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Can you turn on tow haul while driving?

I bought a new trailer that hooks up to my car, and I’m about to drive home with it. I’m nervous because it’s so big that I’m not going to have enough time to brake or stop appropriately without turning on my car’s tow haul feature. When should you turn on tow/haul mode?

avatar
Kevin Martinez · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Congrats on your new trailer! There’s nothing like the joy of signing the final paperwork and being able to take your newest toy home.
Yes, you can turn on tow haul while driving; however, it might not be necessary. Anytime you turn on your car’s tow haul feature, it essentially shifts your engine to a lower gear, meaning that it will make it easier for you to stop or brake if needed.
However, something to note is that your vehicle will drive at a higher RPM, ultimately affecting your
fuel efficiency
. That means your car will use more gas to compensate for the traction.
So, here’s what I recommend. If you’re driving on a highway, you may not notice much of a difference if tow/haul mode is on or off—so leave it off for better gas mileage. But if you’re going uphill or downhill, go ahead and turn it on.
With your new trailer in tow, it’s important to make sure you have the right car insurance coverage. But there’s no need to overpay.
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