Tow/haul mode vs pedal commander

Is there a difference in throttle sensitivity?

 

Yes the throttle commander has about 16 settings. The throttle commander doesn't hold the transmission in gear either.

 

How many are usable?

From what I have seen and read, the ECO and SPORT mode are useless. It seems to be a pick on, set it and forget it.

 

I have a Pedal Commander on mine and it has made it a totally different truck, so much more fun to drive. Everyone has a preference and we are all different but if you play around with it you will find the setting that works for you. I am currently running in Sport -1 and that works well for me. As far as the difference between the Commander and Tow Haul mode, they are totally different things. Tow Haul works awesome with the addition of the Pedal Commander.

 

Tow/haul works just fine for me……and it’s free.

 

Been thinking about getting the Hikeit X9 which is similar but without Bluetooth like PC has for 100 dollars less. Just haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Use tow haul for the camper and when I want to have fun, I know for certain my MPG will drop if I do decide to buy one. Decisions decisions

 

FYI. I just got back from a 1 week get out. I've got a Hikeit X9 and have been using it in Auto IQ mode in town prior to leaving. I used Cruise mode 4 the whole time. 820 miles total. My best average was 17.2 Best so far. Hand calculated. My 07 got 16.5 once. Throttle controllers have nothing to do with tow/haul mode which is a complement to my Hikeit X9 when I want to engage it.

 

No kidding Matt, that’s awesome results. I was wondering too about the throttle control and tow haul mode. What do you end up doing when your hauling?

 

They are two different things. Tow/Haul changes shift points and holds gears longer. The PC has four modes ECO, CITY, SPORT and SPORT + and nine settings for each (-4 the lowest << 0 >> to +4 the highest).

I have to agree with @BravoDeltaRomeo 's comments as a current user of PC:

PC claims up to +20% MPG gains in ECO mode but I haven't seen anyone report anything higher than 5 to 10% gains. This mode makes the pedal less responsive and quite sluggish. This could be good if you are four wheeling or in snow and you need more control over the throttle response. I was only able to bear driving it on ECO +4. In situations where you have to merge into traffic it felt dangerously slow in the lower modes. You really have to get into the pedal to get the truck going with ECO.

Sport -4 was about as high as I could go for daily driving, even so it was a fairly touchy pedal. You are basically blipping the pedal and its going but its not too crazy.

Sport Plus is a very aggressive mode. No matter how careful I was with the pedal it felt like transmission was slamming into gear, even at -4. On a stock truck this mode is not very usable for day to day driving but you could feasibly do it with practice. I still think its harsh for longterm use.

As far as problems, for some users it hasn't been all roses. Folks have reported surging and limp mode but generally it seems like users are happy. PC has a good return policy and they seem to be responsive to user complaints and issues. Also recommend following the directions as PC prescribes.

Also there are several other throttle controllers on the market, PC is one of them. A couple of posters shared their experiences with some of the other products, you have lots of choices.

 

I use both - love the pedal commander in city +1 / occasionally +2. Eco mode is unbearable. Sport will chirp the tires and if wet out it’s a hydroplane waiting to happen.

it was worth it for me and makes it mush more responsive as fun to drive. I did have some of the issues others have reported but PC customer service is top notch, took care of me at all hours and responded in a timely fashion. Sent updates and were nice as could be. Very impressed with the product and much more so after their customer service department contacted me multiple times to help navigate the surging and high rpms during remote start up.

 

I rarely use tow/haul mode and didn't on this trip. I did have have a few hundred lbs of camping gear and fencing materials. Used cruise control when feasible and usually set at 78 mph when on I-25 and at 65 out in San Luis Valley where the roads are pretty much straight no matter what direction you go. My lowest mpg was 15.9 on this trip.

 

The reason I asked is because I'm on 37s and with tow/haul mode on, I feel like I'm back on 33s.

 

Regearing will do more for you than either the PC or T/H button.

 

That's the plan eventually. But until then, I just need something to get a little pep in my step back.

 

Hello,
I would call Keith Carty of Dirty Deeds Industries and pick his brain on the two. He tows a heavy enclosed trailer, so he can give you some great info and insight on the two. He is out of the office most days, but is always available via phone. You can call or text him anytime at 760-877-4234. He does take many calls and texts a day, but is very good at getting back to everyone.

Thanks, Shawna, DDI

 

I have not tested the PC (but will soon enough - just ordered mine today) - however gotta each the points being made here.

- Yes, there is a difference in just clicking tow/haul and using a PC. 1 mode designed to adjust shift points vs multiple designed for different setting of throttle response.

- No, you will not have a “new” truck or more powerful one. You may find it feels more responsive in certain settings and find it useful in certain situations.

- It’s not all smoke and mirrors - PC says so. It’s just a way to adjust the pedal response to the touch - more or less responsive. To me - a Tundra is a little too powerful on the take off in certain situations and a tad less response is not a bad thing. Likewise - on the few rare occasions someone else touches my truck - it’s nice to be able to engage valet mode limiting the take off.

- I wouldn’t just leave it in full Sport+ 4 all day - but to each their own. Some people enjoy it - and don’t keep their trucks for a decade plus.