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02-16-2017, 04:27 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 52
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Towing Mode for Chev/GMC pickup
I have an RV trailer that weights about 6200 dry, and about 7000 lbs loaded. When I am driving on normal roads (not up and down grades/hills/mountains) is it best to still keep the automatic trans in the "towing mode" (by pushing the button in at end of the shifter)? I have hear mixed opinions, and of course I don't tow over 55 mph.
Thanks so much.
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02-16-2017, 04:34 PM
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#2
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Professional Texan
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Texas
Posts: 366
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Slow but Steady
I have an RV trailer that weights about 6200 dry, and about 7000 lbs loaded. When I am driving on normal roads (not up and down grades/hills/mountains) is it best to still keep the automatic trans in the "towing mode" (by pushing the button in at end of the shifter)? I have hear mixed opinions, and of course I don't tow over 55 mph.
Thanks so much.
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I use the tow/haul anytime I'm pulling my trailer. I even us the cruise control when its nice and flat.
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Texas Bob
2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD2500 Z71
2013 Prime Time Tracer Executive 2640 RLS
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02-16-2017, 04:49 PM
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#3
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(Dry Huunday)
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eastern North Carolina
Posts: 2,298
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TexasBob
I use the tow/haul anytime I'm pulling my trailer. I even us the cruise control when its nice and flat.
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X2 
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Beau & Sue
FurKid Express
2015 Coachmen Catalina 303RLS
2016 Chevy Silverado LT 2500HD Duramax
The more people I meet, the more I like my dogs!
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02-16-2017, 05:11 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Idaho
Posts: 2,058
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On GM vehicles, when tow/haul mode is selected, output voltage is increased to help charge the battery of the trailer (if there is a battery). 
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Trailer: Lifted 228BH, heavy duty springs and Yokohama tires DELAMINATED ROOF
TV: 2016 GMC Sierra Z71 4x4 CC, SLT
Spare TV: Two Alaskan Malamutes
Living somewhere in ID; previously lived in Moab UT; previous to that, don't ask!
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02-16-2017, 05:15 PM
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#5
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Grayson County, Texas
Posts: 21,560
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Yep... if I'm towing/hauling, I use tow/haul mode.
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2015 FR Wildcat 295RSX / GMC Sierra
Nights Camped: '13 = 49/'14 = 74/'15 = 74/'16 = 85/'17 = 110/'18 = 111/'19 = 86/'20 =108/'21 = 115/'22 = 135/'23 = 78; Booked for 2024 = 69 |
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02-16-2017, 05:20 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Liverpool NY
Posts: 967
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GM Tow Mode
Quote:
Originally Posted by f5moab
On GM vehicles, when tow/haul mode is selected, output voltage is increased to help charge the battery of the trailer (if there is a battery). |
Did not know that. Thanks! As others have mentioned, I also use cruise on the flats. Much more relaxing.
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2015 Shamrock 23IKSS, Oyster shell
2019 Chev Silverado LT Z71 Ext. Cab, 4x4, 5.3L V/8
Reese Straight Line WDH, 2000W Honda Gen.
2 Old Town kayaks & 2 Boston Terriers - Zoey/Gonzo
Lar & Ruth
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02-16-2017, 06:34 PM
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#7
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 31
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As a GM tech, yes. It increases the line pressure in the transmission and increases shift time to aid in clutch apply and prevent any slippage from the load being applied.
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2021 Salem 31KQBTS towed with
2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD Duramax
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02-16-2017, 07:07 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Idaho
Posts: 2,058
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In other words...
includes improving acceleration performance during launches, reducing shift busyness, assisting brake performance and speed control during engine braking situations, and improving vehicle speed control while requiring less throttle pedal activity.
In general, tow/haul mode maintains lower gears longer.
__________________
Trailer: Lifted 228BH, heavy duty springs and Yokohama tires DELAMINATED ROOF
TV: 2016 GMC Sierra Z71 4x4 CC, SLT
Spare TV: Two Alaskan Malamutes
Living somewhere in ID; previously lived in Moab UT; previous to that, don't ask!
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02-16-2017, 07:08 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Missouri
Posts: 441
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gmmastertech1
As a GM tech, yes. It increases the line pressure in the transmission and increases shift time to aid in clutch apply and prevent any slippage from the load being applied.
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Our Chevy 2500 HD with 6.0 gasser and 4.10 gears runs higher RPM's thru the gears, so I'm wondering if your recommendation is still the same given driving on flat roads here in Illinois and Missouri. We haven't had problems with transmission slippage, but don't want any either. I usually start out with the tow/haul button engaged and then take it out once up to speed.
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02-16-2017, 07:15 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Posts: 677
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Read owners manual, then push the button!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Danny & Darlene
2002 Silverado 1500HD
2014 Rockwood 2703WS 'Emerald Pkg'
Days camped 2015=42 2014=48 2013=41 2012=47 2011=18
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02-16-2017, 07:37 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 188
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I have a Chevy 2500 HD diesel and the manual says to use tow/haul if transmission shifts a lot. Set cruise at 65 MPH and pulled my 10,000# FW from Richmond, Va to North Fort Myers, Fl. It didn't shift gears except when stop for fuel and to eat so I did not use tow/haul.
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02-16-2017, 07:41 PM
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#12
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Georgia Rally Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: GA
Posts: 24,474
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Years ago GM manual use to say when to really use it. Now its up to the owners discretion based on road conditions. I only use it in really hilly conditions. When I'm on flat roads I never use it and never use cruse. Last 3 trucks I've driven this way with no issues. You can end up wasting fuel at times by using it when not needed. Later RJD
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2018 Dodge Ram 2500 6.4 3:73 gearing.(sold) (sold) 2015 Chevy 2500 6.0, 4:10
Traded 2015 30WRLIKS V-Lite
Days camped 2019 62
Days camped 2020 49 days camped 2021-74 2022-40 days 2023 5 days
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02-17-2017, 08:23 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Jonesborough
Posts: 923
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always use it, it changes the shift points kinda like a performance tune, as another poster said it changes voltage output, why would you not want to use it ?
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2017 Micro Lite 21FBRS (sold)
2019 GMC Sierra 2500 HD extra cab Z71
looking for the perfect 5er over the winter
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02-17-2017, 08:36 AM
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#14
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Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 22
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I have a Nissan Armada with tow mode switch. The manual states to ALWAYS use when towing and NEVER use when not towing.
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02-17-2017, 08:38 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Idaho
Posts: 2,058
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Page 342 of a 2016 GMC/Chevy owner manual:
Tow/Haul is designed to be most effective when the vehicle and trailer combined weight is at least 75% of the vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See “Weight of the Trailer” under Trailer Towing.
Tow/Haul is most useful under the following driving conditions:
. When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load through rolling terrain.
. When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load in stop-and-go traffic.
. When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load in busy parking lots where improved low speed control of the vehicle is desired.
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul when lightly loaded or with no trailer
at all will not cause damage. However, there is no benefit to the selection of Tow/Haul when the vehicle is unloaded. Such a selection when unloaded may result in unpleasant engine and transmission driving characteristics and reduced fuel economy. Tow/Haul is recommended only when pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load.
Page 341
If charging a remote (non-vehicle) battery, press the Tow/Haul Mode button, if equipped, at the end of the shift lever. This will boost the vehicle system voltage and properly charge the battery. If the trailer is too light for Tow/Haul Mode, or the vehicle is not equipped with Tow/Haul, turn on the headlamps as a second way to boost the vehicle system and charge the battery.
__________________
Trailer: Lifted 228BH, heavy duty springs and Yokohama tires DELAMINATED ROOF
TV: 2016 GMC Sierra Z71 4x4 CC, SLT
Spare TV: Two Alaskan Malamutes
Living somewhere in ID; previously lived in Moab UT; previous to that, don't ask!
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02-17-2017, 09:39 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: WNC
Posts: 560
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What year and transmission you have? the older ones its better to always use T/H mode.
The T/H mode button is nothing more than a change of a few setting in the PCM. From the factory, it will increase your line pressures causing harder feeling shifts, the RPM points are changed to keep from lugging the engine. So you will run a higher RPM before it shifts to the next gear, and will downshift sooner. TC lock up Speeds can also be different.
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2005 Silverado 1500 Ext cab 5.3 H.O.
2011 HD Road King
Nights camped since 2019.....all of Em...Homes a 2001 Sea Breeze 36' 5 ER
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02-17-2017, 09:55 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Between Pickles Gap and Toad Suck, AR
Posts: 6,070
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Confused........
If the truck never shifts, then what is the 'hurt' with having the Tow Haul mode "ON"? IF it's "on" and it never shifts, then that's the same as having it off. But if it's "on" and it just might, maybe, on occasion that you haven't thought of, DOES shift, wouldn't that be better while towing?
??
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FROG AR-0019-242
2016 GMC Denali 3500Dually--2017 CC 36CKTS
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02-17-2017, 10:09 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Missouri
Posts: 441
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Quote:
Originally Posted by yetavon
What year and transmission you have? the older ones its better to always use T/H mode.
The T/H mode button is nothing more than a change of a few setting in the PCM. From the factory, it will increase your line pressures causing harder feeling shifts, the RPM points are changed to keep from lugging the engine. So you will run a higher RPM before it shifts to the next gear, and will downshift sooner. TC lock up Speeds can also be different.
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If you're talking to me, we have a 2002 Silverado and yes, it does have "harder feeling shifts" when the T/H mode is used. I've always wondered if this may be damaging the transmission, U-joints and/or rear end. Can I sleep better now?
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02-17-2017, 10:10 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,253
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Call me crazy, but since it says "Tow/Haul", I simply turn it on when I'm towing or hauling a heavy load. Not sure why we need to make it more complicated than that????? 
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02-17-2017, 10:17 AM
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#20
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Insert witty title here
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: About 30 miles west of Beantown.
Posts: 4,034
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If I have ANYTHING hooked to my hitch, the Tow/Haul mode is on.
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Linear Mode
