hi guys. I got a 2014 Silverado LT crew 4x4 with the 5.3. I have been toeing around my camper Which is a coachmen 26 DBD . I couldn't believe the poor fuel mileage I'm getting. I'm average at 24.3 liters per 100 k. My camper comes in at 6900 lbs .my question is should I be in Manuel shift while towing or automatic. I do have the trailer switch activated at all time and i noticed that I can still get in 6 gear while in Manuel mode...?... It doesn't make sense to me I thought your not supposed to be able to obtain high gear while towing. So what's the point in trailer mode and When I come to a steep decline the revs want to sky rocket. I'm new to the truck and really new to towing do any help would be great. Thanks.

 

You're pulling a brick - your mileage is going to be terrible. Want better mileage? Get a diesel. And you're actually not doing that bad. I'm usually around 27-30 l/100km when towing my 6500-lb travel trailer.

If the transmission is constantly shifting, or "hunting" gears, then you should be in manual to lock out the taller gear(s). I generally tow in 5.

Tow/haul mode changes the shift points, but does not lock out any gears. The downshifting when descending hills is the system doing exactly what you want it to do - using the engine to retard your speed so you don't burn out your brakes.

 

should i be in tow,mode if my single axel camper only weighs around 1500 lbs. its a old 1954 camper.

 

From the owners manual:

Tow/Haul is designed to be most effective when the
vehicle and trailer combined weight is at least 75 percent
of the vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR). See “Weight of the Trailer” later in the section.

Tow/Haul is most useful under the following driving
conditions:
• When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load through rolling terrain.
• When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load in stop and go traffic.
• When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy
load in busy parking lots where improved low
speed control of the vehicle is desired.

Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul when lightly loaded
or with no trailer at all will not cause damage. However,
there is no benefit to the selection of Tow/Haul when
the vehicle is unloaded. Such a selection when unloaded
may result in unpleasant engine and transmission
driving characteristics and reduced fuel economy.
Tow/Haul is recommended only when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load.

 

I use Tow/Haul when pulling my 1900 pound pop up. The throttle response and transmission shifts give a more confident feel when pulling in Tow/Haul mode.
Tow/Haul mode is also supposed to increase the generator/alternator output to provide additional charging capability for the camper/trailer battery....

 

All of the truck dealers are recommending an automatic now. They say it is easier on the transmission because it changes when it should, while a driver will change sooner or later, rather than at the best time. Also, they recommend a towing package if you are going to pull very big weights. As in six horse with living quarters!