Car care · Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center · Elgin, IL
Tow/Haul Mode: What It Does and When to Use It
Some trucks and SUVs offer a Tow/Haul mode. In the owner's manual example used here, the 2026 Ram 1500, TOW/HAUL mode changes how the transmission behaves under load to improve performance and reduce the potential for overheating. Here is when to use it, when to leave it off, and how it works.
Hills, trailers, heavy loadswhen to select it
Less shifting, less heatwhat it is for
Every engine startresets to normal operation
Not on iceincreased engine braking
The short answer
In the manual example, select TOW/HAUL mode when driving in conditions such as hilly areas, towing a trailer or carrying a heavy load. It improves performance and reduces the potential for transmission overheating or failure due to excessive shifting, and it provides better engine braking. Push the TOW/HAUL switch to turn it on; the TOW/HAUL Indicator Light illuminates. Normal operation is the default at every engine start, so push the switch again each time you want it. Do not use it on icy or slippery roads.
What Tow/Haul mode does
In the manual example, the transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid frequent shifting when towing, and the DRIVE range can be selected when towing. TOW/HAUL mode goes further: the manual says it will improve performance and reduce the potential for transmission overheating or failure due to excessive shifting.
Its towing tips add that using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower gear range under heavy loading conditions will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup, and will also provide better engine braking.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode, page 197; Towing Tips, page 227), read November 4, 2026.
When to use Tow/Haul mode
The manual example lists these situations:
Towing a trailer
For all towing conditions, the manual recommends towing with Tow/Haul mode engaged.
Carrying a heavy load
Select TOW/HAUL when the vehicle is carrying a heavy load, to cut down on excessive shifting and heat buildup.
Hilly areas
Activate TOW/HAUL mode when driving in hilly areas to reduce the potential for automatic transmission overheating, or select a lower gear range on more severe grades.
Frequent shifting in DRIVE
If frequent shifting occurs while towing in DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL mode or a lower gear range using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode, page 197; towing note, page 218; Towing Tips, page 227), read November 4, 2026.
How to turn Tow/Haul mode on and off
In the manual example, push the TOW/HAUL switch. The TOW/HAUL Indicator Light illuminates in the instrument cluster to show that TOW/HAUL mode has been activated. Pushing the switch a second time restores normal operation.
Normal operation is always the default at engine start-up. If you want TOW/HAUL mode, push the switch each time the engine is started. Where the switch is located depends on the vehicle, so check your own owner's manual.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (TOW/HAUL Switch, page 197; TOW/HAUL Indicator Light, page 146), read November 4, 2026.
When not to use Tow/Haul mode
The manual example warns: do not use the TOW/HAUL feature when driving in icy or slippery conditions. The increased engine braking can cause the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around, with the possible loss of vehicle control, which may cause an accident possibly resulting in personal injury or death.
The same caution applies to downshifting: the manual says not to downshift for additional engine braking on a slippery surface, because the drive wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle could skid.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode warning, pages 197 and 198; AutoStick warning, page 197), read November 4, 2026.
Towing tips that go with it
Before towing, the manual example says to practice turning, stopping and backing up the trailer in an area away from heavy traffic. When using the ERS shift control, select the highest gear that allows adequate performance and avoids frequent downshifts, and avoid continuous driving at high RPM to prevent excess heat. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle speed when grade and road conditions allow.
It also notes that if you regularly tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of continuous operation, the transmission fluid and filter should be changed as specified for police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing in the Maintenance Plan.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Towing Tips, page 227), read November 4, 2026.
Other systems Tow/Haul mode affects
In the manual example, selecting TOW/HAUL also changes a few other features:
Stop/Start
The engine will not Autostop when TOW/HAUL mode is selected.
Air suspension
Selecting Tow/Haul, or connecting a trailer with an Integrated Trailer Brake Module, disables Automatic Aero mode to avoid height changes while towing and shifting loads or tongue weights.
Indicator light
The TOW/HAUL Indicator Light in the instrument cluster illuminates whenever the mode is selected.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Possible Reasons The Engine Does Not Autostop, page 188; TOW/HAUL Indicator Light, page 146; Towing Tips: Air Suspension System, page 227), read November 4, 2026.
Help at Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center
Our service department works on all makes and models. If you tow or haul regularly, ask us about the transmission service your owner's manual lists for that kind of use, or tell us if the transmission is shifting more than it should under load. For a manufacturer-specific repair, your owner's manual may direct you to that brand's dealer.
Our service department at 1200 E. Chicago St. in Elgin is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed Sunday. Schedule service, see our service specials or get directions.
Tow/Haul mode FAQ
What does Tow/Haul mode do?
In the 2026 Ram 1500 owner's manual example, it improves performance and reduces the potential for transmission overheating or failure due to excessive shifting, and it provides better engine braking.
When should I use Tow/Haul mode?
The manual example says to select it in conditions such as driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer or carrying a heavy load. For all towing conditions, it recommends towing with Tow/Haul mode engaged.
Should I use Tow/Haul mode in snow or ice?
No. The manual example warns not to use it in icy or slippery conditions, because the increased engine braking can cause the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around.
Does Tow/Haul mode stay on?
No. In the manual example, normal operation is always the default at engine start-up, so the switch must be pushed each time the engine is started.
Can I drive with Tow/Haul mode on without a trailer?
The manual example lists carrying a heavy load and driving in hilly areas as reasons to use it, not only towing. Leave it off on icy or slippery roads.
Does Tow/Haul mode affect auto start-stop?
Yes, in the manual example the engine will not Autostop when TOW/HAUL mode is selected.
What are your service hours?
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are closed Sunday.
Towing or hauling this season?
Schedule service at 1200 E. Chicago St. in Elgin and ask us about the transmission service your owner's manual lists for towing.
Sources
What Tow/Haul mode does, when to use it, the warnings and the towing tips are from the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (publication 104308_26_DT, edition E2), used here as one manufacturer's example and read November 4, 2026. Tow/Haul is an If Equipped feature and other vehicles describe it in their own owner's manuals, so check yours. Service hours are from our service page, checked the same day.
- 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode; TOW/HAUL Indicator Light; Towing Tips), Ram / Mopar, read November 4, 2026
- Service department, Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center
- Home page: address and all makes and models, Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center