Tow Haul July 15, 2014, 11:37:22 am Yahoo Message Number: 147387I don't have tow haul on my 2003, but this link might be helpful to those who do and want to understand how to use it most effectively:http://www.intermotive.net/Tech%20Tip/Tech%20Tip%20-%20August%2006.pdfJoan
Re: Tow Haul Reply #1 – July 15, 2014, 01:32:57 pm Yahoo Message Number: 147390Thanks, Joan.I only have a Tow/Haul switch, so I don't know if that defeats overdrive or not. Maybe shifting into 3rd would have the same effect. I have to go dump, add propane and fuel. The dump is several miles away, so I will have to test it then. I'll report back when I complete that short trip.Dale
Re: Tow Haul Reply #2 – July 15, 2014, 07:06:48 pm Yahoo Message Number: 147401Personally, I dislike the tow haul feature, at least for descending grades. On my '06TK (not towing), hitting the T-H shifts it down from 5th to 4th. If it would just hold there, I'd be a happy camper most of the time, as 4th is for me often the ideal gear for extended controlled descents without too much braking. However, the T-H is all too eager to jump from 4th to 3rd even if you just lightly touch the brakes. The resulting roar and huge leap in RPMs is such that I immediately push the button to disengage the T-H and I use the brakes instead. I can't believe that sudden strain on the tranny is good for it. What I'd really wish Ford had done was place a 4th gear position on the shifter. Or put in a manual shift. Ah, dreaming. -- Jon
Re: Tow Haul Reply #3 – July 15, 2014, 07:22:47 pm Yahoo Message Number: 147403"Or put in a manual shift."--- Yeah, Jon! My left foot *still* stomps on the 'empty space' to the left of the brake pedal as my right hand goes for the floor shift knob! If not a manual (with a super heavy duty clutch), at least Ford could have stuck a couple of 'intermediate' gears in the 4R100.Joan
Re: Tow Haul Reply #4 – July 15, 2014, 08:04:21 pm Yahoo Message Number: 147409Jon: one positive. when going down hill and using the tow haul, I feel more control of the vehicle. I don't think it hurts the transmission to go to to high rpms---that is what it is suspose to do. david
Re: Tow Haul Reply #5 – July 16, 2014, 12:41:49 am Yahoo Message Number: 147413I checked my Ford manual on Tow/Haul. Engaging it does not affect overdrive availability. The key differences are higher RPM shift points, and engine braking in all gears, including overdrive with D selected. The book implies better downhill breaking without resorting to manual down shifts.DaleOne finger typed on my iPad, which is responsible for all typos ;-)
Re: Tow Haul Reply #6 – July 16, 2014, 05:35:36 pm Yahoo Message Number: 147428Hello I have a 1984 Lazy Daze 42000 miles. Runs great has a small hitch. Its attached just to the bumper with 4 bolts. Considering towing a 4runner on a automotive trailer from Los Angeles to Denver. Thoughts?? Thanks Scott
Re: Tow Haul Reply #7 – July 16, 2014, 07:18:14 pm Yahoo Message Number: 147431"I have a 1984 Lazy Daze 42000 miles. Runs great has a small hitch. Its attached just to the bumper with 4 bolts. Considering towing a 4runner on a automotive trailer from Los Angeles to Denver. Thoughts??"Scott The older LDs had a much lower towing capability than the newer, Ford E-series. I seem to remember 3500-lbs max. A 4Runner, on a trailer, is going to weight way over 4000-lbs, maybe over 5000-lbs, depending on the age of the 4Runner and the construction of the trailer. The old LDs are not made for this heavy a load, even the newer models would be stressed. Besides that, unless your 1984 LD has the large 454 V8 and a cooling system in top condition, it doesn't have the power or cooling capacity to pull such a load, especially over the Rockies. The 350 V8 will not make it out over the San Gabriels. You should definitely re-think this.Larry
Tow Haul Reply #8 – August 04, 2014, 11:16:40 am Yahoo Message Number: 147762Some may find the information on this link useful; it provides a clear explanation of the use of the tow-haul transmission feature:http://www.intermotive.net/Tech%20Tip/Tech%20Tip%20-%20August%2006.pdfJoan