use tow/haul or not?

[MIDNIGHT777]

I have a Chev. 2500 HD. I was wondering if I should be using the Tow/Haul option? I usually tow a snowmobile trailer with 2 sleds and a Alumacraft 16.5 foot boat with a 50 hp motor. Neither are all that heavy so I was wondering if anyone has any input. I could contact the dealer but I figured I would start here first.

Matt

[rmh2o]

I dont think you would have to but with overdrive tranys you dont want them shifting in and out frequently.If you were pulling more weight or feel the trany shifting back and forth then you want to use tow haul.

[Lost]

Tow/Haul option basically takes the truck out of overdrive. If you're towing, then it's suggested that you take it out of overdrive because it can be rough on the tranny. With the truck you have, I would imagine that you wouldn't have much trouble, if any. If you are towing over 1000 lbs, I'd probably use it.

[1966]

what year is your truck ?
a lot of the new ones have a saftey in the traney so when it gets hot it drops down one gear ...hope this helps..

[18 inch Crappie]

No, you got it all wrong, the tow button on my 2000 1500 silverado changes the shift point, from like 2000rpm to something like 2500/3000 rpm, go 0ver 65 mph and it stills runs at the same rpms with it off, so it does not get rid of the overdrive, just holds the shift points longer/higher to get more power. Let me know if I am wrong but I use it all the time to pull my boat.

[Wall-or-Bass]

18 inch Crappie, you got it correct. Tow/Haul only changes your shift points for more power, whether in Overdrive or Drive.

I really haven't used it unless I'm pulling something real heavy. Otherwise, I think it just causes you to burn more gas.

[Trailblazin]

Chevy told me that the only time to use it is going up or down steep hills. Other than that, no need to use unless your load is real heavy.

[MIDNIGHT777]

Thanks for the replies. It is a 2002. So basically what I gather is that unless I am pulling something heavier that what I am now dont bother with the tow/haul button? Although I do use it if I am going up a hill or going to pass someone. What about freeway vs. in town?

Matt

[Gus]

I have an 03 silverado, it's a 1/2 ton though. 5.3 liter. I tow about the exact same loads as you. I do like to use the tow/haul mode becasue of the shift points. It not only raises the shift points it makes them firmer. I do like to use it around town because it will keep me out of overdrive on it's own until I hit somewhere in the 50/55mph range. If I'm not in tow/haul mode it will go into OD around 45 and sometimes 40mph. I find this very usefull when going through towns and stoplights getting to the freeways. If it does drop into OD when I'm going that slow it almost always has to downshift to accelerate at that point (with a load). You may have the 6.0 Engine or larger since you have the 2500HD and all of this could be different for you. All in all, just do what you are comfortable with. Tow in both and pay attention to when and how it shifts, and what it must do to accelerate. If it feels fine and doesn't have excessive shifting then tow in normal mode. I really doubt it will effect your mileage much more than adding the weight you are towing at all. I usually drop 2-3 and seldomly 4 mpg while towing.

[Biggestfish]

I am not so sure about the tow/haul button changing the shift points, I lean towards that all it does it take the truck out of overdrive. In fact on the Fords the tow/hawl button is called Overdrive off. Not that it really matters, The important thing is that as long as the transmission is not shifting up and down all the time when you are towing, you are ok. I tow the same loads you do with my 5.4 liter Ford and I leave it in overdrive, the truck acts the same as if I am running "empty" I don't think you will ever have any trouble with your HD2500 if you don't use the tow/haul.... Just wondering what does your owners manual say??

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Just Having Fun!
Love to Fish.

[Trailblazin]

Call your dealer and they will tell you. That is what I did....Some prefer to use in town or highway when passing or going up and down hills. I use only when going up and down steep hills.

[LundExplorer]

18 inch crappie is correct,I have the same ride. At least on the 1500 5.3l, it changes the shift points, but does allow the trans to shift into O/D on the hwy. I like it for in-town towing - with it on, the transmission dwells longer in the lower gear for more acceleration in stop-and go driving.

[MIDNIGHT777]

Thanks for all the information!!!

Matt

[Giant_Jackpot]

Advice from a mechanic at a metro Chevy dealer is to put the gear selector in “3” when towing. Don’t let the tranny go into overdrive and it will outlast one that is allowed to go into overdrive. My 01 Silverado with the 4.8 will run at 3000 RPM at about 73 MPH. Now I know there are people out there that are going to tell me all about the poor mileage I am going to get by doing this but I have done the comparisons and my mileage has not suffered one bit! The mechanic told me this would be the case and he was right. Also, have the fluid flushed every 30,000 miles.

[JohnMickish]

Not only does it change the shift points and bump up the pressure in the tranny (to keep that cool) it slightly changes the mapping in the computer to give you a little more torque.

If you have over 1000lbs use it. It will save you big bucks in the long haul, so to speak.

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It still beats workin'