Towing RPM Question

[forcedtowork]

I have an 09 Sierra Crew Cab, V8, SLE, and I tow an 8x16 Ice Catle (4,300 lbs). My question is at 70 mph I am running at 3,000 rpms with tow haul on. Is that normal, and should I be worried about damage to the transmission/engine?

[B-man715]

Depending on your differential and the wind direction/speed, it is perfectly normal. It is running that high to prevent constantly finding gears.

Get in the right lane and slow down 5 mph, let her grab another gear

Your fuel economy will go up and your stress level will go down

Half tons have no business going 70+ mph with that kind of load, trailer brakes or not (imho).

[CaptainMusky]

Those RPMs sound right. I rarely use my tow/haul mode except in hilly terrain. Since you are listed as ND, I cannot imagine you have to worry about that ;-)

I use regular Drive mode, and pull my boat in summer (don't have a wheelhouse to compare) which would be similar to the weight of your house. I have a 6 spd tranny and it will go into 6th without issue. RPMs drop way down, tranny temp is cooler, better fuel economy etc.

BUT, you have to be aware if its shifting up and down a lot. If it does that just leave it in tow/haul mode.

[bobberineyes]

Well said b man, even with my 2500 I have back off a smidge cuz it wants to hold that gear for a while.

[forcedtowork]

Thanks for the info. I have only towed it at 70 mph for about 5 miles and backed off to 65 mph. I like the RPM's better at 65 mph. I was watching my transmission temp on my dash board as well.