New Duramax Owner

[areynax]

I just got a 2001 duramax/allison. Love the truck so far. My question is, when I tow my fifth wheel, do I tow in O/D? Or do I tow in 3rd like I did with my half ton?? I thought this was a silly question, but after asking a few people,I've gotten different answers. BTW,this is a 4WD.And the Trailer weighs around 7,000 lbs.

[Shaners]

With a 7K lb trailer I'd tow in OD...  You have a pretty stout tow vehicle, so it will pull the load with no problem.

 

If you are towing in hilly terrain, then use the Ally tranny brake.  I hear it works great going downhill.

 

You'll find that your truck will pull that load without breaking a sweat!!!

[richscorvettes]

Agree with Shaners comments. We tow a 24' enclosed trailer which, when carrying the car, is around 7,500 lbs. We tow in O/D and in the towing mode and it's been super.

 

Rich Lagasse

[Dmax_nani]

I agree with Shaners. I use the 'TOW/HAUL' mode and set my cruise control when pulling my trailer in the flats, uphill, downhill. I let the tranny and breaking system do all the work. :thumb:

 

Enjoy the drive.

<><

[BlackSilver]

I also just upgraded to a Duramax/Allison (2003 Silverado 2500HD LT).  I pulled a 8000# 5th-wheel RV home from Phoenix to Minneapolis, and deliberately chose the steepest mountain roads I could find.  The Duramax/Allison combination is pure magic!  Stayed in 5th gear in all but the steepest grade, and never dropped below freeway speed, unless some slowpoke got in front of us.

 

This truck is the perfect towing machine!  Even downhills were fun with the Allison automagically doing its downshift tricks so we only occassionally needed to touch the brakes.

 

Hans, K0HB