice it.

-- Chuck

 

[dragosa]

Press the down button on the gearshift level. First one shows the gears on the display. Subsequent presses will lock out gears sequentially. Press up to reverse.

I have a column shifter. P R N D 3 2 1

 

[chuck s]

Tow/Haul button on the tip of the lever do anything (I can't recall)?

-- Chuck

 

[Calidad]

I have just been using tow/haul drive mode but was wondering if when driving in the mountains I should also use manual transmission mode. What combination do you use? New to expeditions and not sure.

I drive Tahoe and like the sport shifting vs tow haul when coming down the pass. Tow haul with nothing heavy is too aggressive slows me up too much. Sport mode down shifts but not as aggressively seems to be about ideal for the Tahoe 7400 ft pass and down hill run. Rarely have to brake.

Towing my boat however the tow haul mode down shifts coming off the highway etc really make a big difference. You get the right long off ramp and the down shifting snd exhaust sound actually gets close to giving the 3.5 some decent cred ha ha..

 

[dragosa]

Tow/Haul button on the tip of the lever do anything (I can't recall)?

-- Chuck

Yes tow haul on tip, disables od.

 

[GlennSullivan]

2017 Expy 6 Speed. If I'm pulling a light load (4700-5000) on fairly level terrain, I just let the trans do its thing. If I'm pulling a heavier load (6000- 6300) on slightly varied terrain, I will occasionally lock out 6th and it actually improves the mileage.

I've stopped using Tow Haul Mode in anything but flat terrain as it is programmed to use lower gears as an engine brake for hill descends, which I don't like. I manually select the desired gear while ascending a hill and use a higher trailer brake setting while descending.