Can you pull a trailer in eco mode?
Yes, you can pull a trailer in Eco mode on many modern vehicles, but it isn’t always the best choice for heavier loads. Tow-focused modes (like Tow/Haul or Trailer) are generally preferred for towing to optimize torque, braking, and cooling.
Eco mode is designed to maximize fuel efficiency by softening throttle response, shifting earlier, and reducing auxiliary loads. While this helps economy, it can limit the power and engine braking available when towing, especially on hills or with a heavy trailer. Some vehicles automatically adapt or require you to switch to a dedicated towing mode when a trailer is detected. The guidance below covers common practices and safety considerations across many models, but always consult your owner’s manual for your specific vehicle.
Tow Modes vs Eco: What to Know
Before the following list, here is a quick primer on how modes typically affect towing. The items below describe common behaviors you’ll encounter across many brands. Always verify with your vehicle’s manual, as features and labels can vary.
- Tow/Haul or Trailer mode (when available): Keeps the engine in a torque-friendly range, holds gears longer, enhances engine braking, and may improve cooling for the drivetrain and transmission during towing.
- Eco mode: Reduces throttle responsiveness, may upshift earlier, and can limit power to the wheels. It is aimed at economy rather than peak towing performance and can feel sluggish when pulling a trailer.
- Standard/Normal mode: In many vehicles, this is the default for towing if Tow/Haul isn’t available. It provides a balance between performance and efficiency suitable for typical towing needs.
In practice, using a dedicated tow mode is usually the best choice for heavy trailers or steep grades. Eco mode can be acceptable for light, flat-tair towing, but you should monitor performance and temperatures and be prepared to switch modes if needed.
Practical Tips for Towing with Eco Mode
Below are guidelines to help you decide when Eco mode might be suitable and how to tow safely if you choose to use it. These tips assume a conventional gasoline or diesel-powered vehicle; electric and hybrid systems may have their own towing considerations.
- Use Tow/Haul or a dedicated trailer mode whenever possible, especially on hills or with heavy loads. This mode is designed for towing efficiency and safety.
- If you don’t have a tow mode, prefer Standard/Normal over Eco for towing. Eco mode tends to limit torque and throttle response, which can hinder acceleration and climbing ability.
- For light towing on flat terrain, Eco mode can be acceptable, but monitor engine temperature and transmission behavior. If you notice strain, switch modes.
- Keep speeds moderate and use cruise control on level sections to maintain steady load and improve stability. Avoid sudden accelerations or high RPMs in Eco mode while towing.
- Monitor important indicators such as transmission temperature, engine coolant temperature, and oil pressure. Stop and rest if temps rise unusually, and perform a cool-down if necessary.
- Ensure proper trailer setup: correct tongue weight, secure cargo, wired trailer brakes as applicable, and appropriate tire pressures on both trailer and tow vehicle.
Conclusion: Eco mode can be a useful feature for light towing on level ground, but for most towing scenarios—especially with heavier trailers or grades—dedicated tow modes or normal driving mode are the safer and more reliable choices.
Special Considerations for Electric and Hybrid Towings
Electric and hybrid vehicles that tow often have their own mode selections to manage range, regenerative braking, and battery cooling. Some offer a specific Tow or Trailer mode in addition to Eco or Normal driving modes. Towing can significantly reduce range, and Eco settings may further limit throttle response or impact regenerative braking. Always consult the owner’s manual and consider professional advice when planning to tow with an EV or hybrid.
Key reminders for EVs and hybrids
Look for a designated towing mode, understand how regen braking changes with trailer setup, and plan charging/range accordingly. Pre-trip checks and proper trailer braking remain essential regardless of the drive mode.
Summary
Can you pull a trailer in eco mode? Yes, in many vehicles you can, but it’s not ideal for heavy towing or steep terrain. Tow-focused modes are generally preferred for safety, performance, and drivetrain protection. Eco mode can be acceptable for light towing on flat ground, but always monitor engine and transmission temps, respect payload limits, and consult your owner's manual for mode specifics on your vehicle. When in doubt, switch to Tow/Haul or Normal mode for towing, and use Eco mode for fuel-saving driving when not towing.
What mode should you tow a trailer in?
In general, you should engage Tow/Haul mode whenever you're towing a large trailer or hauling a heavy load. It's not strictly necessary for transporting cargo such as mountain bikes or a small utility trailer, but you may wish to use it in those light-load situations when you're dealing with hilly terrain.
Is it okay to drive in eco mode all the time?
Yes, it is okay to drive in eco mode all the time, and it is safe for your car as it prioritizes fuel efficiency by reducing throttle response and adjusting the transmission to save fuel. The main downside is the sluggish acceleration, which can be an issue when you need to merge onto a busy highway or overtake quickly.
How it affects your car
- Fuel efficiency: Eco mode makes your car more fuel-efficient by limiting engine and transmission performance, making it ideal for city driving and long, flat roads.
- Acceleration: Your car will feel less responsive, requiring you to press the gas pedal further to get the same acceleration as you would in a normal mode.
- Engine and transmission: It can cause the transmission to shift to higher gears more quickly and adjust the climate control system to reduce power consumption, but it doesn't cause more wear and tear.
When to use it (and when not to)
- Best for: Long, steady drives and city driving where you don't need quick acceleration.
- Avoid for: Situations where you need to accelerate quickly, such as merging onto a fast highway or passing another vehicle.
- Consider your driving style: If you prefer a responsive feel or want to be able to accelerate quickly, it's best to switch to a different mode in those situations.
What to be aware of
- Sluggish feeling: If you're on a highway, you may need to switch to a different mode to get the necessary power to merge safely.
- Emergency situations: In an emergency where you need maximum performance, you can typically press the pedal all the way down, and the engine and transmission will deliver full power regardless of the mode.
What are the disadvantages of eco mode?
Eco mode's less responsive throttle and lower RPMs reduce the demands on the car's engine and battery. Eco mode, however, isn't ideal for stop-and-start traffic, which could strain the transmission, as eco mode causes the car to frequently shift.
Can you tow in eco mode?
If you are towing on an inclined road, we would suggest keeping eco mode off – the last thing you want is failing a hill start! A general rule of thumb is using eco mode when you are on a flat, open stretch road.
