S mode

In "D", the transmission automatically shifts up and down through the 6 gears based on rpm, speed, load and other factors. "S" mode allows the same sequence only selectable manually. 6th is the same in both modes. To confirm this, check rpm vs. speed in each mode, especially at freeway speeds on level ground.

Dan

 

I pull a 5000lb horse trailer and only use tow mode. Seems pull it just fine. Mostly flat in my area certainly no mountains to go up or down or my answer might be different.

 

Thanks you sir

 

I always drive in S mode.down shift on hills and save the brakes

 

I refer to the tow/haul button as race mode. S is definitely for sport lol

 

I just finished my first long haul with our new travel trailer yesterday. If I left my transmission in drive the transmission would shift up and down several times in only a few seconds when I would hit a slight uphill grade. I moved the shifter to the left into the "S" mode and shifted down to 5th and the hunting all but went away. On occasion the torque converter would unlock and lock rapidly so I just downshifted into 4th if I noticed it and then shifted back to 5th once I crested the hill.
Ive read that a lot of people only tow in 4s, but the rpms seemed a bit high to me. I was able to keep the transmission in 5th gear most of the time without excessive shifting so thats what I went with.