2001 Chevy Silverado Tow/Haul mode

[BRG25]

Anyone know what the correct gear to tow in is? I have "D 3 2 1" assuming D is overdrive? The manual states I can tow in "D" but I'm thinking maybe "3" with Tow/Haul mode turned on? I believe Tow/Haul mode is supposed to delay/adjust shifting.<br /><br />Anyone have any experience with this?<br /><br />2001 Silverado with 4.8L V8 towing 19' Stingray around 4000#.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Brian

 

[KM2]

Re: 2001 Chevy Silverado Tow/Haul mode

IMO it depends a little on the conditions. Do you have the factory tow package?<br /><br />1) Always use the tow/haul mode when towing the boat.<br />2) Drive in D unless the transmission appears to be shifting in and out of overdrive frequently.<br />3) Drive in 3 if your into a wind, in hilly country or in stop and go traffic.<br /><br />I'm not real familar with your trucks tow/haul mode but I would guess it will keep you out of overdrive most of the time pulling 4000#.

 

[BRG25]

Re: 2001 Chevy Silverado Tow/Haul mode

Thanks, no I don't have the factory set up. I'm having installed a class 3 hitch, transmission cooler and wiring this week. I did the same with my 4.3L V6 Jimmy and it worked well, just not enough power on the hills. I always thought it was a cardinal sin to tow in overdrive but now I'm not so sure. At least not in this case.

 

[flashback]

Re: 2001 Chevy Silverado Tow/Haul mode

HI Brian, I have a 2001 GMC that is equipped with the tow package, it seems to me that when the tranny is in the tow/haul mode that it hangs in the respective gears at higher rpms.. tends to keep the engine in its best power band... does eat more gas tho............

 

[BRG25]

Re: 2001 Chevy Silverado Tow/Haul mode

Thanks for the reply. Do you tow in "D" or "3"? How heavy is your boat?

 

[bluewater19]

Re: 2001 Chevy Silverado Tow/Haul mode

That tranny is made to be towed in overdrive.<br />Read your owners manual. The only time I would tow with that tranny in 3 is if it is hunting back and forth in and out of overdrive.<br />This is from My father who has been a factory trained GM tech for over 30 years and is a tranmission specialist. He says on computer controled trannys with the tow/haul selector like the 4L60E in your truck the tranny will keep the engine in the best rpm for power and torque.<br />This is how I drive my 1999 suburban and I tow a 5000 lbs + boat. My truck has almost 100,000 miles and alot of that has been towing.<br />My father also says more trannys fry from lack of maintanince than bad towing habbits. I change my tranny fluid every 30,000 miles. The book says 60000 if towing and 90,000 normal driving. Just a thought.

 

[BinLurkin]

Re: 2001 Chevy Silverado Tow/Haul mode

Brian. My 2001 Silverado has the 5 speed Allison & I only need to use the tow/haul mode if I'm on a steep hill. On my unit it just seems to keep it out of overdrive so the r's stay up a bit for the big pull. Otherwise it stays in 5th, which is overdrive, & shifts itself just fine. Soon as I get over the hill I usually put 'er back in "od", or fifth gear. I have the 8.1 engine. Regards, BinLurkin.

 

[BRG25]

Re: 2001 Chevy Silverado Tow/Haul mode

Thank you. I did read the owners manual which wasn't particuarly clear on which gear to use. I'm not a mechanic and don't really have any conception on how transmissions work. The information I have found on the internet verifies exactly what you guys have told me. I'm sure I'm probably a little paranoid but I know people who have killed their transmissions and as you all know, it's an expensive mistake. I will be towing quite a bit this summer and am looking forward to a relaxing season. Thanks for your time, I really appreciate it. Take care...<br /><br />Brian

 

[flashback]

Re: 2001 Chevy Silverado Tow/Haul mode

Hey Brian, I always just leave the gear selector in "D" and push the button... presto Im in haul mode... I don't have a clue how much my boat weighs, my trailer has dual axels and the boat is a 1980 chris craft scorpion 210.. Im guessing it is somewhere between 3500 and 4000 pounds... hope this helps ya...............