Tow/Haul mode = Sports mode!!!!

bertiman · January 8, 2016

Why isn't this the default mode for these trucks????? Seems like all good stuff to me:

1) The transmission is more responsive and consistent than in normal mode.

2) Transmission wear is reduced

3) break wear may be reduced

4) Seems like fuel economy is even better. No firm #'s yet, but watching the mpg seems like it is actually more efficient then normal mode. I'm finding it stays longer in 4 with far less switching between 8 and 4.

5) Feels like I have more direct access to the engines available power, making for the impression of faster acceleration.

I thought there was a big difference between auto and 2wd drive regarding how responsive and consistent the transmission felt.... The difference between tow/haul and normal makes the auto/2wd difference seem completely insignificant by comparison. So far I've only tested it in 2wd.

Ok... so, what's the downside to driving in this mode full time? I know there's gotta be one... If not, I see myself always running in tow mode.

Edited January 8, 2016 by bertiman

SMiller · January 8, 2016

No downside, the motor and trans actually run cooler as you are spinning the water pump and trans pumps faster moving more liquids.

I always say the motor being bogged down uses more fuel to move the same load vs less fuel and more rpm, let that motor spin so it can do its job!

Gmcant33 · January 8, 2016

So tow haul = win?

TxTruckMan · January 8, 2016

I don't think it changes any of the engine tuning, but only holds gears longer instead of quickly shifting. So it is more sporty, but it will use slightly more gas. Probably nothing very noticeable.

tobinstetson · January 8, 2016

I've only used tow/haul mode to tow or haul. I love the "S" sport mode in my wife's jetta. way better shift points, although it locks out 6th gear so once on the highway I shift it back to "D".

I don't think the GMC does this. You have all 6 gears available in Tow/haul unless you use the "M" manual shift. Then you can hold whatever gear your in.

fondupot · January 8, 2016

I didn't like how long it held shifts in tow/haul mode.

Recently I have been driving in M6 mode a lot vs regular drive. I have AFM turned off. So it never goes into V4 anymore. But driving in M6 just seems all around better. Not sure why.

Willshire · January 8, 2016

I had blackbear modify my tow haul to make it sport. It was awesome!

RhinoGuy · January 8, 2016

I don't like the downshifting that the truck does in tow mode. Other than that, it drives much better.

bertiman · January 9, 2016

I didn't like how long it held shifts in tow/haul mode.

At first I found it a little strange. But it quickly became very predictable and welcome.

I don't like the downshifting that the truck does in tow mode. Other than that, it drives much better.

I like the downshifting... If I don't want to downshift, I just feather the gas. I also noticed when doing this, the mpg go through the roof!

scott19677 · January 9, 2016

I was using M5 and tow haul mode since day one. Now my TCM tune is based on the tow haul mode and is great. And the tow haul mode is like an old turbo 400 with a shift kit. If your on an old paved road or smooth concrete this little 5.3 with a tune on E85 will chirp the tires like in the '80s. It scares the shit out of Mustang and Camaro fanboys haha. Is it any faster? No, but it shure is funny.

Edited January 9, 2016 by scott19677

Travis Whitmore · January 10, 2016

Gave her a try today and hell yeah! Drives way better, seems to shift better (quicker and cleaner like a shift kit) and doesn't hunt for gears nearly as much. My favorite new "free" mod!

bertiman · January 10, 2016

Gave her a try today and hell yeah! Drives way better, seems to shift better (quicker and cleaner like a shift kit) and doesn't hunt for gears nearly as much. My favorite new "free" mod!

This is what I'm say'n! It's raining today so I plan on testing it with auto/4wd.

moosehead1 · January 10, 2016

Haul Arse Mode

Imcrazy · January 10, 2016

You guys didn't know? The Haul in Tow/Haul Mode stands for Haul @ss!! I've noticed with the xfer case in AUTO and the Tow/Haul Mode on the truck moves out pretty nicely.