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JCSC's avatar
JCSC
Explorer
May 13, 2013

Proper Gear for Towing up Hills

We just purchased a 19ft travel trailer and traveled 500 miles to bring it home. We tow with a 5.3 liter Chevrolet Silverado that should easily tow this 3000 lb. trailer. This is the first trailer we have owned. My question-should I always leave the transmission in drive with the towing adjustment on or do I need to go to a lower gear when encountering a very steep incline?

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  • romore's avatar
    romore
    Explorer II
    May 13, 2013
    The transmission will select the proper gear for the hill. If the engine starts to lug or the transmission starts to hunt, slow down and select the lower gear. You will quickly learn what works best for each situation.
  • coolbreeze01's avatar
    coolbreeze01
    Explorer
    May 13, 2013
    I would downshift and let the engine rev some. Makes it easier on the transmission and engine. Safe towing.

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