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Topic ClosedChevy Silverado Tow Package
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Subzilla View Drop Down
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Joined: 23 Jan 2017
Location: Concord, NC
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Posts: 302 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Chevy Silverado Tow Package
    Posted: 12 Oct 2018 at 8:17am
Good info guys.  Didn't know the T/H mode adds extra amp output.  I haven't really experimented with this but rather just drive most of the time in 5th (6 speed trans) down the highway and try to not let the engine lug too much by manually downshifting as needed.....guess it's the old time straight shifting driver in me.  Heading out this weekend on a trip, will experiment with T/H mode.
Mark
Concord, NC
2017 RP 179 "Podzilla"
2011 Silverado 1500 4X4
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Posts: 2627 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Oct 2018 at 10:46am
For our F-150, which has a tow/haul mode as well, it changes the shift profile. Otherwise, the default profile is generally optimized for "economy". In our case, when we start getting into the hills at relatively slow speeds, it will want to shift to a gear at 1200-1300 RPM. That is just too darn low. I will tap the tow/haul button to get it to optimize more for pulling, and it will drop a gear and go to ~~ 1900 RPM, which works a lot better when climbing hills.

I know it's a different brand/model, but I figured they all work similarly.
bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost
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Posts: 80 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Oct 2018 at 7:15am
I'm sorry, what Andy is experiencing is normal.
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2016 RP-179 (Sold 9/2020)
2014 Silverado Crew Cab. 6-1/2' Bed
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Posts: 80 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Oct 2018 at 7:13am
With my 2014 Silverado w/ 5.3L and 6 speed, I have tried towing both with and without the tow/haul mode.  I have found that my mileage is about the same so why not make it easier on the engine using the tow/haul mode.  I also appreciate the engine braking when in the hills. And I too believe that what David is experiencing is normal.
2022 RP-202
2016 RP-179 (Sold 9/2020)
2014 Silverado Crew Cab. 6-1/2' Bed
Golden Retriever (DOB 6/16/2020)
English Bulldog (RIP 6/15/2020)
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Joined: 07 Apr 2016
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Oct 2018 at 1:11pm
Andy,

With my Silverado with tow package, I still had to add a 30A fuse to charge battery thru the trailer connector. The tow/haul switch had no effect.
Mike Carter
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Posts: 65 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Oct 2018 at 8:32pm
Thanks for the information.  this is a new development with the tow package as in the past 9 months I've made 7-8 trips and used it each time without these problems.  It's a new development that's just arisen.  Also, when I didn't use the tow package I did not get any charge to the trailer battery. So I'm guessing it only sends charge when in tow package.  I asked the dealer about this and they did not know. So maybe it's the dealer!

I did drive it without the tow package with no problems except the charge.  I travel with refrigerator on gas option so it's no drain on the battery. We were dispersed camping in the southwest for about 3 weeks and since I use a CPAP i'm pretty conscious of Amps.  I have an 80W GoPower Solar panel that works well but nice to have a boost from the TV while on the road.

thanks for all the thoughts, I appreciate it.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Oct 2018 at 7:31pm
Originally posted by mcarter

Thanks David, appreciate that input. I agree with you Andy is experiencing normal stuff. I will rethink my tow switch use and test on the road.


Your welcome. However, to each his own. I got to thinking about the situation and decided that the trailer becomes "heavy" at highway speeds - due to the increased wind resistance. In town, I would not likely bother with tow/haul. Also, the battery situation was an issue.

I agree with you - it sounds like normal tow/haul to me. It's "different" and takes getting used to.

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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Oct 2018 at 7:18pm
Thanks David, appreciate that input. I agree with you Andy is experiencing normal stuff. I will rethink my tow switch use and test on the road.
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Oct 2018 at 7:01pm
Originally posted by mcarter

David, do you use the tow/haul mode? I don't



When I got my 2009 Silverado, I didn't use T/H. I also didn't use it the first year that I had the 2013. However, I started using it and have grown to like it. The engine turns less RPMs in normal driving mode but, as you know, lower RPMs don't always equate to optimal power or best fuel economy. In normal driving, sometimes the engine would "lug" a little before downshifting and the shifts, in general, seemed more frequent. Also, higher RPMs pump the transmission fluid faster - helping to keep temps down on hot days.

T/H also adjusts the alternator output - increasing for the additional demand of the trailer. This might be helpful for those that tow with the fridge on 12v. Normally, the alternator will "cut back" to "exercise" the battery (the dash voltage gauge drops to about 10) and run that way for a while. With the trailer hooked up, it would run for a LONG time in this mode - exercising the camper batteries also. I used to sometimes arrive at a campsite with batteries at less than 100%. In T/H the alternator outputs a constant 14V+.

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Joined: 07 Apr 2016
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Oct 2018 at 6:40pm
David, do you use the tow/haul mode? I don't
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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