I obviously know that the O/F OFF means, the truck wont shift into 5th gear (O/D) but what does the TOW button do?

 

Tow changes your up/down shift points for better trailer handling, OD Off takes those shift pts and lopps off the highest gear.

 

Maybe a stupid question, but here goes. Is it ok to drive in the tow haul mode while just driving around in the city? I hate how my truck is always shifting while going from stop light to stop light.

 

I am no expert, but that should not be a problem ricer.

 

I do not believe it is an issue. I do it for the same reason. 40kmph is my truck's skitzo area... other than that, its pretty good.

 

At least on the 06+ 3rd gens tow locks out 5th and O/D off locks out 4th and 5th. they also raise the shift points.

nateroach

 

Are you sure that's not just a 1500 thing? I'm almost certain I get 5th gear in T/H mode when I'm towing on my truck, and at least 4th with OD off. My CTD would be reved through the roof if it couldn't get into those gears.

 

It's been called the "tow / haul ***" mode on other trucks for years

 

3500's run a different trans (68RFE) than the 1500's (45RFE) that might have something to do with it, but I am pretty sure O/D of is 4-5 lock out.

the 45RFE is essentially a 3 speed wide ratio trans with 2 O/D's slapped on the end (this is why for dyno pulls 1500's go in 3rd gear 1:1 ratio). Hence O/D off disabling the last 2 gears

nateroach

 

The 1500 3rd gen uses a 545rfe.

Tow/Haul locks out 5th gear as well as delaying the 2-3 and 3-4 shifts to a higher rpm to keep the engine in a better powerband.

OD off locks out 4th and 5th gears.