2013 first time towing experience

[Beer Belly]

Had an '06 Silverado K1500 E/C Z/71, 5.3l, 3:42 gears.....now have a 2013 same set up....the only difference is the 6 speed tranny. It towed the same as my '06 power wise, rode a little better....but the fuel mileage wasn't even close....the '13 got 12.8 mpg, and the '06 would get 15.5 mpg.....now towing, I don't care about mpg (it's a truck, and it's working), but just pointing out the differences.....the engine braking feature was great, did help a little on hills to keep the speed under control, and was seamless......I'm glad that the 6 speed didn't always try to get to top gear as quick as it could...which it does when not loaded, and drives me crazy. The truck did experience a little sway on a route that I tow on a few times a year....never had that happen with the '06, but can't blame the '13 for that, as we all know there are many reasons for sway....the truck otherwise was well footed, and the Rear Camera, which at first I claimed was useless, was handy, and my next truck will have it. All in all, a great first time towing experience, and the new Prodigy P2 I installed worked great, never knew the camper was there when braking. I tow a 3,500 lbs. Pop Up, but loaded the truck with the usual camping gear, and half a bed of firewood....oh, I also use a small, single bar W/D hitch, and a Reese Friction Sway Control....truck sits as if there is no weight. I also forgot to mention.....with the draw bar in, the Park Assist shuts down.....I thought that was odd, my buddy has a Ford that recognizes the draw bar, and it has no effect....but I do have the Rear Camera to watch

[MikeNH]

The hitch somehow effects the sensors. Plus I assume they figure that if you have it in then you'll soon have a trailer which makes the sensors useless.

[Beer Belly]

I wonder if my buddy's Ford takes into consideration how far the draw bar sticks out, or if it still measures from the bumper....which could be an issue ???....anyhow, I think it would be awesome if it could take into consideration the draw bar, and still work, I usual travel with the draw bar still in the hitch.....until this.

[gbieber05]

I have had that same problem. On the new 2014's they give three options now on the sensors....park assist on, park assist with tow bar, and off. It's about time too. Congratulations on your tow too.

[Beer Belly]

I have had that same problem. On the new 2014's they give three options now on the sensors....park assist on, park assist with tow bar, and off. It's about time too. Congratulations on your tow too.

That sure would have been good to have. I just gotta get used to that 6 speed tranny....it's killin' me. I also noticed the body seems pretty flimsy....just not the quality I felt in the '06......oh well, just 34 months of payments, and I can move on