Pulling a trailer and tow/haul mode?

[slick2526]

bought a 02 gmc 5.3l with 63k on it this year. I have to replace the tow/haul button and shift lever which is a common problem with these because of the way the routed the wire.

It got me thinking about using the tow/haul mode more. I have pulled a lot of trailers and my last truck was a older manual. None of this fancy mode stuff.

Is it necessary to use tow/haul mode? What exactly does tow/haul mode do? I have always heard never pull a trailer with your with the over drive option on. Is that always true or is there a weight ratio that my truck can pull without having to worry about using overdrive or tow haul mode?

[Dave S]

tow/haul isn't really needed if you're pulling a light trailer with a couple sleds or ATVs. Once you get up to a few thousand pounds you will want to consider using it.

As far as what it does: disables OD and raises your shift point RPM levels.

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

I pull a 18 foot boat with the 5.3 Chevy V-8 and I very seldom use the tow/haul mode BUT if I notice the transmission shifting up/down a lot I go into tow/haul. As stated in other posts the shift points in the transmission change. The gearing of the rear end in the vehicle will have an effect on towing. My truck has the 3:42 rear end and it's okay but I liked the 3:73 that I previously had better.

[Gus]

I've never been in a truck where the tow/haul button kept it out of OD. Not saying some don't, but the 2001 3/4 ton, 2003 and 2005 half ton Chevy's and my 2013 Ford will all go into OD with Tow Haul on.

It raises shift points for firmer, quicker shifts which save on tranny wear and heat up. The clutches are not allowed to gradually slip into the next gear, the shifts are faster and firmer. It also holds gear longer to reduce downshifts on many hills.

Only way you are going to keep it out of OD is if you drop it down a gear on the tree.

Personally, I don't know of a reason why a guy wouldn't want to tow with T/H on unless the load is nearly nonexistent.

[Dave S]

I don't recall my '08 Silverado going into OD when in T/H.

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

I've had 3 Chevy's that would go into OD in t/h and sometimes it was hard to tell when it did it. I am a tach watcher and it is easier to see it because the RPM's drop off slightly.

[Dave S]

the RPM's drop off slightly.

good point. Looks like I stand corrected.

[slick2526]

most of you basically just watch your tac and decide to use tow/haul mode from that point? I would assume on more of flat road compared to a lot of hills you could get away without using tow haul mode all together. I was wondering if my boat is heavy enough to worry about using it all the time? I have 87 alumacraft competitor 16.5ft with a 50hp honda tiller.

I really want to get a programmer for my truck but I have a long vacation coming up and with have to see how much money I have saved up after that.

Thanks for all the info!

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

Are you pulling with a diesel??? Most gas V-8's (I guess depending on size) will handle what you are pulling. You can expect to see your gas mileage drop off when pulling. What should be more of a concern is if the tranny is constantly down shifting thus building up heat which is not good for tranny's. Most of the time I don't use the tow/haul mode on a 2011 1/2 ton Chevy with the six speed tranny.

[hitthebricks]

I have had three Chevys 02 or newer. all have had that feature. What t/h does is change the shift points and make the tranny work less. Higher rpm's, not like the old t/h where it just didn't hit OD. Well designed feature in my world!

HTB

[BobT]

According to the owner's manual of my 2009 F150, the Tow/Haul mode basically just changes the shift sequence holding it longer in lower gears before upshifting and vice versa. It sill uses all 6 gears as it does in normal mode. Mileage drops because I'm pulling a load, not because I'm using Tow/Haul mode.

[Wensel]

I have a 06 Duramax, pulling a 1825 lund it seldom needs to be in tow haul.

However do not use tow haul in the snow!. Had a lesson on that last April heading to the Rainy.

[slick2526]

Are you pulling with a diesel??? Most gas V-8's (I guess depending on size) will handle what you are pulling. You can expect to see your gas mileage drop off when pulling. What should be more of a concern is if the tranny is constantly down shifting thus building up heat which is not good for tranny's. Most of the time I don't use the tow/haul mode on a 2011 1/2 ton Chevy with the six speed tranny.

its a 5.3 so its gas. I dont have the six speed tranny. to old of truck for that.

[slick2526]

I have a 06 Duramax, pulling a 1825 lund it seldom needs to be in tow haul.

However do not use tow haul in the snow!. Had a lesson on that last April heading to the Rainy.

what happened in the snow? Never heard a story like this.

[CaptainMusky]

My guess on the two/haul issue in the snow was the tranny downshifted to a lower gear when speeds dropped.

This is one thing that many dont think about when its in tow/haul mode but when slowing the tranny will actually shift to aid in slowing so you dont have to use the brakes as much.

It scared the $hIt out of me the first time it did it. LOL

[JOHNBIGDOG]

From what my ford training tells me. Tow/haul will make the truck engine brake in all gears to help with braking. It will change shift points and firm up the shifts to prevent slipping. The torque converter will still engage but may be quicker to disengage.