2014 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 feels like the parking brake is on while using 4 high in reverse.

[Donald Stephenson]

I'm a first time 4x4 owner.  I've had trucks all my life, this is just the first 4wd I've owned so I'm not sure if this is normal or not.  

I was pulling my boat out of the water and got in my truck and put it in 4 high then put the truck in reverse to back the trailer on to the ramp.  When I started to back up, I felt a dragging like I had the parking brake on.  It felt strong enough that I stopped the truck, checked the parking brake, then got out and walked around the truck and trailer to make sure I wasn't dragging anything.  To make sure I wasn't doing any more damage, I returned to 2wd and backed the trailer in to the ramp and then put it in 4 high to pull the boat out of the water.  I never heard any strange noises, I just never felt that kind of drag before and just want to know if putting it in reverse in 4 high is causing damage or if that is the norm.  I searched the forum as well as the google machine to see if other people have had similar experiences, or if I'm just about to have a transmission failure.  The truck is a 2014 GMC Sierra High Country 4x4 with 100k miles and has had all recommended maintenance performed through the life of the truck.  Any information about this would be helpful.  Thanks!

[BigBadSierra]

4x4 Hi and Low work best in Drive going forward in straight line. . They will usually always in reverse especially if you are trying to maneuver.

 

If want to use it get the boat set so you are at a straight run in or out. Then switch off before you drive away.

 

AWD drive if you have it is a better choice for pulling the boat in and out as that used a clutch system and will not bind up.

 

Also on dry paved or concrete surfaces I recommend never using the 4 high or low.

 

You could actual break something.

 

 

 

 

[It's Tim]

2 hours ago, Donald Stephenson said:

I was pulling my boat out of the water and got in my truck and put it in 4 high then put the truck in reverse to back the trailer on to the ramp.  When I started to back up, I felt a dragging like I had the parking brake on.  

If not in a straight line on hard surfaces the drivetrain will bind.