Some thoughts on trailer tow mode

[chaslorr]

My tow vehicle, 2010 Sierra 1500 ext cab, 4.8, 3:23 axle, WDH with sway control, rated to tow 4700 lbs. My travel trailer, 2013 Rockwood Minilite 2109S, dry weight 3700 lbs. When I first began towing with this combination I used the trailer tow mode. I found it noisy and it seemed to keep the rpms too high most of the time for my liking. Now when towing I don't use it and guess what, it's much quieter, the truck seems to not work so hard, plus my fuel mileage is much better. I guess for my circumstances, trailer tow mode is overkill. I wonder how many other folks are using it when it's not necessary.

[Emptypockets]

What gear are you running in? Wish GM had a way one could lock out overdrive.22

[chaslorr]

I just leave it in drive and let the transmission decide where it wants to be.

[Charliec]

I tow a 2504s with a F150 Eco with a 3.55 gear and don't really see much difference in the mpg or any noise. Sometime I put it in tow mode and sometime I forget.

[Blackhat6mike]

Only tried tow mode once and don't need it. I haul approx 10,000 lbs with fresh water tank 3/4 full and lots of personal stuff. My max cargo load is 3,300 lbs and Flyer weighs 7,800. Truck handles it with plenty power left over. The additional exhaust brake is a blessing!

[wana65stang]

chaslorr, I have the almost exact same truck as you ( mine is a 2009) towing that trailer is no problem once it is pack up with all gear and people?

[rockfordroo]

I think the biggest effect of tow/haul mode is accelerating from a stop. It will keep it in a lower gear for higher RPMs until you get to cruising speed. After that, not sure it really does anything worthwhile.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by chaslorr

My tow vehicle, 2010 Sierra 1500 ext cab, 4.8, 3:23 axle, WDH with sway control, rated to tow 4700 lbs. My travel trailer, 2013 Rockwood Minilite 2109S, dry weight 3700 lbs. When I first began towing with this combination I used the trailer tow mode. I found it noisy and it seemed to keep the rpms too high most of the time for my liking. Now when towing I don't use it and guess what, it's much quieter, the truck seems to not work so hard, plus my fuel mileage is much better. I guess for my circumstances, trailer tow mode is overkill. I wonder how many other folks are using it when it's not necessary.

Tow weight is 4700# and dry weight of trailer is 3700# ?
Average user added items are 1000#
Sounds like your at capacity and then some.
Almost always your over on cargo Carrying capacity before your over tow weight.........
Have you ever scaled your unit?
I use tow hual mode anytime pulling a trailer!
It's there to use for a reason.

[chaslorr]

It handles the trailer very well. Can cruise all day at 55 to 60 mph, gets it moving quite well also. Slows down a little on big hills but they all do that. I get about 15 mpg towing also, and have no over heating problems. We travel light with just the 2 of us so am always under the tow capacity.

[bojangles]

Do you have a transmission temperature gauge? I would be concerned about overheating the transmission if not using the tow haul mode. It is there for a reason and I think that is one of them.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by chaslorr

We travel light with just the 2 of us so am always under the tow capacity.

Just curious, how do you know?

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by chaslorr

It handles the trailer very well. Can cruise all day at 55 to 60 mph, gets it moving quite well also. Slows down a little on big hills but they all do that...and have no over heating problems. We travel light with just the 2 of us so am always under the tow capacity.

Me too!

[wana65stang]

Sorry I am with TURBS on this one, I was pulling my 67 Lemans on a u-haul and I needed the tow haul turned ON! to move that thing around. Its that 3.23 gear that sucks. Car weight 3150lbs, u-haul trailer 2210lbs, 660 lbs over max tow-able

[bojangles]

Isn't the towing capacity determined with only the weight of the driver in the vehicle and nothing else? So adding a passenger and anything else to trailer would soon be over the towing capacity.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by bojangles

Isn't the towing capacity determined with only the weight of the driver in the vehicle and nothing else? So adding a passenger and anything else to trailer would soon be over the towing capacity.

Not including dealer add on items after it leaves the factory.
These things are not included in dry weight.
Propane tanks full.
Battery.
Spare tire and carrier.
Sometimes tv's

Hot water heater full weighs minimum 40 plus lbs.

Etc etc etc etc.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Me too!

I can bet the farm you weren't 1000# from being overloaded when you started filling your camper!

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by TURBS

I can bet the farm you weren't 1000# from being overloaded when you started filling your camper!

And I will bet my tar paper shack, we'll never know! As long as it goes and stops, it's good enough for me. Doesn't sag in the back either. It may blow sky high Fri when we head to Fawn Ridge, but there are Chevy dealers close.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

And I will bet my tar paper shack, we'll never know! As long as it goes and stops, it's good enough for me. Doesn't sag in the back either. It may blow sky high Fri when we head to Fawn Ridge, but there are Chevy dealers close.

I know ! I've done the math! [emoji12]

[Rrickim63]

Tow haul mode is recommended .yes it revs higher, keeps the transmission from overheating in the long term

[davel1971]

tow mode also raises the pressures in the trans for tighter clutch engagement. Much easier on trans. You might not feel it, but your trans appreciates it.