What gear to tow in

[Streffpilot]

Ok, so I just recently got a new to me 1999 chevy 3500. With the 454 big block I'm wondering what gear to tow my boat in. Unfortunately, the owners manual is gone or I'd consult that. It has the 4 speed automatic.

Normally, in my suburban I would tow in 3rd gear instead of drive. I'm wondering if that still holds true in the big truck?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: What gear to tow in

a 17'er..... you could tow a dozen of them in O/D with that truck

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: What gear to tow in

a 17'er..... you could tow a dozen of them in O/D with that truck

+1

Just leave it AUTO.
If it keeps downshifting on slight inclines, select the highest gear where it doesn't.

 

[bfjou812]

Re: What gear to tow in

This might help
Chevrolet Silverado Owners Manuals | JustGiveMeTheDamnManual.com

 

[Pony]

Re: What gear to tow in

I would leave it in O/D unless its hunting for gears......which could happen. West Bend has more than a couple steep hills depending on where you are driving

 

[Streffpilot]

Re: What gear to tow in

The problem with the justgivemethedamnmanuals.com is that 1999 was the year they switched to the next gen body style in all BUT the 3500. So it doesn't include any info on the 3500. And I can't find a 1999 3500 owners manual ANYWHERE. I just don't want to burn out a tranny.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: What gear to tow in

Unless you are pulling a barge I wouldn't worry about it,

 

[H20Rat]

Re: What gear to tow in

Pretty much a universal rule, irregardless of vehicle size. If its hunting gears on a regular basis, downshift.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: What gear to tow in

Hunting gears seams to be an inherent problem with GM transmissions.

 

[ZachDean]

Re: What gear to tow in

a 17'er..... you could tow a dozen of them in O/D with that truck

AMEN

We always tow in o/d unless it hunts for gears but that rarely happens in these trucks.

 

[jestor68]

Re: What gear to tow in

I just don't want to burn out a tranny.

If in doubt, don't tow in overdrive.

Problem solved.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: What gear to tow in

If it's the boat in your signature then all is well in whatever you choose to drive in. Good advice given though for the hilly conditions. Multiple changes then take it out of O/D. Enjoy the truck.

 

[T_Herrod]

Re: What gear to tow in

That truck should handle the load just fine. Look to see if it has an auxillary tranny cooler. If not then install one and enjoy the ride. What'a a 454 get for mpg's? About 7 or 8 (ouch).

 

[agallant80]

Re: What gear to tow in

Im not really sure if the boat in your sig will be noticed by your truck. Like smoke said, leave it in drive unless she starts hunting.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: What gear to tow in

That truck should handle the load just fine. Look to see if it has an auxillary tranny cooler. If not then install one and enjoy the ride. What'a a 454 get for mpg's? About 7 or 8 (ouch).

I"ve got a 1986 Ford e350 motor home with a big holley dominator carbed 460 hanging on the front. Going down the highway I get 8-9, at 65 mph! Yeah, don't drive too far or too often...

 

[bonz_d]

Re: What gear to tow in

2004 GMC Canyon with the 5 cylinder. Pulls my 16' Alumacraft with no problem.

Years ago while camping we ran into a couple that had a big 5th wheel trailer. They were pulling it with a matching paint job Peterbuilt!

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: What gear to tow in

Don't know if this will help or not. Take a look
http://www.amazon.com/Chevrolet-Ser...d=1399240529&sr=8-11&keywords=1999+chevy+3500

Ok, so I just recently got a new to me 1999 chevy 3500. With the 454 big block I'm wondering what gear to tow my boat in. Unfortunately, the owners manual is gone or I'd consult that. It has the 4 speed automatic.

Normally, in my suburban I would tow in 3rd gear instead of drive. I'm wondering if that still holds true in the big truck?

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: What gear to tow in

I just don't want to burn out a tranny

Shifting to much is what toasts the trans.
Use the highest gear possible where it is not downshifting to much.