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Eric91Z's avatar
Eric91Z
Explorer
Aug 03, 2016

Tow/Haul Mode and manual shifting

Ok, newbie here. Looking for input on those of you using a 1/2 ton truck to tow. Gas engine with tow/haul mode and manual shift option. When you are hooked up and towing your travel trailer, what are you going for tow/haul mode and shifting?

I have a 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500. Every time we are hooked up, I have tow/haul hooked up, but have left shifting up to the ECM. Should I be playing with the shifting myself as well or just let the computer handle it.

What are you guys doing?

17 Replies

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  • azdryheat's avatar
    azdryheat
    Explorer
    Aug 03, 2016
    The only time I manually shift is in the mountains. Tow/Haul is always on when towing.
  • Walaby's avatar
    Walaby
    Explorer II
    Aug 03, 2016
    When I had my 1/2 ton gasser, I put it in Tow haul mode, and set tranny to 5th gear max, so it wouldn't go into 6th because it was hunting back and forth. Let the computer handle it after that. Best gas mileage was in 5th gear at 63MPH. Trans ran coolest at that speed and gear as well.

    Mike
  • braindead0's avatar
    braindead0
    Explorer
    Aug 03, 2016
    I put it in tow haul and normally let the computer decide. Downhill when in cruise control it'll downshift to attempt to keep speed steady, if it's not in cruise 2 presses on the brake will make it downshift as well.

    Sometimes when towing off road (which we do a lot) I'll 'take over' however very rarely.

    As long as your transmission isn't hunting for the correct gear, I'd let the computer to the thinking.
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Aug 03, 2016
    No reason for manually shifting, unless for some reason you want to force the transmission to stay in a specific gear and using the engine to brake for you, like traveling down-hill on a very long grade. Otherwise, let the truck do the shifting for you. That's what it's designed to do.
  • mayo30's avatar
    mayo30
    Explorer
    Aug 03, 2016
    What does your manual suggest?2012 ram hemi in tow haul anytime towing no matter what it is.
  • mooky_stinks's avatar
    mooky_stinks
    Explorer
    Aug 03, 2016
    2015 1500 6.2 8 speed. Hit the tow/ haul button and go. Computer shifts it just fine.

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