How Much Weight For Tow Haul Mode (Explained)

ByAllan February 6, 2023February 7, 2023

At one point in time, we have all pondered the proper weight threshold or conditions required to engage tow-haul mode while towing machinery or equipment with your vehicle.

If your truck or SUV has a tow-haul mode, this guide will ensure you know what towing weight requires activating tow-haul mode.

It would be best if you turned on your tow-haul mode while towing weights from 2000lb to your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity. Turning on the Tow haul mode will ensure you don’t stress your transmission and engine by pulling heavy loads on higher gears.

How Much Weight For Tow Haul Mode?

Most trucks and SUVs typically require the tow-haul mode when pulling weights over 2000 pounds.

When you activate the tow-haul mode on trucks and SUVs, it boosts torque and delays the engagement of gears, allowing the car to enter higher gears at higher RPM, making way for an overall smoother towing experience.

When pulling heavy loads like trailers, machinery, and cars, it’s advisable to activate the tow-haul mode on your truck to reduce wear and tear on your transmission.

In addition, it’s important to check your truck’s GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) before towing; you must activate your truck’s brake haul mode before towing any load above 75 percent of its GVWR.

Although some high-performance trucks Like the Ford F-350 turbo diesel and the Dodge RAM 3500 can pull crazy amounts of loads over 19,000lb on Normal driving modes and more than 35,000lb with tow-haul mode and a bit of aftermarket modification.

It would help if you didn’t risk the lifespan of the car’s transmission and engine by towing loads (of any kind and weight) without activating your truck’s tow-haul mode.

Is It Bad To Tow Without Tow Haul Mode?

It is very dangerous to tow without the tow-haul mode where necessary.

Moreover, several problems can develop due to not using your tow-haul mode while towing.

Some of the likely problems to evolve when towing without the tow-haul mode include;

#1. Overheating Of Vehicle Transmission

Pulling heavy loads without activating tow-haul mode puts unnecessary strain on your vehicle transmission, causing unwanted heat build-up and poor transmission fluid circulation.

In addition, with the car not going fast enough, the airflow that would normally conduct all the excess heat away is reduced.

#2. Increased Wear And Tear On Higher Gears

Towing without using the tow-haul mode will cause increased wear and tear on the vehicle’s higher gears, as these gears aid smooth and faster-driving conditions.

In addition, if you do not use your tow-haul mode, the higher gears will be stuck pulling loads they are not built for, wearing and shortening their life span.

#3. Wearing Away Of The Truck Brake Pads

Your truck tow-haul mode comes equipped with engine braking.

Towing Heavy loads without turning on your tow-haul mode can lead to massive wear and tear to your vehicle brakes due to frequent and constant brake application.

#4. Uncomfortable Driving Experience

When driving without tow-haul mode engaged, the truck’s ECU (engine control unit) will constantly shift gears.

Trying to find the optimal gear for the present driving condition, leads to a bumpy and unstable driving experience.

#5. Catastrophic Transmission Failure

An extended driving period without using your truck’s tow-haul mode can cause catastrophic damage to your engine transmission.

This type of problem is a massive pain in the wallet as repairs to a car’s transmission system almost always require a complete overhaul and gearbox replacement, which are generally extremely expensive.

When Should You Use The Haul Mode?

Different conditions will warrant the activation of your truck’s tow-haul mode. It should be engaged while under the listed driving conditions;

#1. Towing Loads Greater Than 2000lb

While towing loads greater than 2000lb, it’s vital to activate tow haul mode. Tow haul mode will maximize your towing capacity and overall efficiency.

#2. Driving Downhill Or A Steep Incline

Most trucks with towing/hauling modes have engine braking bundled with it.

Engine braking enables the car to go down hills and inclines with better stability and handling.

It also reduces the stress on the brake pads caused by extended braking while going downhill.

#3. Climbing Hilly Regions

Activating your truck tow-haul mode will boost torque and climbing power while traversing hills and rough terrain in the countryside.

It does this by limiting the transmission to lower gear settings. The car will also hold a Particular gear level(e.g., gear one) for longer than traditional driving modes.

#4. When Hauling Heavy Loads

Transporting heavy loads can put a lot of stress on your transmission and cause unpleasant driving experiences.

Turning on your tow-haul mode will help smoothen your driving and lower stress on your transmission.

#5. While Towing Trailers

The average weight of normal-sized trailers is about 5200 pounds. It is quite heavy, and most trucks would struggle to pull such a massive load without the tow-haul mode activated.

Should I Use The Tow-haul Mode On The Highway?

Using your truck’s tow-haul mode while driving on the highway is unnecessary, provided all things are equal.

The car normally moves at a relatively constant velocity when driving on the highway, so there’s not much gear shifting.

Highway driving doesn’t normally involve lots of acceleration/deceleration and braking as driving in urban areas, so there will be less stress on your engine and transmission.

So ultimately, activating the tow-haul mode while driving on highways is unnecessary.

Driving on highways with tow-haul mode engaged can cause a significant rise in fuel consumption.

Your engine will be operating at higher RPMs than normal, causing you to see lower MPG (miles per gallon) values than you normally see without it engaged.

Although driving without using tow-haul mode consumes smaller amounts of fuel, it’s detrimental to the overall health of your transmission and can lead to terrible consequences.

It’s better to spend extra money on gas and keep your gearbox in good health than save some money on gas and spend thousands of dollars replacing your truck’s transmission.

However, if you are towing ultra-heavy loads and feel the car gear hunting, it’s advisable to turn on your truck’s tow-haul mode for a better driving experience.

#1. Pros of Using Tow Haul Mode

It gives your truck an extra oomph while towing Heavy equipment and hauling heavy loads.
Reduces the amount of stress the transmission experiences while towing.
It gives the car extra climbing power while climbing hills and rugged terrain.
Engine braking helps reduce stress on the car’s brakes while driving down hills and steep terrain.

#2. Cons Of Using Tow Haul Mode

Tow haul mode increases the amount of fuel consumption due to your engine running at a higher RPM than normal.
It also leads to warmer engine and transmission operating temperature than normal caused by high RPM shifting and lower level gears engaging for longer.
Tow haul mode makes for trickier driving during winter due to engine braking locking up some wheels without enough traction.

Tow haul mode. Why and when should you use it?

Conclusion

Towing Heavy loads and traversing hilly terrains can be a nightmare for drivers and your car’s transmission system.

Such conditions can cause increased gear wear and worn brake pads due to constant braking and even catastrophic failure of your car’s gearbox.

Therefore, activating your truck’s tow-haul mode when towing or hauling heavy loads is important.

Allan

I've been a car enthusiast since I got into my grandfather's Chrysler 300D!
I'm a mechanical engineer and I love to test drive new and old models, especially on my trips where I rent a different car each time. I try to answer any questions you may have about your car as best I can on Wheelfrog!