Tow/haul vs. downshifting

**rionapo** · 02-22-2012, 10:30 AM

First impressions of this fancy new (to me) thing called tow/haul: it seems okay for long and gentle grades but doesn't work on curving, steep or steepish mountain roads. It seems to require too much braking for my tastes and its downshift from 3rd to 2nd kicks the rpm up towards 3k on my v10. Or do I find myself reverting to downshifting because I haven't used tow/haul enough to understand it? I also haven't seen it upshift though that, too, may be from lack of practice. As discussed in some other threads, downshifting lets you drop into a lower gear and cruise and I haven't experienced it in tow/haul. (Maybe it's like converting to automatic transmissions????)

Viejo · 02-22-2012, 10:59 AM

Please pardon my ignorance, but WTF is Tow/haul?

**rionapo** · 02-22-2012, 11:35 AM

It's a gear ratio adjustment on newer (I presume) Fords that uses the transmission to slow the vans on downhills.

Ford_6L_E350 · 02-22-2012, 12:23 PM

And it will change the upshift points so the trans doesn't 'hunt' between gears, and so it has enough rpm's to pull hills.

Mike

Advanturetrek · 02-22-2012, 02:02 PM

My manual (2011 E-350 w/ TorqShift) says (paraphrased) that tow/haul has the following effects:

1. Shift points will occur at higher vehicle speeds

2. The torque converter will lock up at lower speeds

3. Upshifts are delayed during hill cresting

4. Engine braking is provided without moving the selector lever

5. Manual 1, 2, and 3 still available

6. Automatic "grade braking downshift"

**BroncoHauler** · 02-22-2012, 02:13 PM

Sounds like a good way to control transmission heat buildup.

Herb

**rionapo** · 02-22-2012, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Advanturetrek

My manual (2011 E-350 w/ TorqShift) says (paraphrased) that tow/haul has the following effects:

1. Shift points will occur at higher vehicle speeds

2. The torque converter will lock up at lower speeds

3. Upshifts are delayed during hill cresting

4. Engine braking is provided without moving the selector lever

5. Manual 1, 2, and 3 still available

6. Automatic "grade braking downshift"

All of which is consistent with my experience. I just seem to take greater comfort in winding and steepish mountain roads using the manual gears where I can lock in a speed and roll down the hill. Tow/haul seems to gain speed between turns, causing too much braking, IMO. I guess I'm wondering if I'm not giving it enough of an opportunity.

Viejo · 02-22-2012, 04:42 PM

Sounds great - I want one. I mean - I want one of what the manual promises, not one of what rionapo seems to have.

SMoaB · 02-22-2012, 07:29 PM

I don't understand what it is. Hardware, software? Google didn't help to much
http://www.towhaul.com/

**BroncoHauler** · 02-22-2012, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMoaB

I don't understand what it is. Hardware, software? Google didn't help to much
http://www.towhaul.com/

Tow/Haul is a control on the end of the transmission lever stalk. Believe it was only available on the V10's in the vans. Diesels had the overdrive deselect on the end of the transmission stalk.

Herb