Tow/Haul mileage trick...

[Mark Rinker]

I have developed a trick with my 6spd Allisons that help with mileage while towing.

As always, engage tow/haul when trailering. The earlier 1-2-3 lockup helps keep trans fluid cooler in stop-and-go traffic, low speed in town stuff
Once you are on the highway and set the cruise at your desired speed, kick off tow/haul. Your lockup is already long since engaged, and using the default TCM settings will allow the 5-6 upshift to happen sooner, resulting in better mileage. In some cases (heavy loads, headwinds, etc.) you won't ever get a 6th gear upshift in tow/haulI have been watching the upshifts and TC lockup function carefully this trip on the Edge monitor and it verifys a habit I developed by watching the tach.

Don't forget to re-engage for the downshifts...

[Robyn]

Back in the day when we were trailering a lot with the horses and had been trying to get a pickup that would "DO THE JOB" without dying, I wish we had bought a business class Freightliner.

I had spec'd out one with tandem drive (twin screws) full air brakes, 350HP CAT and a 13 spd Ranger (little one)

Got all the advantages of the OD and none of the headaches of the auto trans.

$$$$ were not there after trying a GMC, a Dodge and a Stroke. :(

I love the auto trannies but after having an 18 spd at my right hand for near 20 years now I just have a hard time dealing with all the complexities of towing with the auto's.

18 spd will let you split everything all the way from the deep under hole all the way up.
Four in reverse too. :)

Never a place that there is not a gear that will work well.

Need a half a hole? No problemo

I agree with the tactics of using the tow/haul on the auto's
No matter the fact that its an auto, ya still gotta run it yourself for the best performance to match the situation at hand.

RC

[moss6]

Thanks Mark, hadn't thought of that but it does make so much sense.