What does Tow Haul do? 2010 Tundra 5.7l - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

lswartz · #1 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 09:29 PM

I know this is dumb but I don't feel any changes with tow haul turned on vs. off when towing a 5,200 travel trailer. The light comes on the dash but that is all I notice. I had a Ford Club Wagon with a V10 & it switched off the 4th gear which was really an overdrive. I only have just over 1,000 miles on it & one trip with the travel trailer. The Tundra tows like a dream.

I just found this answer;

QUOTE=LeeinAZ;885256]It might have a lower tow capacity because you don't have the Tow Package. The TP comes with a trans cooler, a trans temp gauge, and the Tow/Haul switch for the trans, which changes the shift points in the transmission. How much weight do you plan on towing??[/QUOTE]

Thanks.

tomhole · #2 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 08:29 PM

Tow / Haul allows for wide open throttle shifting which is nice when towing. Give it a try. Accelerate with your foot on the floor with and without tow / haul.

Tom

lswartz · #3 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 09:13 AM

Thanks Tom, I will (without a travel trailer on back 1st).

I just never needed that much power (with travel trailer) in the hills of western MD. Maybe the hills of the Blue Ridge Parkway would be a better test. Going from a tow vehicle that would pull 8,000 to 10,300 has been a bigger jump than it sounds.

tomhole · #4 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 06:49 PM

Western MD? Have you been to Racky Gap State Park? MY favorite campground. Just magnificent.

I've pulled my 6,000 lbs trailer through those hills with my 2005 and now my 2008. Big difference. The 2005 worked hard, the 2008 just works. I haven't found tow/haul to be requirement at these weights. I think you are right in that 8k-10k might see more of a benefit.

Tom

lswartz · #5 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 07:57 PM

We were close but near Thurmont & stayed in Cunningham Falls state park. Most know the area as Camp David. Rocky Gap is super too, but it has been a while since we have stayed there. That is a good long drive for you from the greater Cincinnati area.

jdubh · #6 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 02:06 PM

It also will start engine braking when you are on a hill and you just tap the brakes once with tow/haul engaged. If you do the same without it on, then the truck just brakes and doesn't downshift. I took on the mountains around the blue ridge parkway yesterday and it was no problem staying at 65mph. I took on a private road with a 21% grade too...going up was easy...going down I had to put it in 4low and first.

lswartz · #7 (**permalink**) 10-25-2009, 02:19 PM

Thanks much, that is good info to know.

MTeator · #8 (**permalink**) 10-25-2009, 05:23 PM

My truck does the engine braking on hills when you tap the brake with or without tow/haul on and even without a trailer.

The only difference I've seen with tow/haul is it doesn't upshift as readily, such if you lift while accelerating it'll hold the gear.

nomadic · #9 (**permalink**) 10-25-2009, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTeator

My truck does the engine braking on hills when you tap the brake with or without tow/haul on and even without a trailer.

The only difference I've seen with tow/haul is it doesn't upshift as readily, such if you lift while accelerating it'll hold the gear.

i have a 2008 and it's the same for me