Towing a trailer changes everything about how your vehicle behaves, including acceleration, braking distance, throttle sensitivity, and even driver fatigue. If you’re using a Pedal Commander®, adjusting the right settings can significantly improve control, safety, and comfort while towing. But the “best” setting isn’t the same for everyone; it depends on your load, terrain, and driving style. This guide breaks down exactly how to optimize your Pedal Commander® for towing, with practical recommendations you can apply immediately.
Why Pedal Commander® Matters for Towing
When you’re towing, your vehicle is under significantly more strain. Factory throttle response is often tuned for fuel efficiency and general driving, not for hauling extra weight. Pedal Commander® modifies throttle sensitivity, meaning the following:
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You get faster or slower throttle response depending on the mode
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You can reduce lag when accelerating with a heavy load
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You can fine-tune control to prevent jerky movements
For towing, smoothness and predictability are far more important than raw responsiveness.
Understanding Pedal Commander® Modes
Before choosing the best setup, you need to understand the four main modes:
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Pedal Commander® Eco Mode: Slows throttle response, ideal for fuel economy, and reduces sudden acceleration
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Pedal Commander® City Mode: Slightly more responsive than stock, good for daily driving, balanced and smooth
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Pedal Commander® Sport Mode: Noticeably quicker throttle response and more aggressive acceleration
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Pedal Commander® Sport+ Mode: Maximum responsiveness and extremely sensitive throttle input
Also, each of the four modes contains nine sensitivity levels (adjustable via the + and - buttons), giving you a total of 36 settings to choose from.
Best Pedal Commander® Settings for Towing
The best Pedal Commander® setting for towing depends on your load weight and the terrain you are navigating. While the device doesn't increase your towing capacity, it delivers instant power and smoother control of your vehicle's existing torque.
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Pedal Commander® Eco Mode: Ideal for long-distance towing on flat terrain to improve fuel efficiency. It is also the superior choice for low-speed maneuvers, such as reversing a trailer or caravan into tight spots, as it smooths throttle inputs to prevent jerky movements.
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Pedal Commander® City Mode: Generally considered the best all-around setting for most towing needs. It wakes up the engine just enough to compensate for the extra weight without being overly aggressive. Many drivers find success with settings like City (-2) for daily heavy hauling to ensure predictable, smooth power.
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Pedal Commander® Sport Mode: Sport mode is best reserved for tackling steep hills or merging onto high-speed highways where you need immediate access to engine power. Use the Sport mode sparingly while towing to avoid unnecessary stress on your drivetrain from sudden surges.
Avoid Pedal Commander® Sport+ Mode While Towing
While Sport+ is exhilarating for unladen driving, it is generally unsuitable for towing. The hyper-sensitive throttle can cause the vehicle to jerk violently or the tires to lose traction if you hit a small bump or shift your foot slightly. This "on-off" power delivery puts unnecessary strain on your transmission and hitch assembly. For safety, it’s best to keep the responsiveness predictable.
Terrain-Based Recommendations
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Flat Highways (The Long Haul): Pedal Commander® City Mode (+1 to +3) is usually the "Goldilocks" zone. It provides enough pep to help you merge into traffic or maintain speed against a headwind without making the throttle feel twitchy.
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Steep Inclines & Mountain Passes: Switch to Pedal Commander® Sport Mode (-2 to 0). When you're fighting gravity, you need more immediate access to your engine's power. Keeping the fine-tuning on the lower end of Sport ensures you have the torque you need to maintain momentum without overshooting your target speed.
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Slippery Surfaces & Boat Ramps: Use Pedal Commander® Eco Mode. When you're pulling a heavy boat up a wet ramp or navigating a muddy campsite, wheel spin is your enemy. Eco mode dampens the signal, allowing a slow, controlled crawl to maintain traction.
Settings Based on Load Weight
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Light Loads (Jet Skis, Utility Trailers): Pedal Commander® City Mode (0) is perfect. The vehicle will feel as responsive as it does during your daily commute, effectively "canceling out" the minor weight behind you.
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Heavy Loads (Campers, Horse Trailers): Start with Pedal Commander® City (-2 to -4). A heavier load has greater inertia; a slightly dulled throttle prevents the trailer's weight from causing a "pendulum effect" during gear changes or acceleration.
The "Set Before You Shift" Rule
For maximum safety, never change Pedal Commander® modes while your foot is on the gas pedal. To ensure the vehicle’s computer and the Pedal Commander® stay perfectly synced under the stress of a load, come to a complete stop and shift into Park before adjusting your settings. By matching your mode to your environment, you’ll significantly reduce driver fatigue and enjoy a much more composed, professional towing experience.
