tow/haul, overdrive

ddarrell · May 27, 2003

I plan to tow a 5000lb boat with a 2000 C1500 with the 4.8l engine. The truck has the tow/haul mode on the shifter, and an overdrive button on the dash. What are the best settings for these when towing the boat?

Thanks

Bish · May 27, 2003

I only tow in tow/haul mode and I do NOT use overdrive. Towing in OD can cause the torque converter to lock/unlock/lock.... causing a significant rise in tranny temps.

SilveradoWV · May 27, 2003

I have a 4x4 with the 4.8L but it seems like so many people are asking the same question you are, but IMO there is no set answer, its just something you have to feel IMO. There are situations where I do tow in OD without the button pushed, if your tranny is shifting alot or the converter is locking and unlocking very frequently you should put it in 3 and use the tow haul button if the shifts feel comforable to you.

s10mudder · May 27, 2003

Mt dads 2000 Z71 doesnt have an overdrive button!??

SilveradoWV · May 27, 2003

I have never seen an OD button either, must be a 2wd thing!

k1500chevy97 · May 27, 2003

It should be on the shifter for the automatic transmission .

it will be in the same place the button for the cruise control is on the turn signal switch .

I dont think its called an overdrive button i think it is called the tow/haul button . it changes the transmisson shifting points for more power.

Bob G. · May 28, 2003

3rd gear and tow haul mode all the way for towing the boat. Your mpg will be less, but who cares. You're driving a truck and towing a boat, not a Geo Metro and a Big Gulp!!

Bob G.

BlackSilver · May 28, 2003

Pull in OD with the tow/haul button pressed. That's what the thing is designed for.

I've pulled a 7,000# RV with a 1500 2WD 5.3L and didn't hurt it a bit.

SilveradoWV · May 28, 2003

Its actually quite possible to get better gas mileage towing in 3 than OD!

sjspor · May 29, 2003

I have 2001 C1500, and only the Tow/Haul mode button. When I pull my camper and forgot the tow haul button I know right away because the truck is shifting all the time. At first i thought the tow/haul was a gimmick kind of thing, but it holds the shifts longer, thus less shifting, and I belive OD is held out until about 60mph

on the highway...

drumhack · May 30, 2003

I have a 98 K1500 Z71 Ext. Cab, so I don't have the tow haul option like the newer models, but for those of you who do and are asking the question, what does your owners manuals recommend on when/how to use it?

With the variety of engine/rear-end combinations possible and the different weights we all haul, it will probably impact the determination of if or when you all use it.