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Goose 
Senior Member 
Joined: 24 Sep 2010 Location: Arizona Online Status: Offline Posts: 672 |
 Topic: Silverado Tow/Haul ModePosted: 13 Feb 2012 at 11:53pm |
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D, just watch your tach. If your RPM's drop to low to were your trans kicks in and out of overdrive then its time for tow/haul. If you see ahead that there is a long steep grade coming up then put it in to tow/haul and at the top go back to overdrive for the down side unless it is a steep enough grade that you need to use lower gears going down. I don't use the tow/haul on our jeep unless we are going up a steeper grade for a long distance, it pulls the POD find in overdrive. We have the 5.7 Hemi that has plenty of power to pull the POD.
I have come to except the fact that fuel economy and pulling a trailer are not compatable, you do the little things that might help somewhat. Goose
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Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee
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pentachris
Groupie 
Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Location: Montgomery, AL Online Status: Offline Posts: 40 |
Posted: 13 Feb 2012 at 10:27pm |
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techntrek - what do I look for? Excessive gear searching? "You know it when you experience it?"
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techntrek
Admin Group - pHp 
Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062 |
Posted: 13 Feb 2012 at 7:32pm |
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I land on the other side of the current consensus. A vehicle with that much capacity - and the statement that tow/haul is only needed above 75% of the combined rating - I wouldn't bother with such a light trailer. The Pod does have a decent wind load but its still rather minor in the overall picture. Maybe with real-world experience using it will feel more comfortable in some or all conditions, like Keith-N-Dar said.
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Keith-N-Dar
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 03 Apr 2011 Location: Mayville, WI Online Status: Offline Posts: 1447 |
Posted: 13 Feb 2012 at 6:39pm |
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I don't have a Silverado, but my F150 has a similar feature. I always use the tow/haul mode when the Pod is behind. I really think it helps in a headwind, and when towing up steep hills (like the rockies). And if things work like they did with my last F150 (1990 with a 300 6 and 5 speed stick shift) I gained gas mileage when towing in 4th gear instead of 5th when it was towing hard.
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pentachris
Groupie
Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Location: Montgomery, AL Online Status: Offline Posts: 40 |
Posted: 13 Feb 2012 at 5:58pm |
What I read in the manual was that it boosted the electrical system for charging an external (or auxiliary, I can't remember exactly which it said) battery. It further noted that if you were charging an external battery and weren't pulling enough load to warrant using tow/haul mode, turning on the lights would accomplish the same goal. ... I'm inclined to agree with you - I think I'm just over-thinking it a little bit. I have a habit of doing that when I get a new "toy," and I've been driving the same truck for 10-1/2 years until now, so I'm pretty excited. :D Thanks or both of your input. |
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Rabbit
Groupie
Joined: 13 Sep 2011 Location: Wisconsin Online Status: Offline Posts: 70 |
Posted: 13 Feb 2012 at 4:03pm |
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I have a 04 Chey Avalanche and the dealer told me to use the tow/haul feature. So did the RV dealer.
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Guests
Guest Group 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 at 1:25pm |
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I use the tow/haul mode just because of the wind resistance. It does as you mention. In addition, I believe it changes the way the alternator performs to allow for additional output for the additional electrical load of the trailer.
I'm certainly no expert, so I try to error on the side of caution. I would rather spend a few extra pennies at the pump than overtask the (expensive) drivetrain. That's my $02.
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pentachris
Groupie
Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Location: Montgomery, AL Online Status: Offline Posts: 40 |
Posted: 13 Feb 2012 at 12:41pm |
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Cross-posting this on the two forums for maximum audience... We got a new tow vehicle for Eloise, and it's a little bit of overkill: '09 Silverado with engine, cooling options, et cetera to give me a rated towing capacity of 9600 lbs. So, I've got plenty of power to upgrade if I decide to trade in the pod in the future, and I should be able to pull her without even noticing she's there. Except, of course, for the fact that my rear view mirror will be blocked. ;) Anyway, it does raise an interesting question. I've got a "Tow/Haul" mode on the new truck which is meant to be used when pulling a "large or heavy" load. As best I can tell, it raises the shift point RPMs, locks out 6th gear, and a few other things to optimize performance for heavy towing. The owner's manual says that it's best used when I'm at at least 75% of the combined GCWR, and that it won't hurt the engine to use it if it's not necessary, but it might not offer the best performance or fuel economy. The pod shouldn't put me at 75%, but, it does have a reasonably large frontal area which adds to the towing resistance in the form of drag. So...should I use the Tow/Haul mode? I was thinking on my next camping trip I'd try it "on" on the way there and "off" on the way back. But, I'm not even sure what I should be looking for in engine response to compare the two, or if it will be obvious when I actually do it. Thoughts?
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Silverado Tow/Haul Mode
