2. If youre looking to tow a large load with your Ford F-150, youll need to use the trucks Tow/Haul mode. The shifting pattern will be optimized for towing or hauling, which means that your engine wont have to work as hard meaning better fuel economy and less wear and tear on your engine. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Then use the arrow buttons to get to the tow haul option and then engage the system. This mode activates according to the gear shifters present in different models of F150. Because we had to drive several hundred miles to pick the trailer up, I read the F-150 manual first. My F150 Lariat does not have a button located on my console shifter. Manage Preferences - 2. If that happens you will be looking at an expensive repair bill. Location: Colorado Tow/Haul Mode? Terms of Service - It only increases the RPMs of your vehicle. If youre not worried about saving gas, though, you may prefer the convenience of not having to constantly adjust your speed manually. Note that only 4WD F-150 trucks may be flat towed; 2WD trucks should only be towed with all wheels off the . The tow/haul mode can be activated by a button on the dash, and it will stay on until you turn it off or put the truck in park. Aftermarket Products, Reviews & Installation, Suggestions, Comments & Questions about the Forum, Price check. 3. One of the exceptions will be if your transmission fluid is low and you happen to have some stored away somewhere in your truck or trailer. Good deal? Tow haul mode is designed to give the user a better towing experience and stay in control - potentially sacrificing efficiency. Never being a toad user, I'm not familiar with the problems. Tow haul mode, changes the shift strategy, and raises the line pressure, to reduce the chance of slippage, causing heat build up. Thats where the tow/haul mode on your transmission comes in. General discussion on the 13th generation Ford F150 truck. The trailer connect and disconnect function has nothing to do with the tow haul system. Is there a way to make that the default mode? Connect your safety cables, linking the long cable from the towing vehicle hitch to the base plate arms on the F150. 4. Tow haul mode should only be used when you need it. If you are still under any type of warranty, then you should go directly to an approved dealer or mechanic to get the work done. It could be something like a brake light strip, whatever, doesn't have to be a trailer. When you see the screen come up, you will notice that it will say normal. Tow haul mode is a setting on your Ford truck thats designed for towing or hauling heavy loads. It makes the hauling more relaxing and smoother by controlling truck RPMs. When to use tow/haul mode - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums First, tow haul mode is designed for towing or hauling heavy loads. Tow/haul mode doesn't lock out any gears. To be honest and frank, you cannot fix this yourself. When youre hauling a heavy load, tow haul mode helps reduce the amount of shifting thats necessary for smooth driving. Tow/haul mode is a setting on many modern trucks (not just Ford F150s) that helps them better handle heavy loads. General discussion on the 13th generation Ford F150 truck. If your vehicle has an ignition key, turn it to the on position without pressing the brake pedal. Finally, tow/haul mode also activates an intercooler fan on turbocharged engines. Youll get a message telling you that neutral tow has been disabled. Heres everything you need to know about using Tow/Haul Mode on your Ford. Is Tow Mode Necessary On A Ford Truck? - Four Wheel Trends When engaged, this mode adjusts the trucks transmission, throttle response and engine braking to provide optimal performance. How to Flat-Tow: F-150 and F-150 Raptor | Ford How-To | Ford Do you have anything plugged into the trailer power plugs, either of them? Posts: 574. The light display on the instrumental panel turns off. I have a 2021 ford f150 and it won't go through the car wash. I put it On Chevys and Dodges it is as simple as placing the 4x4 into a neutral position, placing the transmission into "Park" and pull. But there should be no problem turning the tow haul mode off while you are still driving. The tow/haul button is located on the dashboard close to the shift levers. F-150 Towing | Ford How-To | Ford Ford Motor Company 2.25M subscribers Subscribe 642 211K views 5 years ago #Ford #BuildFordTough This video will explain some of the towing features on your. The only time you would stop driving and try to engage the system is when it is not working right. Youll know its working because Tow/Haul will appear on the cluster display and there will be a change in the throttle response. If so the truck automatically goes into tow/haul mode. I have determined that the turbo is the gas eater, and I'll run with a bit higher rpm. When the truck was in Tow/Haul I feel like it was guzzling gas in comparison to when in Normal mode. So what exactly is tow/haul mode, and how do you use it? It enhances the transmission operation of the truck. Finally, using tow haul mode will put additional strain on your brakes and transmission. Question about tow mode - Ford F150 Forum This video will explain some of the towing features on your vehicle that can assist you in connecting and towing a trailer.Learn more about being a Ford Owner here: http://ford.to/FordOwnerDiscover more Ford How-To videos here: http://ford.to/2iz1eUY SUBSCRIBE: http://ford.to/SubscribeFordMotorCompany #Ford #BuildFordToughConnect with Ford: http://ford.to/FordMotorCompanyFacebook: http://ford.to/FordMotorCompanyFBTwitter: http://ford.to/FordMotorCompanyTWInstagram: http://ford.to/FordMotorCompanyIGFord Social: http://ford.to/FordMotorCompanySocial About Ford:The official YouTube channel for Ford Motor Company. If youre a fan of Ford trucks, then you know that theyre some of the most versatile vehicles on the road. It also keeps the engine running at a higher RPM so that it doesnt bog down when going up hills. This could be a trailer loaded down with furniture or a boat, or even just a especially full load of cargo in the bed of your truck. But even if you dont need that much capability, the F-150s tow/haul mode is still a useful feature. But if you do find yourself needing to tow something substantial with your truck, engaging the tow/haul mode can make the job a lot easier (and safer). The actual words you should see will be tow haul, not tow mode. This is not a DIY fix and when you see it flashing, you should not drive any further than is necessary. The tow haul option causes the engines RPMs to rise, which increases fuel consumption. As of this writing, it is not possible to permanently turn on any other mode than Normal. There was no change to the drive mode, that defaulted to normal each time. To set up flat tow when towing an F-150, youll need to do a few things differently. Since there is no genuine need to use the tow haul mode on the highway, it is not required. The answer is no. So, you can push the button on both gear shifters. Is that giving up one of the perks of having all that torque? The longer use of these lower gears gives you more power when you accelerate uphill. The Tow/Haul mode is an option that causes your vehicle to move in a lower gear, allowing the engine to brake to slow down, in addition to the use of the brakes. What Does The Tow Haul Mode do in an F150? The Drive Mode rotary knob is located on the left side of climate control buttons. These modern technological advances may be too complicated and need precise tools to get the systems back to normal again. Secondly, tow/haul mode adjusts the throttle sensitivity. You are not permitted to download any video and re-upload under any circumstances without written consent from Ford Motor Company.Ford F-150 4x4 and Drive Modes | Ford How-To | Ford https://www.youtube.com/user/Ford Toads-Towed Behind Motorhome . Please register or login to enable Dark Mode. However, the tow mode on Ford trucks is incredibly useful. The mode also encourages a good engine response and increases its safety. All you need to do is Acc mode, make sure you are in 2wd, shift to neutral, select flat tow mode on the screen, turn off ignition. I do dislike how hard my engine revs while braking, I mean really, the engine braking seems minimal. ANYONE TOWING A 2010 F150 4X4 ADVISE THE STEPS REQUIRED TO PLACE IT INTO TOW MODE PRIOR TO FLAT TOWING. This provides more torque when you need it most, like when climbing hills with a heavy load. When you are facing a steep hill, just press the button again and navigate to the right option to engage the feature once more. Sometimes, this light will flash when the transmission is low on transmission fluid. Terms of Service - It is not the best feature to turn on when the roads get slick. It could be something like a brake light strip, whatever, doesn't have to be a trailer. The tow haul option causes the engine's RPMs to rise, which increases fuel consumption. Its important to use Tow Haul mode when youre towing a heavy load, so that your truck doesnt overwork itself. PDF 2021 Ford F-150 Trailer Towing Selector 2017-19 F150 Enabling Flat Tow Mode - Ford F150 Forum With years of experience under my belt, I take pride in sharing my extensive knowledge about the Ford F150 pickup. How to enable Tow Haul mode on Ford F-150 Whats its purpose? Flat Towing a 2021 F150 - iRV2 Forums How to Use Selectable Drive Modes in a 2020 Ford F-150 - Blackstock Ford On most Ford vehicles, theres a button labeled Tow/Haul on the shifter knob. Here are some of those driving situations you can use this feature in: The major drawback to this feature is that it is not great for fuel mileage. Its important to note that while tow/haul mode can be helpful in some situations, its not a cure-all for every instance where you might be pulling a heavy load. The light will stay on for 3 seconds and then go off so it is not like a blinker light. This feature gives the truck extra power that is needed to pull the heavy trailer. It is difficult to move heavy trailers downward and upward when gravity acts on them. I use Haul/ Tow while pulling my 17.5 bass boat, but that's because I go through alot of mountain roads when I go to my fishing spots. Just press that and the menu will light up on your dash or a nearby screen. Once youve engaged tow haul mode, youll notice that your trucks transmission shifts differently. Manage Preferences - I have a 2017 F-150 Lariat. It is not hard to see and it should push in quite easily with a press of your thumb. Tow haul mode can also help if you're going down a steep hill. When towing, be sure to use proper safety techniques such as using mirrors and checking blind spots often. Since there is no genuine need to use the tow haul mode on the highway, it is not required. How to Enable Tow Haul Mode on Ford F150? If youre the owner of a Ford F-150, then you know that this truck is built for towing. It is not like you are driving 60 to 80 mph and then suddenly shifting into reverse. It is a simple system that should not take your concentration off the road. From engine mechanics to performance enhancements, I'm here to provide valuable insights and practical advice to help you make the most of your F150. **See your Owner's manual.Learn more about being a Ford owner here: http://ford.to/FordOwner Discover more How-To videos here: https://ford.to/39rM8aoSUBSCRIBE: http://ford.to/SubscribeFordMotorCompany #Ford Connect with Ford: http://ford.to/FordMotorCompanyFacebook: http://ford.to/FordMotorCompanyFBTwitter: http://ford.to/FordMotorCompanyTWInstagram: http://ford.to/FordMotorCompanyIG About Ford:The official YouTube channel for Ford Motor Company. With this mode, your truck can tow heavy trailers easily. If youre ever unsure about whether or not to use it, err on the side of caution and give it a try you may be pleasantly surprised at how much difference it can make! Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network. But what exactly is tow haul mode and how does it work? Home Tips & Tricks How to enable Tow Haul mode on Ford F-150 Whats its purpose? This camera uses a dynamic hitch feature that provides the guideline for making a connection. If it doesnt, dont force it, you have a problem with your system. Cookie Policy - To learn more about this topic just continue to read our article. Subscribe for weekly videos showcasing our vehicles, innovation and stories that inspire you to go further. The tow-haul enables the driver to control the trucks speed, pulling power, and capacity to stop with heavy loads. This mode . This mode regulates these speed changes. Take a few minutes to see how this important information can help you when it is time for you to engage the new system and tow better. This is not a problem. Connected Service and features depend on compatible AT&T network availability. The truck will move more swiftly with heavy loads. There are some problems that can build up over time and cause you some issues that can be expensive to repair as well. Unlike other car features that require you to stop before activating them, tow haul does not have this requirement. After all, one of the most frustrating things about any kind of towing is dealing with shifting gears, or concerns that youll be going too fast and could potentially damage another vehicle. How to enable Tow Haul mode on Ford F-150 - What's its purpose? SSM 47782 - 2019 F-150 - Difficulty Enabling Neutral Tow Mode - Built On Or Before 4-Jan-2019 Some 2019 F-150 vehicles built on or before 4-Jan-2019 may experience difficulty enabling neutral tow mode to allow four-wheel-down towing of the vehicle. This mode slows down the upshift of gears. David Jon September 27, 2022 The Ford F-150 has a feature called "tow haul mode." When you turn on tow haul mode, the transmission shifts differently and the engine speed is increased. Once you do, a drive mode menu should appear on a screen. If your truck is equipped with Trailer Sway Control (TSC), engaging Tow/Haul Mode will also turn on TSC. There are different driving situations where you can use this feature. It is a driving mode that you can use with or without towing heavy trailers. Second, tow haul mode can help improve your fuel economy by keeping your engine speed lower and more consistent. This mode adjusts the transmission shift points and keeps the engine in a lower gear longer, which provides more power and torque for towing. On the Drive Mode pop-up selection menu on your instrument cluster screen, you will see that its currently set to Normal, which is its default position: meaning whenever you restart your F-150 truck, your selected mode will reset to Normal mode. This helps when you're towing a heavy load. Leave Transmission in Neutral.' (If you don't see this message, start over.) This button is present in the column lever. After you make the selection, the words tow mode will light up next to the gear selection (PRNDM). Contact Us - The time to turn this tow mode on is when you are navigating steep inclines going either up or down. The button is present on the inside of the shifter. Reply Like. While the intent is good, the practicality is not so good. once without pressing the brake pedal. Or it may be something more severe like when the transmission is overheating. That used to be the location of the cruise control power button on some older cars. Put the ignition in the on position, but. I'm Brad, a seasoned motor mechanic and passionate publisher, dedicated to providing you with comprehensive information about this legendary pickup. When you are not towing heavy loads, it is not needed. If you have a floor shifter, there should be a DM or drive mode button on the lower portion of the stick. Ford F-150 4x4 and Drive Modes | Ford How-To | Ford - YouTube If youre like most people, you probably dont know what the tow/haul mode on your F150 is for. Heres how to use Tow/Haul Mode in the 2021 F-150: Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -. Tow Haul Mode Question - Ford F150 Forum How Many Fuel Tanks Does a Semi-Truck Have? But if your tow-haul button ON without your knowledge, it will cause no damage to the vehicle. However, that is not the only explanation for when the tow light is on. 2020 F150 XLT FX4 flat tow add miles to odometer Please register or login to enable Dark Mode. It also increases throttle response so you have more power when accelerating. The all-new 2022 Ford F-150 will have you covered whether youre pulling a trailer or carrying a load in the bed. The best piece of advice that can be given here is for you to read your manual and see what it says. Press and hold the brake pedal. I didn't have enough trailer or weight to bother with changing the drive mode. ), Ford F150 Tow Haul Mode Guide (Not Working, When To Turn On), Dometic 9100 Power Awning Spring Tension Adjustment (Guide), Are Winda Trailer Tires Any Good? When you enable Tow Haul on your F-150, youll notice that the system holds lower gears longer when you accelerate or decelerate. This mode also ensures that the truck remains in a lower shifter for a long time. Tow haul mode is a valuable feature that improves the trailer connection and its towing activities. When you see the light flashing on your dash, you are not supposed to drive any farther than necessary. Then it will employ the engine brake when you are going downhill. Check out the benefits the tow mode on your truck offers you below. When you see that you have a problem, do not use the system but take your truck to your dealer and let them fix it for you. It also displays useful information on the instrument panel, such as trailer sway control status and trailer brake controller settings. I have the newest f150 king ranch available and cannot figure out how to keep it in tow/haul mode. Tow haul mode can also help if youre going down a steep hill.