Silverado & FR 827fls

[JohnD10]

This is what the built-in brake controller looks like in my 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500HD...the -/+ thingy at the top:

[robbiels7]

Originally Posted by RetiredSoldier919

Thanks for the info. My Silverado doesn't have the brake controller. Nothing on the dash in that area. I wish it did.

I would definitely recommend a nice add on unit.

[RetiredSoldier919]

Originally Posted by JohnD10

This is what the built-in brake controller looks like in my 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500HD...the -/+ thingy at the top:

Mine has what looks like a storage space for something small. Really a useless hole in the dash.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by RetiredSoldier919

I wish the manual explained what the +/- on the same stick does. I figured it was the brake adjustment, but it's not. It does seem to do anything when I press them.

Granted my truck is a 2014 and a Sierra but here’s what my manual says about Manual shift (and + and - buttons on the shift lever):

So, it’s in my manual. You have to be driving with your shift selector set to M for Manual for a + or - to do anything.

[RetiredSoldier919]

Originally Posted by Mr. Dan

Granted my truck is a 2014 and a Sierra but here’s what my manual says about Manual shift (and + and - buttons on the shaft lever): Attachment 178629

So, it’s in my manual. You have to be driving with your shift selector set to M for Manual for a + or - to do anything.

Thanks. I'll take another look. Maybe it's in a nother chapter.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by RetiredSoldier919

Thanks. I'll take another look. Maybe it's in a nother chapter.

I looked in the index at the back for "Manual Mode". Your mileage may vary.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by RetiredSoldier919

Do you know if I should still engage this function once I've installed my EBC? Is there any chance of damaging either system?

I forgot to ask... when you say “engage this function”, did you mean Manual transmission mode with the + and - buttons OR did you mean the Tow/Haul function? If the latter, I always use Tow/Haul if I’m towing or hauling - for the reasons robbiels7 mentioned in post #30. It works great for my 6.2L with 3.73s. My owner’s manual mentions Grade Braking here: My Transmission Control Module (and other computer-like parts) has been know to down-shift from 6th to 5th to 4th to slow my descent.

If you were taking about Manual mode and + and - buttons, I never operate them since I don’t need to.

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by RetiredSoldier919

2016 Silverado 4.3L V6. Automatic, LT 4x4, 6.6 bed, double cab. With trailering package.

You should put that information in yoru signature located in the User CP link above. Then every one can see what you have each time you post.

Makes it easier for us to help you by seeing what equipment you have.

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by RetiredSoldier919

I wish the manual explained what the +/- on the same stick does. I figured it was the brake adjustment, but it's not. It does seem to do anything when I press them.

When in Manual Mode the + - switch lets you set the highest gear your transmission will shift into. Every gear below the setting is available, bu tthis keeps the transmission from shifting into higher gears.

You can use it going up hill to keep the engine speed up to better cool the transmission and downhill you can use it to limit your speed and use compression in the engine to limit the use of your brakes

[TBDub]

It's going to be tough keeping the weight down when you load up the TT. I went the other way and got a diesel that will pull 7,700 and I got a 1909S that's only 3,500 dry. I drove a lot of trucks in the Army and got hooked on diesel.

[jaycalk]

I too had a 1500 with 5.3. While it pulled and stopped my 7300 Rockport it had to work real hard. I bought a 2500 HD with the 6.0 and it pulls with little effort. Yes it burns more gas but if I keep under 2000 rpm it gets 15 mpg and I have something that will bring home the bacon.

[Kirkl]

I have a ram but manual shift is the same, when towing lock it in 5th or 4th that way your tranny isn’t hunting for gears and getting hot. I lock out 6th gear and it pulls in 5th gear and only shifts down by itself if a really steep hill. Then you can manually downshift from there if going down a hill.

[MikeRP]

My opinion is that 1500 trucks can tow the weight you have but the suspension is often too soft to have great handling in emergency situations. And bottom line - safety is big for your family.

If you upgrade, don’t make the mistake of getting a 2500. I had a 2008 Dodge CTD which literally only had about 1800 lbs payload. If you get a 3500 SRW, you’ll future proof you changing trailers to a fifth wheel or the like. Those will have near 4000 lbs payload. 3000lbs on a 2500 is marginal capacity on larger fivers.

So make sure you thoroughly research payload on anything you buy in addition the GCVWR.

I like the equalizer weight distributing hitch. I have a Dodge 1500 ecodiesel right now, guaranteed I could hook it up to most anything and it has the power to pull it well. But like I said 7500 lbs is just too much for adverse conditions.

Dodge and Ford are making 1500’s now that say they can tow over 12000 lbs. I don’t believe it can be done safely. Imagine Dodge comes out with a 1500 that says it can tow 12450 lbs and my brothers 2018 crew cab 3500 with .373 rear end can only tow 12500 lbs max but it has 4000 lbs payload. Ridiculous

[RetiredSoldier919]

Originally Posted by TBDub

It's going to be tough keeping the weight down when you load up the TT. I went the other way and got a diesel that will pull 7,700 and I got a 1909S that's only 3,500 dry. I drove a lot of trucks in the Army and got hooked on diesel.

Yeah, I got hooked on driving the M548 ammo carrier. I can still smell that exhaust whiffing up into the vehicle. I've thought of going diesel several times.

[Johnfort]

I have a 2017 Silverado Crew Cab, 6' box with 5.3L, 8 speed, 342 rear end, 4x4, full trailer package and an e2 800# WDH. My 2018 Rockwood is a 2304 KS with the weights listed below.

I've had dozens of truck/rv packages over the years that have been "decent", but I consider this package to be the best at handling, towing, stopping, ride comfort and manuverability of anything yet. AND IT WILL STOP VERY WELL.

I live and tow in Colorado, and no matter where you go, its uphill. The ONLY thing I would do differently is order the 6.2L instead. I'd love to have that extra 100 foot pounds of torque going over La Veta pass, Raton pass and Eisenhower tunnel etc.

I think even if you get a good brake control and tranny cooler, your V6 is going to be very disappointing, no to mention maybe coming apart near the top of a hill, even at lower altitudes.

Happy truck hunting.

Truck & trailer fully loaded, groceries, clothes, 1/2 tank water, empty holding tanks, full propane, full gas tank, 2 people and personal gear. 11,900

Trailer 5400
GVWR 5876

Truck 6500
GVWR 7200

Tongue Weight 750-850

[Johnfort]

Oh yah, it's a 1500.

[Alcfish]

Reality is everything comes down to the numbers, if either your truck or trailer exceed the gvw, you can probably travel for years and never have any issues. If anything ever happens and there is an accident, and it looks like you are overweight with either unit and the lawyers get involved, it doesn’t matter how well it tows it or stops, it just matters that you are exceeding the approved weights, overweight can be asking for trouble in the event of an accident.

On another side, the v-6 is capable of towing 7500 or whatever the number is, but it does depend on where you travel, if you do lots of mountain trips, you will be travelling up the slow lane, and again that is not a problem, as long as You are comfortable with it, no different then the 6 litre engine towing 15000 lbs, etc.

[RetiredSoldier919]

Well I'm lucky to live in the Kasas City area. Not many hills in my immediate area. Got to look hard for any hills. Of course I'm from Pittsburgh PA, and grew up in the neighborhood with the steepest paved road in the world. Canton Ave. Google it to see. Any ways my idea of a hill may be slightly off from most people here.

[JohnD10]

Originally Posted by Johnfort

I have a 2017 Silverado (1500) Crew Cab, 6' box with 5.3L, 8 speed, 342 rear end, 4x4, full trailer package and an e2 800# WDH. My 2018 Rockwood is a 2304 KS with the weights listed below.

I've had dozens of truck/rv packages over the years that have been "decent", but I consider this package to be the best at handling, towing, stopping, ride comfort and manuverability of anything yet. AND IT WILL STOP VERY WELL.

I live and tow in Colorado, and no matter where you go, its uphill. The ONLY thing I would do differently is order the 6.2L instead. I'd love to have that extra 100 foot pounds of torque going over La Veta pass, Raton pass and Eisenhower tunnel etc.

Or get the Chevy 2500 HD with the same 6.0L motor and the 4.10 rear end...which is what I've got.

Pulls and stops my 9900 pound 5'ver in and around the mountains like nobodies business!

[RetiredSoldier919]

Originally Posted by JohnD10

Or get the Chevy 2500 HD with the same 6.0L motor and the 4.10 rear end...which is what I've got.

Pulls and stops my 9900 pound 5'ver in and around the mountains like nobodies business!

Too upside down with my truck. 😔