What's the value of trailer mode on a base OR MT?

To avoid polluting the "Stuck in trailer mode" thread, I'm starting a new one.

On a base OR MT, there's no backup detection or alarm or braking when backing up too close to an obstacle. There's no built-in brake controller, and there's no tow haul mode because I decide the shift points, not the truck's confuser.

Yesterday, I felt stubborn and when I hooked up the trailer and started driving, it asked if I had a trailer, I said "No" just to see. It didn't do anything differently, I was able to back into my driveway, no alarms, no odd behaviour.

So what's the point of trailer mode for my particular trim?

 

I get that on higher trims with AT, built-in trailer brake controller and more safety features, there’s a lot the truck can do in trailer mode like disable rear collision detection, potentially correct sway, etc. Just not my case.

 

Hmmm, got me on that one. You must have some sort of rear sensors for the dash to popup a "Trailer Detected" message. If you have no backup alerts or cross traffic alerts, then it make no sense to have the sensors.

 

I've got both, the brake controller and tow/haul mode.

I've towed my 1500-pound camper a lot. If I engage tow/haul mode, the truck feels like it has too much power–if that makes any sense. It's much more than shift points.

I may use it when climbing over the nearby 7000' passes, but not basic highway towing.



But trailer mode on your truck? I'm not sure, but mine changes the blind spot length to include trailer length.

 

I answered yes today and the blind spot indicator does appear to stay longer.

I have the side traffic sensors when backing, but that didn’t care about the trailer.

 

How does it know trailer length? Mine asks for length when setting it up.

 

It probably changes how the truck automatic braking and traction control systems function since those characteristics are greatly affected by adding a trailer. Even a manual can assist with sway control, the truck still has full control of throttle and brake just like an automatic but limited to the gear you have selected.

 

Perhaps that's true, but Tow/Haul mode greatly increases the power. Much more than Sport.

 

I told it the length at some point.

 

It changes the shift point to shift later which might give the appearance of more power. Also plausible that it changes the tuning more aggressive than sport

 

Possibly, but in the case of sway, you don’t want to brake the TV, just the trailer. This would work if I have a built-in trailer brake controller, but mine is aftermarket. So I need to apply the trailer brakes manually if my trailer sways. Happened once on a trailer without brakes, hope it never happens again. I learned my lesson on trailer loading, I aim for tongue heavy now.

 

If you don’t have trailer brakes and the trailer starts to sway, I always just floored the accelerator and it would straighten back out. Just make sure you got somewhere to go