tow/haul mode and the overdrive

woodpecker · January 29, 2005

well i went and test drove a dmax today and i loved it. awesome truck! very nice. however i didnt quite understand the diffrence between the tow haul mode and just switching the overdrive off. can you guys fill me in. sorry for all the questions i am new to the chevy world.

silverado04 · January 29, 2005

I drove one the other day and must say I was impressed.. The tow/haul switch works the engine brake as well... it was pretty cool.

This would save on the brakes and such. I did not notice much difference other then that and shifts was a little firmer, I would say if towing it would have been

alot firmer..

The design in the tow/haul mode is to program different shift points for towing and also makes them firmer, as well as prevents the trans from shift back and forth between drive and overdrive..

My thoughts anyway..

Jacqson · January 29, 2005

well i went and test drove a dmax today and i loved it. awesome truck! very nice. however i didnt quite understand the diffrence between the tow haul mode and just switching the overdrive off. can you guys fill me in. sorry for all the questions i am new to the chevy world.

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Down One, Sorry

Jacqson · January 29, 2005

well i went and test drove a dmax today and i loved it. awesome truck! very nice. however i didnt quite understand the diffrence between the tow haul mode and just switching the overdrive off. can you guys fill me in. sorry for all the questions i am new to the chevy world.

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Tow/Haul mode reduces the frequency and improves the predictability of transmission shifts when pulling a heavy trailer or heavy load. It also provides the same solid shift feel when pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load as when the vehicle is unloaded and it improves control of the vehicle speed while requiring less throttle pedal activity when pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load. If your vehicle has Autoride as mine does the Tow/haul mode electronically adjusts your shocks for better road control. It is designed to be most effective when the vehicle and trailer combined weight is at least 75% of the vehicles GCWR.

whitesnake01 · January 29, 2005

In addition to what the others have pointed out:

My experience with the tow-haul mode is that it holds the gears longer and engine brakes longer (by locking up the converter) when you let go of the gas in a slow-down situation. Preventing OD just means it will not shift beyond 4th. Put it in T/H mode without a trailer and approach a stop-light by letting go of the pedal and you'll feel the difference. In regular mode, the converter unlocks and you glide. In T/H mode the tranny causes a drag on everything. Saves on brake pads for sure, when you tow.

woodpecker · January 29, 2005

the more and more i know about a chevy the more i like em. d**n these things are sweet. tell me about the autoride. what is it? something to do with adjusting the shocks?

Jacqson · January 29, 2005

the more and more i know about a chevy the more i like em. d**n these things are sweet. tell me about the autoride. what is it? something to do with adjusting the shocks?

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Autoride is basically electronically controlled damping on your shocks. The system is known as Bi-State Real-Time Damping(BSRTD) which responds in Real-Time to road and driving conditions based on body and wheel motions through position sensors on the vehicle. The more sudden suspension or body movement that is detected by the system then more or less shock damping is applied. In addition to great handling, the system offers instant suspension response to wheel speed, body position, vehicle speed, steering angle and braking. I have this system on my 02 Sub and it works great even with the lift kit.

Truckman031 · January 30, 2005

I thought the Auto Ride only comes on the SUVs.

Jacqson · January 30, 2005

I thought the Auto Ride only comes on the SUVs.

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I think you are correct, but I am not positive and I heard rumors that it may be available on the next generation of trucks.

whitesnake01 · January 31, 2005

I thought the Auto Ride only comes on the SUVs.

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I think you are right. I've seen it for the Suburban. Certainly wasn't an option for the 2005 with a DMAX. New trucks are not due for some time. SUV are coming first they say.

Truckman031 · February 1, 2005

SUVs are coming MY2007 and the trucks follow a year later.

catiaeng · February 2, 2005

The autoride feature is nice for large vehicles like the Tahoe or Suburban. It lowers the truck about 2-3 inches for easy entrance/exit. Caddy's and other large expensive US made land yachts have this system.

As far as a truck, maybe on a 1500, but a 2500HD, what for???

BigBlockHead · February 2, 2005

well i went and test drove a dmax today and i loved it. awesome truck! very nice. however i didnt quite understand the diffrence between the tow haul mode and just switching the overdrive off. can you guys fill me in. sorry for all the questions i am new to the chevy world.

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The tow/haul mode also locks the torque converter in the lower gears to reduce tranny heat build-up.