Posted 2013-06-09 8:53 AM (#152554) Subject: F250 diesel & tow/overdrive
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326 Location: central IL
I need some advice/opinions. We just traded for a 2008 F250 6.4 diesel. It has the tow button on the end of the shift. Am I to use it each time I haul the horse trailer? I have a 2H Slant with 4' short wall, 22' tip to bumper. I always haul a single horse. I've had mixed opinions on whether to run in towing mode vs not. I need to know from those of you who've had diesels and what is best for the truck. Also, any other tidbits welcome, such as additives to prolong the life of the engine, etc. Thanks.
Posted 2013-06-09 10:04 AM (#152557 - in reply to #152554) Subject: RE: F250 diesel & tow/overdrive
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 500 Location: West TN
I personally would. It will also help to downshift as well when in the tow/haul mode. I have had times when I would forget and not engage it and it was fine to pull that way as well.
Posted 2013-06-09 6:27 PM (#152573 - in reply to #152554) Subject: RE: F250 diesel & tow/overdrive
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
Pressing the tow/haul button changes the transmission shifting patterns.
For example, when coming down a level easy street at 30 mph with out, your tranny will up shift to 5th gear at 1100-1200 rpm. If you need to accelerate a little, the engine will lug for moment till it decides you are serious and downshifts to say 3rd gear. In Tow/Haul, it will hold 3rd gear and run 2000 rpm. So if you need power, You are already in the power band of the diesel engine.
Same thing with engine braking. With the Tow/Haul turned off, Your Torque Convertor will unlock more freely as it tries to achieve better fuel mileage by coasting. But more often than not, You may want the TC to stay locked up so that you get engine braking instead of coasting.
In general, when you have the trailer hooked up. go ahead and push the tow/haul button.
Posted 2013-06-10 11:46 AM (#152594 - in reply to #152554) Subject: RE: F250 diesel & tow/overdrive
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326 Location: central IL
Appreciate as much input and opinions as out there. Hubby can change a tire and add oil, but isn't familiar with much else when it comes to vehicles. Plus, for over 40 years, we've only had gas trucks. Couple years ago, we bought the first diesel which had the work horse 7.3 engine. Great machine, but way too loud for me. We just trades few days ago to the 6.4 which is so much quieter.
Also, any tips as to additives to keep things running smoothly?
Posted 2013-06-10 3:07 PM (#152608 - in reply to #152554) Subject: RE: F250 diesel & tow/overdrive
Veteran
Posts: 274 Location: Memphis, TN
I try to remember to push the tow haul button anytime I pull the horse trailer. Sometimes I forget and I am reminded as soon as the next stop sign appears.
Diesel Kleen, Lucas or Sea Foam are additives I use in the fuel. Seems to help. I bought my first diesel when gas was cheaper than diesel. Within 6 months, it was $4 gal an u know the rest of the story............ But its best for towing.
Posted 2013-06-10 7:59 PM (#152612 - in reply to #152554) Subject: RE: F250 diesel & tow/overdrive
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
Opti-Lube had one of the best rating when they did the big shoot off in 2007. It's hard to tell what has improved over 5 years since nobody has paid for another comparison test.
Summer time look for an additive that adds Cetane, Improves Lubrication, and if you need it in your local, A biocide to kill any alge that might grow in your tank
In the winter look for Cetane, lubrication and anti-gel. for cold weather
Drain your water separator and change your fuel filters on the severe duty schedule, For me that is every 15,000 miles
F250 diesel & tow/overdrive
