How Does The Tow/Haul Button Work? - Vehicle Freak

• Vehicle Freak

Updated on September 16, 2022

When you spot a truck hauling an enormous container, many technical features make this possible. One of the critical factors is the presence of the haul/tow mode in the vehicle. This button controls power in the engine of the truck, making it easier to tow the trailer. The trailers are usually heavy and bulky; the vehicle requires exceptional ability to pull the cargo.

1. How to Use Tow/Haul Button

The tow/haul button is found in automatic vehicles to help with power control when a truck is pulling a heavy load. The button is located on the dashboard close to the shift levers. It is within reach of the driver, it improves large automatic vehicles’ stability.

Hauling trucks have massive duty engines for carrying heavy loads; the button is a helpful feature in enhancing vehicle control. This button enhances the truck’s performance capabilities and ensures that the engine power is not stretched beyond its limits due to high power demand.

The tow/button is used to improve performance in all vehicles. In some cases, there are specific instructions on when you should press the button. Some vehicle models differ in performance ability and recommend using this mode every time you haul a load.

However, some trucks recommend that you push the button when you pass a certain weight thresh-hold that requires extra power. Manufacturers of these vehicles offer a manual to guide you on how and when to use the haul button.

The tow/haul features require proper understanding; hence, ask for technical details. The more you know how to use the button, the better you can maximize the tow/haul button function and safely control it.

2. Functions of the Tow/Haul Button

The tow/haul button puts your vehicle in a low gear and provides more stability and power on the vehicle control. There are other additional technical functions of this button, but it does in a few words.

The button is found in automatic vehicles used for hauling loads such as trucks, pickups, and SUVs. The feature is not installed in any manual models. You press it once to switch it on, and the same applies when you want to switch off to switch it on. When the button is on function mode, there will be a green light on it. And when switched off, the sun goes off.

In a Ram 1500, the tow/haul button makes the vehicle more stable when driving down or up. The driver can control the brakes more efficiently, and the truck remains steady. It works in the same way in a Toyota Tundra.

When driving down a hill, there is a downshift of transmission. The haul button helps trucks reduce speed so that you do not have to press hard on brakes. The switch saves your vehicle from mechanical breakdown or spare part replacement because it controls the RPMs.

3. How to Operate the Tow/Haul Button

Once you have loaded your truck, press down the button, and your vehicle is ready to haul the trailer. You will feel the difference when driving on a steep part of the road. The truck is steady, and you are in control of the brakes.

The tow/haul button is beneficial to the truck because you spend less power, which means less fuel consumption. Besides, you save on the wear and tear of a vehicle’s mechanical parts as it does not struggle or stretch its ability.

When you press the button, the vehicle changes its shifting functions, and the adjustments change automatically depending on the terrain you are driving. Unlike a manual truck, you do not have to keep changing the gears as you ascend or descend hills while hauling a heavy load. The vehicle’s automatic operations save the engine from stretching its limit and keep the vehicle stable even on a rough road.

The 2019 RAM 1500 tow/haul mode has improved this model’s performance without overworking its engine. However, some users have stated that there is overheating or mechanical failure.

4. Critical Operations of the Tow Mode

i). Control of the Vehicle

The button enhances a vehicle’s control, and the truck can slow down quickly when the tow/haul mode is activated. The truck can drive downhill steadily. The tow/haul button engages the engine braking gears and increases the control of the truck. The driver can slow down or stop downhill without risking an accident.

ii). Boosting Engine Power

The most outstanding function of the tow/haul button is increasing the engine’s power. The truck can pull a heavy load without overstraining its engine. Every model has its specifications on the weight-load and fuel consumption.

iii). Additional Features

The tow/haul buttons work alongside other features to enhance your truck driving experience as you haul heavy loads. It can be used as an additional source of power together with other heavy-duty applications.

5. When to Use Tow/Haul Button

It depends on the manufacturer’s specification, but the tow/haul button is used every time you are hauling a heavy load. However, there are instances you may switch it off, especially when you are in a situation where regular drive mode can work best.

It depends on the road condition and various other factors that affect the control of the vehicle. You must also consider the weight of the load. If it does not affect the truck’s ability, then there is no need to use the haul button. For instance, if you are carrying empty crates, the tow/haul mode is unnecessary.

The tow/haul mode is useful in rough and steep landscapes. However, even in urban areas where the roads are smooth, you should use press the button. Cities are congested. You might require to make abrupt stops and higher vehicle control to avoid accidents.

6. Essential Tips for Using Tow/Haul Button

a. Highway Driving

You do not need the haul button on the highway since you can quickly drive on the recommended speed. However, keep your eyes on the road and use other heavy load-hauling applications when driving on the freeway.

b. Empty Trailer

Never use the button when you have a light load because it will not save your fuel or any engine power. The manufacturers advise drivers to use the tow button if the vehicle is loaded and requires more energy. Using the tow mode for fun is a bad idea.

c. Overweight Trucks

It will help if you use the tow/haul mode in place of the required equipment because you must meet the standards needed to ferry heavy loads. The button enables safe driving when your truck has an appropriate load.

e. Excellent Driving Skills

It would be best if you also learned the techniques of driving vehicles that pull trailers. The tow/haul button is an application that helps you control the vehicle and cannot be used efficiently if the driver is not fully qualified to haul heavy trailers.

f. Activate the Button Depending on the Nature of Road Surface

As you drive, note the signs indicating the change in landscape, any road works, or rerouted paths that take you into rough roads. Busy streets with increased traffic control lights and many stops indicate that you need to press the tow/haul button.

g. Parking

The tow/haul button improves the braking system of your truck. Ensure that the switch is activated when parking a loaded vehicle on steep places to improve the braking system’s power.

However, it would help if you observed little things that make it easier for you as a driver, such as checking the parking height, drive slowly, and avoid hitting the breaks suddenly. You can initiate stopping early, especially when it is anticipated.

7. How the Tow/Haul Mode Enhances Safety

When towing a trailer, you must be aware that your vehicle takes more space on the road. You can have a ‘wide load’ sticker at the front and rear of the truck, but safety begins with controlling it. The tow/haul mode enables you to do just that with a single press of a button.

Tow/Haul mode allows drivers to stop the vehicle because it modifies the truck’s shifting character. If the driver is going downhill, the vehicle’s brakes are slowed down, enabling early stop.

The tow mode prevents engine overheating and mechanical failure in loaded trucks. These functions reduce road accidents by improving the control of vehicles in dangerous road routes.

The tow/haul mode keeps the vehicle steady. The trailer cannot sway or move uncontrollably on the road. When using this mode, the truck driver keeps other road users safe.

Sometimes it is necessary to use the tow/haul mode when you want to control the truck even when the trailer is empty. You can use the button for safety reasons. For instance, on a busy street, you want the brakes’ function elevated to avoid bumping on to other cars. All drivers want to stay safe on the road, and the tow/haul mode is one of the best ways to achieve this goal.

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