tony

Is there any risks to engage the Tow/Haul mode while driving? My dealer told me that the Tow/Haul mode should only be switched at a dead stop. I thought the Tow/Haul mode only prevents the torque converter clutch and OD clutch pack from applying, both of which do engage during normal driving.

AK RAM

I would have to dig it up, but seems I remember the manual saying this can be changed at any legal driving speed. Have you read the section of your manual on this feature?

SuperGewl

Last time I checked, the Ram does NOT have a Tow/Haul Mode
Maybe you are thinking about those NOT Durablemax trucks.
The Ram has a OD button and yo can use it whenever you like but I very seldom disengage it except maybe when pulling a hill with the 5VR attached and some bonehead cuts me off and I have to kick it out of cruise

tony

I've looked through the manual, and I don't see in specifically listed if this feature should only be engaged while stopped.

AK RAM

I think it is referred to as the "Overdrive Off" button in the manual.

stevenknapp

Last time I checked, the Ram does NOT have a Tow/Haul Mode

Check again, the '04 I drove had such a switch. Curious what it does. On the GM stuff it still allows overdrive, but changes the gear shift points and stays out of OD more.

For those of us shopping, can anyone elaborate?

alltork

Have 04 2500 auto , the tow/haul button on end of my gear selector lever is only good for one thing, to disengage and engage 4th gear overdrive. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Luke S

Alltork is correct.

stevenknapp

That's it? It's just renamed "OD Off" to "Tow/Haul Mode"?

drsmart

It's new on the '04's. I found that activating at low speeds, when the vehicle is in 2nd or third causes a shift action and the RPM's jump. It's not just an overdrive off. Looks like it causes the ECM to shift the tranny at a higher RPM to handle the load when towing.

jlbota

drsmart is right it does change just slightly on the shift patterns.

It does this on my 03 just push it while your in 2nd or 3rd while driving and it does chnge ever so slightly.

Lurch519

It seems to keep the torque converter locked up and kicks it out of OD, unlike my '02 that drops out of OD and unlocks the TC making a really large RPM jump when trying to get just a little help going up a hill with a load.

javabeanjava

My 04 which was delivered in December 03 has a TOW/HAUL button. It is supposed to be used when driving in hilly areas, towing in heavy winds or when heavily loaded. I had an overdrive off on my other truck which I was told to use whenever I was hauling a trailer. Can I assume that when hauling a lighter load on the flat the TOW/HAUL option is not necessary?

drsmart

If the tranny is maintaining highway speeds without frequent 4-3-4 shifting, the TOW/Haul mode shouldn't be necessary. The Cummins won't have a problem with a lighter load. The 3.73 rear end is good to about 14,500#trailer weight. As you start to tow towards the rated limit, it should be obvious if the 4-3-4 shifting is starting to happen. That's when you use the TOW/Haul mode.