06 Silverado Towing

PerryB · March 30, 2008

Hey guys, new to the site, looks great. I have a question which might seem silly but my owners manual does not even come near to covering it. I have the tow/haul switch in my truck. And I know it changes the shift points and overlap, but does that mean I can tow in OD or should I still put it in 3rd? I have always towed in 3rd with my older tahoe but this is the first truck I have owned with the tow option. Any advice would be great. Oh yeah, I will mostly be towing a 5th whl 26 ft possibly pulling a boat at times. Thanks.

Genuinefine409 · March 30, 2008

Hey guys, new to the site, looks great. I have a question which might seem silly but my owners manual does not even come near to covering it. I have the tow/haul switch in my truck. And I know it changes the shift points and overlap, but does that mean I can tow in OD or should I still put it in 3rd? I have always towed in 3rd with my older tahoe but this is the first truck I have owned with the tow option. Any advice would be great. Oh yeah, I will mostly be towing a 5th whl 26 ft possibly pulling a boat at times. Thanks.

Use the tow/haul button, it will carry the shift point out. as far as towing in overdirve, I don't think your suposed to but i do anyways. I have 4.10 gears and the engine is pulling decent RPM to keep the trans pumping turning fast eoungh to keep enough pressure. With the tow/haul mode, mine kicks into 3rd if i go below 55-60mph anyways and sometimes won't shift into OD until i hit 60-65. and i'm turning 2,000rpm going 60 in OD. with higher gearing you going to work the trans more and it would be better to just stay in 3rd which it should go into third on its own in tow mode long before it would lug down.

redvett · March 30, 2008

What engine axle ratio and series is it?

C & A s Dad · March 31, 2008

Knowing what gears you have will help us offer some advise and opinions. Do you know what gear you are running? I have a 4.10 geared Yukon XL 5.3 and I always tow my 6500 lb camper in 3rd with the tow haul engaged. I run 55 most of the time and if on the interstate I may run 60 but this is where I feel safe for me and my family and the 5.3 / 4.10 combo loves this speed.

PerryB · March 31, 2008

It is a 6.0 ltr 1500 HD. I believe it has 3:73(if I am not mistaken). So I guess the tow/haul option just changes your shift points but you should still tow in 3rd. Owners manual says when towing use the tow/haul switch, but does not say whether that allows you to stay in OD. I myself feel hesistant about pulling in OD...And would rather not unless I am told it is OK to do so by the manufacturer. Thanks for your info guys.

Coachmenguy · March 31, 2008

Theres a ton of other post about towing in OD or not, but i do most of the time unless i catch some hills, i have a 2500ld which comes with the hardier 4L80 trans vs. the lighter 4L60 found in half tons, if im not mistaken i thought there was a spot in the manual that indicated OD was ok, basiclly if it starts shifting too much (i.e. hilly terrian) just slip into 3rd