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Tow/Haul Mode

BigMick2023
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BigMick2023 Enthusiast

BigMick2023

Posted
Posted

2020 Silverado RST 5.3L CC with trailer package.......

 

When should you use Tow/Haul mode feature?

Any time you tow a trailer of any size?

Any type of roads?

 

I'm going to be pulling an enclosed V-nose motorcycle trailer for about 2K miles......total weight with motorcycle is about 3K Lbs. 

Any advice appreciated. 

 

The manual is pretty vague when you should use it IMHO...

The Tow/Haul Mode adjusts the transmission shift pattern to reduce shift cycling.

This provides increased performance, vehicle control, and enhanced transmission and engine cooling when driving down steep hills or mountain grades, when towing, or when hauling heavy loads.

See Driver Mode Control 0 234 to activate Tow/ Haul Mode.

diyer2 Senior Enthusiast

diyer2

Posted
Posted

You will get a variety of opinions. I just use it when I want.

:)

  • Like 2
newdude Senior Enthusiast

newdude

Posted
Posted (edited)

Me personally?  Any time a trailer is attached that is over 2000lbs.

 

GM states the following:

 

Quote

In general, tow/haul mode maintains lower gears longer and increases shift pressures. It is designed to be most effective when the vehicle and trailer combined weight is at least 75% of the vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). Operation of tow/haul in a lightly loaded or non-loaded vehicle will not cause damage. However, there is no benefit to the selection of tow/haul when the vehicle is unloaded, and use of tow/haul mode during unloaded driving conditions will decrease fuel economy and may generate shift feel concerns.

 

Edited by newdude
  • Like 1
bshort Enthusiast

bshort

Posted
Posted

Whenever I tow, it's on.  Only thing it will hurt is MPG and I could care less about that.  

  • Like 1
btj_z71 Enthusiast

btj_z71

Posted
Posted
1 hour ago, BigMick2020 said:

2020 Silverado RST 5.3L CC with trailer package.......

 

When should you use Tow/Haul mode feature?

 

Any time you tow a trailer of any size?

Any type of roads?

 

I'm going to be pulling an enclosed V-nose motorcycle trailer for about 2K miles......total weight with motorcycle is about 3K Lbs. 

Any advice appreciated. 

 

The manual is pretty vague when you should use it IMHO...

The Tow/Haul Mode adjusts the transmission shift pattern to reduce shift cycling.

This provides increased performance, vehicle control, and enhanced transmission and engine cooling when driving down steep hills or mountain grades, when towing, or when hauling heavy loads.

See Driver Mode Control 0 234 to activate Tow/ Haul Mode.

It's simply electronic changes to help you when towing.  You can use it daily if you want, doesn't matter.  It's just a mode to help you stay in control of your haul.

AlaskaErik Enthusiast

AlaskaErik

Posted
Posted

A 2000 lb trailer is nowhere near 75% of GCWR.  I don't even use it when towing my 5000 lb travel trailer, and it tows beautifully without it.  But, I also have the 6.2L/10 speed and the max trailering package.  I did use it when I towed that same trailer with my 2016 5.3L/6 speed.  But now the 2016 is relegated to towing my 2800 lb travel trailer and I don't plan on using tow/haul with that, because I'm nowhere near 75% of GCWR.  For a 2000 lb trailer, it's using a sledge hammer to drive a finishing nail.  I wouldn't even bother and I wouldn't worry about it.

Greyhound6.2 Enthusiast

Greyhound6.2

Posted
Posted

I don't generally use tow haul my trailer is 5500-6K loaded the only time i use it is in hilly windy roads or off highway with more stops. I also have a 6.2 /10 speed with max tow.  

mike5511 Enthusiast

mike5511

Posted
Posted

A lot of you guys that don't use Tow/Haul when you're towing something bigger than your lawnmower, may have durability/longevity issues if you keep that truck long enough. Anything that works harder will tend not to last as long. 

BigMick2023 Enthusiast

BigMick2023

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks guys for your comments......

I plan to use the tow/haul mode to start out and see how it behaves then take it from there. 

chadman Enthusiast

chadman

Posted
Posted

At that weight, it's personal preference.  You will be light enough that you do not need to use it.  Try it; if it feels more comfortable to you, then go with it.  An oversimplification, but essentially what happens is your line pressure is increased to the transmission, engine mapping/throttle is relaxed, and up shifts are longer(allows more rpm, and will hold a gear longer). Downshifts are quicker and more noticeable to increase engine braking. 

  • Like 1
BigMick2023 Enthusiast

BigMick2023

Posted
  • Author
Posted
3 hours ago, chadman said:

At that weight, it's personal preference.  You will be light enough that you do not need to use it.  Try it; if it feels more comfortable to you, then go with it.  An oversimplification, but essentially what happens is your line pressure is increased to the transmission, engine mapping/throttle is relaxed, and up shifts are longer(allows more rpm, and will hold a gear longer). Downshifts are quicker and more noticeable to increase engine braking. 

Thanks for the explanation......

  • 9 months later...
Steve3600 New Member

Steve3600

Posted
Posted

I use tow/haul mode when driving in the mountains with no trailer. It slows the truck on downhills do I don’t have to use the brakes. Works great.

pokismoki Senior Enthusiast

pokismoki

Posted
Posted (edited)

mostly towing, and using manual 4th or 5th gear, also disable auto grade braking when towing by holding tow haul for 6 seconds.  , never use it in 6th.  it shouldn't work in 2nd from a stop because 2nd is Winter mode, starts off in 2nd and needs to be shifted manualy.  winter mode is my fav for dirt trail ans loose sandy soils or gravel

 

dont forget to remove the thermostat in tranny for that long haul otherwise you'll be rebuilding it at the end of trip

Edited by pokismoki
Silverado4x4 Senior Enthusiast

Silverado4x4

Posted
Posted
10 hours ago, pokismoki said:

mostly towing, and using manual 4th or 5th gear, also disable auto grade braking when towing by holding tow haul for 6 seconds.  , never use it in 6th.  it shouldn't work in 2nd from a stop because 2nd is Winter mode, starts off in 2nd and needs to be shifted manualy.  winter mode is my fav for dirt trail ans loose sandy soils or gravel

 

dont forget to remove the thermostat in tranny for that long haul otherwise you'll be rebuilding it at the end of trip

WHAT? :rollin:

  • Thanks 1
Dunn Senior Enthusiast

Dunn

Posted
Posted

I use it daily for city driving.....

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