Tow haul mode

G

G

Guest
Lots of bad information here.

Tow haul does not lock out overdrive on a modern transmission. Some old transmissions like the E4OD in 1990 era Fords had an overdrive off switch that did lock out overdrive, but there aren’t many of those ancient trucks out there seeing regular use.

The modern tow/haul switch simply moves the transmission control strategy to an alternate map, giving you different shift strategies for a given torque input / pedal position. The transmission will remain in a lower gear longer and downshift earlier. It will also effect downhill / coasting calibration.

Modern transmissions don’t have to be locked out of overdrive in hilly terrain. The calibration takes care of the transmission. I never understood why it upsets people if the transmission downshifts going up an incline. That’s it’s function, in part.

What he said.
 

Yenann

Member
Just bought a 2018 5.3 silverado i tow a 3 place inline snowmobile trailer with 2 sleds maybe at 3600pds and a camper that weights about the same loaded. My question is when and when not to use tow haul mode? Can someone help me out. Thanks

When I had my 2009 5.3 pulling 27ft inline with tow haul on. I was spinning around 3700 RPMs. And check engine light would come on all the time. I just started running in OD. Motor blew at 54,000. Worst truck I ever owned. Last Chevy I have had also
 

goofy600

Well-known member
So goofy what you gonna say now?

LOL..

my first car was a 62 Belair with 3 on the tree AND overdrive!!!
That your old and simple. I was trying to make it so you could understand, I just didn’t give complete information because it would probably be over your head.
 

boyzni

New member
Just bought a 2018 5.3 silverado i tow a 3 place inline snowmobile trailer with 2 sleds maybe at 3600pds and a camper that weights about the same loaded. My question is when and when not to use tow haul mode? Can someone help me out. Thanks

I have the 2017 5.3 Silverado, with 3.73 gears. I tow an enclosed four place inline with four sleds. I usually just put it in tow haul mode, unless I forget. As others have said, it regulates the shifting a little better. Still tows fine without tow haul mode. Its been a great truck for towing. Plenty of power, easily tows at highway speeds, cruises in low 2,000's rpm, and gets 10-11 mpg.
 

snobuilder

Well-known member
That your old and simple. I was trying to make it so you could understand, I just didn’t give complete information because it would probably be over your head.

did that hurt?
Finn's post has the facts. read it, read it twice. the computer never leaves the truck.
 

snobuilder

Well-known member
3 on the tree with OD? Ive never heard of it. So 5 shift spots? 1 reverse, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears, and 1 OD?
The OD was in the tail shaft and operated through a cable but I think there was a solenoid operated version as well.
 

snobuilder

Well-known member
Just a quick question for you GM guys. This 08 2500 hd i got has the tow/haul mode and also has a manual mode that is operated with a + and- button on the head of the shift lever. It's cool a heck. I don't do it but a guy could manually shift the thing to keep it in the "right" RMP range (eff the computer, eh?).... all the way upnorth if he wanted too. Is this still available on these trucks?.... Mine is getting up there a bit in miles.
 

srt20

Active member
Just a quick question for you GM guys. This 08 2500 hd i got has the tow/haul mode and also has a manual mode that is operated with a + and- button on the head of the shift lever. It's cool a heck. I don't do it but a guy could manually shift the thing to keep it in the "right" RMP range (eff the computer, eh?).... all the way upnorth if he wanted too. Is this still available on these trucks?.... Mine is getting up there a bit in miles.

Yeah all brands got it now.
 

2003polaris

New member
Does your truck have the max tow package since you have 3.73 gears? I couldnt find one and got 3.42 gears. I had a 2012 silverado 5.3 with 3.42 gears and towed crappy. I got hit head on a month ago in the snow storm here in mi. My truck was totaled.
 
T

Tracker

Guest
So did you learn that when you hit the tow button it takes the overdrive out and turns it off regardless of how these Knuckleheads thinks it happens.... computer won't let the tranny go into overdrive with that button activated
 

old abe

Well-known member
I would recommend using T/H when ever towing. That's what it intended for. Imo the 5.3 GM engine is the poorest excuse of a towing engine I've ever owned. I've had 4 of them, all 3.73 gears. The old 5.7's I have had would make them all look bad. Power wise, and mpg. 3 of my 5.3's had porous heads, 1 was a replaced new engine, 1 lifters failed, 1 rings. Iv'e had many GM pickups in my years, but now no more GM's for me.
 
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tjmaxx

Member
I have a 2017 5.3 silverado with 3.42 gears. 1st season with it and probably the last. I have a 27' 4 place and it does okay power wise if you can get past it screaming in the rpms but the tail wagging the dog I get from semis and wind is pushing me back to a heavy duty truck with a diesel.
 

finn

New member
Not on the three Ford Super Duties or the two Ram pickups I own.

Tow haul changes the shift schedule but doesn’t lock out overdrive, even when towing my 32’ fifth wheel with my F350 dually.

Try it.

So did you learn that when you hit the tow button it takes the overdrive out and turns it off regardless of how these Knuckleheads thinks it happens.... computer won't let the tranny go into overdrive with that button activated
 

eao

Active member
From the Silverado owners manual............................................................


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, towing, or hauling heavy loads.

Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking is only enabled while the Tow/Haul Mode is
selected and the vehicle is not in the Range Selection Mode. See “Tow/Haul Mode”
listed previously and Manual Mode. Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking assists in
maintaining desired vehicle speeds when driving on downhill grades by using
the engine and transmission to slow the vehicle.
 

sjb

Member
I have a 2017 5.3 silverado with 3.42 gears. 1st season with it and probably the last. I have a 27' 4 place and it does okay power wise if you can get past it screaming in the rpms but the tail wagging the dog I get from semis and wind is pushing me back to a heavy duty truck with a diesel.

TJ - will start off saying I am not brand loyal. Owned 2 Toyotas, 2 Chevy's and now on my second F150. They all have their pro's and con's for sure. but was in the same camp you are in. Tow on a regular basis between 4,000-6,500#'s. Was looking at the 3/4 ton trucks and ended up with a 1/2 ton F150 with the ecoboost. Have been very, very happy with it's pulling power. While I don't own a 27' trailer, I have pulled my buddies 5 place inline a few times and it does a very nice job. Just something to consider before you make the jump.
 
T

Tracker

Guest
Not on the three Ford Super Duties or the two Ram pickups I own.

Tow haul changes the shift schedule but doesn’t lock out overdrive, even when towing my 32’ fifth wheel with my F350 dually.

Try it.

okay I believe you that's because the size of the motor and the size of your truck my truck is smaller and has the Cobra motor in it it does have the tow package but it's not really for Towing so my button kicks out the overdrive if you got a heavy load because of that Cobra motor my truck was was the answer to Chevy SS Trailblazer so it's a tad different I'll give you that I was talking about a smaller suv-type vehicle each one is different but I was trying to explain it on a small level so that Layman could understand it in simple terms

It's also due to mine being all wheel drive and 4 wheel drive Auto it's in all-wheel drive all the time so if I tow a jet ski which is way lighter than for sleds then the overdrive isn't shut out on my truck is probably due to the RPMs because the thing red lines at like 6 and for a truck that's insane
 

old abe

Well-known member
TJ - will start off saying I am not brand loyal. Owned 2 Toyotas, 2 Chevy's and now on my second F150. They all have their pro's and con's for sure. but was in the same camp you are in. Tow on a regular basis between 4,000-6,500#'s. Was looking at the 3/4 ton trucks and ended up with a 1/2 ton F150 with the ecoboost. Have been very, very happy with it's pulling power. While I don't own a 27' trailer, I have pulled my buddies 5 place inline a few times and it does a very nice job. Just something to consider before you make the jump.

X2. I have a F150, HD tow pkg, 3.55 gears, and tow 8 to 15K no problem. It makes a joke out of the GM 6.2's.
 
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