When to use tow mode?

99gst_racer · July 20, 2012

I have a 2001 Suburban 1500. I'm wondering when I need to use the tow mode while towing. I know it's not needed on very light loads (small utility trailers, etc...). Is there a weight limit of which requires the use of tow mode?

00Silverado4x4 · July 20, 2012

Straight from my owners manua (2006):

Tow/Haul Mode

Tow/Haul is a feature on automatic transmission

equipped vehicles that assists when pulling a heavy

trailer or a large or heavy load. See Tow/Haul Mode

on page 2-31 for more information.

Tow/Haul is designed to be most effective when the

vehicle and trailer combined weight is at least 75 percent

of the vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).

See “Weight of the Trailer” later in the section. 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.

99gst_racer · July 20, 2012

Thanks for the post. Any idea what my truck's GVWR is?

00Silverado4x4 · July 20, 2012

Thanks for the post. Any idea what my truck's GCWR is?

Unfortunately I do not have that kind of information at my disposal but if I were to make a guess, I'd said around 13,000 pounds. That is where my truck is rated at so yours can't be too far off from that.

It really doesn't take too much weight before you hit the "magic" number considering about half of the GCWR is the weight of your vehicle right off the top. Best bet is try it and see how you like it. Certainly won't hurt your rig any. I always use it when I'm towing regardless of the weight involved. I've also used it sometimes just driving around town not towing/hauling. I prefer how the trans shifts in town with tow/haul engaged plus when really want accel power it's just a matter of more pedal and don't have to wait for the trans to decide to shift first.

00Silverado4x4 · July 20, 2012

Wait...hold the presses...ah ha...

http://www.extendedgmwarranty.com/owners-manual/chevrolet/2001-Chevrolet-Suburban.pdf

Take a look down this and see if there is the information you require.

99gst_racer · July 20, 2012

Found it. Curb weight is 4,914 lbs. And GVWR is 7,000 lbs.

So, I shouldn't need to use it for a 2000 lb. pop-up camper and 700 lbs. of people and gear, right?

00Silverado4x4 · July 20, 2012

Probably not, but again, you can always try it to see if you like how it handles. If you find that the trans is shifting a lot or is engine is running hotter than normal, tow/haul will help out a lot. By holding gears longer and not letting vehicle shift up into overdrive as early it'll save some trans life.

99gst_racer · July 20, 2012

Sweet, thanks again.

00Silverado4x4 · July 20, 2012

Your welcome.

Ranger · August 4, 2012

The GVWR is what the vehicle can handle by itself...towing a trailer is a different set of ratings, that suburban should be able to tow 6-8,000 lbs

SouthCo · August 4, 2012

I use it anytime I'm towing around 1000lbs or more. It doesn't hurt anyting to turn it on, even if not needed.

NEFisher11 · August 6, 2012

I use it anytime I'm towing around 1000lbs or more. It doesn't hurt anyting to turn it on, even if not needed.

I do the same anytime i have around 1000lbs or more in the truck or being towed i turn it on i think it helps, but it is all personal feeling to an extent.