Tow Haul Mode for going down steep grades?

Quick question for the experts on this site. Heading up to the mountains tomorrow, so a friend of mine suggested I turn on the Tow Haul mode to help slow down the vehicle when going down steep grades. I won't be towing anything BTW. Does anyone else recommend that or not needed? Any downside to turning on tow mode just for that reason? Looked in the owner's manual and did not see anything that would answer my question. Let me know please. Thanks.

 

I would say personal preference. Will not hurt anything. Changes shift points and does help with breaking when the truck senses a load.

 

Thanks for the replies. And can it be activated on the fly or must vehicle be at a complete stop first?

 

Sweet! Thanks all for your help.

 

I downshift my transmission all the time on steep inclines without using tow& haul mode and it works great at holding truck back without laying on the brakes, try it and see what you think! Wont hurt anything. I'm not an expert just another Tundra owner!

 

Thanks!

 

I prefer to control my own downshifts, mostly because I only really do it down steep grades in the snow and ice. But like everyone else is saying, it's dealer's choice...

 

The guys haven't mentioned it, but when in tow/haul (as*) mode the throttle response becomes very sensitive. So when you hit flat ground hold on tight!

 

Thanks all for the replies. Since I'm still learning the truck, I did not use tow haul this trip. I shifted manually going to mountains and let car do everything on the way back. Truck handled great. Next time I'll do tow haul and compare differences. Trying to learning what it can and cannot do. Similar to Taco, but more power of course

 

I haven't driven my 2010 in "D" in years. When you learn how much better YOU control what your truck does in "S" Mode, you'll be glad Toyota made it available. Remember; there are Safe-Guards built in against over-revving too.Make the effort,it'll be worth it! From what I read, as a member of several Tundra Forums,I wouldn't be surprized if Toyota pulls the Sequential Shifter feature soon,seems like very few Tundra owner's use it.Look at all the money, Toyota's Beancounters could save, case-in-point,Driver's side grab handle,Lower door lights,Amber flashers....all gone.

 

Pretty bummed about the driver side OS handle...

 

With all nannies off and tow haul on. Hoo wee!! As mentioned before, doesn't hurt anything. I also manually down shift and try to stay off the brakes when I'm up in the hills. Keeps rotors from warping over time (OEM rotors).

 

LOL! Thanks.