Rookie automatic question, where to draw the line with Tow/Haul?

[Mr. Black]

I obviously use it with our fifth wheel.

What about when I am towing our 18 foot aluminum boat? The trailer has no brakes on it.

I figure the boat and trailer are in the low low 2000 pound range. I really don't like the tow haul mode but if it will help the trans live even towing the boat then I will use it.

Thoughts?

[colo_dually]

Normally, I engauge tow/haul on a gut feeling, and I do use it empty on the steeper grades. I think if you're under 4k, you're pretty safe running it normally, the 5R110 is a great transmission.

[Mr. Black]

Thanks colo. I value your opinion.

[dieselmac]

The transmission really doesn't care whether it's engaged. It's going to go in the gear it needs. Tow/haul just gives you a little bit of control over shift/load points by moving the shift curve a little bit.

Me personally, I leave it out of T/H unless the trans is gear hunting or I'm ascending/descending and want to maintain a lower gear.

If you really want to do your transmission a favor and help its life, keep up with your flush & drains and watch your fluid temps with a gauge.

[Rotbody]

I use it for a 18 foot car trailer, trailer has brakes. If I am cruising down the highway with nothing on it then I dont use it. Off the highway unloaded I will engage it or either stop and go

Loaded with a Foxbody on it I use it though.

[ensiv]

I haul equipment all the time and mostly on local roads so I always use it because with all the stop and go traffic I like keeping the transmission engaged...avoids the gear hopping. If I get on the interstate I usually turn it off once up to speed.