What are you using to measure the temperature. I find it difficult to differentiate more than 10 degrees with the cluster gauge on my 05 Duramax. I use a Scan Gauge and find it will indicate 10 degrees or more different than the cluster gauge. But 221 for coolant when towing up a grade is no problem provided it does not continue to increase. Was your cooling fan engaged? What was the transmission temperature. Were you using the tow haul mode. Tow haul will lower both transmission and engine coolant temperatures.