Towing Question

strauser24 · April 10, 2009

I am new to this site. I traded my 2004 F-150 in for a 2009 Silerado Z71. And i am totally happy with it. I have one question for whoever that can answer me. I have a Bass Tracker 190TX and i wanted to know if i should use the T/H mode when i am towing the boat? The boat and trailer weigh around 2000 lbs. Thank you for your help.

VR021302 · April 10, 2009

not really, the T/H mode is, from what i have read, is mainly for 75% or more of the tow rating. I would just put the truck D, not OD, and you will be fine

tahoe00 · April 10, 2009

my boat weighs about the same weight and I only use when in the hills

VMax2007 · April 10, 2009

not really, the T/H mode is, from what i have read, is mainly for 75% or more of the tow rating. I would just put the truck D, not OD, and you will be fine

You can use "D" (OD) while towing that boat. I would also not hesitate to use T/H. It will shift better for you.

You were 0 for 2 on that one felix.

VR021302 · April 10, 2009

not really, the T/H mode is, from what i have read, is mainly for 75% or more of the tow rating. I would just put the truck D, not OD, and you will be fine

You can use "D" (OD) while towing that boat. I would also not hesitate to use T/H. It will shift better for you.

You were 0 for 2 on that one felix.

I didnt say he cant, I said what I would do so

alaska511 · April 10, 2009

not really, the T/H mode is, from what i have read, is mainly for 75% or more of the tow rating. I would just put the truck D, not OD, and you will be fine

You can use "D" (OD) while towing that boat. I would also not hesitate to use T/H. It will shift better for you.

You were 0 for 2 on that one felix.

+1

2005LT · April 10, 2009

Hello Jeff and welcome to the site. Congrats on your new truck too!

OD will be fine to use when pulling that load and T/H mode is not a bad idea. Do you have the 5.3L? If you have less than 500 miles on the truck it would be wise to take it easy while towing.

vertikal · April 10, 2009

I am new to this site. I traded my 2004 F-150 in for a 2009 Silerado Z71. And i am totally happy with it. I have one question for whoever that can answer me. I have a Bass Tracker 190TX and i wanted to know if i should use the T/H mode when i am towing the boat? The boat and trailer weigh around 2000 lbs. Thank you for your help.

i'm new here too....manual n my 99 z71 said u can use t/h mode at anytime....but reality unless u want to bark tires alot only time u need t/h is when ur pullin,....say a boat....double check but my current 2500 2004 manual says same thing...

ScottyBoy · April 10, 2009

I use tow/haul mode if I'm towing my Father-in-law's boat (about 3000-3500lbs), and I've used it both times I've towed a vehicle on a car trailer. I rarely use it when towing my utility trailer and my 4 wheeler. But I will use it when I have 2 4-wheelers on the trailer at once (an extra 700lbs). My 4 wheeler weighs just over 600lbs and my trailer(empty) weighs about 1000-1100lbs, or at least that what they told me when I bought the trailer. It's a 14ft x 6ft pipe top utility trailer.

jake1530 · April 11, 2009

Are there disadvantages to using tow haul mode? The way you guys are describing it sounds like you only want to use it sparingly, thanks in advance, Jake.

weymard · April 11, 2009

Welcome and congrats for your new truck ! Now you are in the light side

it not the same thing, but I have a slide camper weighted 2200 lbs, and I use the T/H mode in the hills, work great but mileage very bad !!!

strauser24 · April 11, 2009

Hello Jeff and welcome to the site. Congrats on your new truck too!

OD will be fine to use when pulling that load and T/H mode is not a bad idea. Do you have the 5.3L? If you have less than 500 miles on the truck it would be wise to take it easy while towing.

2005LT I do have the 5.3L and over 500 miles on it.

Ranger · April 11, 2009

Are there disadvantages to using tow haul mode? The way you guys are describing it sounds like you only want to use it sparingly, thanks in advance, Jake.

Burns up gas is the main thing I can think of, it makes the transmission shift harder (firmer) and it'll stay in a lower gear longer under load. It does something to the tranny lines so trying to use it in race mode would wear it out quicker.

2005LT · April 11, 2009

2005LT I do have the 5.3L and over 500 miles on it.

You're set then, happy towing!

66nova · April 11, 2009

I personally would tow it in 4th or D and with T/H on. I like where the shift points are better. You would not have to use T/H, but for me it seems to keep the truck more in its power band and I tend to see cooler trans temps when in T/H.