Tow vehicles

[subdoc4]

[QUOTE=homeguy]

I now have a few questions for those more experienced than myself.
Why would I chip my vehicle? I have plenty of power and I am satisfied with my mileage.

Does everyone use the tow mode when towing their RV? I have towed many trailers but never really use the tox option .

Anyone use cruise when towing?

/QUOTE]


My 2007 Chev Duramax is not chiped...do not plan to. I too am happy with its current performance. I always tow in "tow" mode, and I do use my cruise control.

[Bill Wright]

By towing in the tow mode, it will help to keep your tranny cooler and it will also save wear and tear on your touque converter

[RollsRoyce]

I do tow with tow mode on and I do use cruise control Get a F350 Dually with 8 foot bed

[Oriana]

Most of the time I use the tow mode. When up to cruising speed on a reasonably flat road I disengage it to drop the revs.

I'll use the cruise control when on the motorwayin light/moderate traffic andin good conditions.

[mhs4771]

No chip (don't want to risk warranty)
Tow/Haul when ever towing (changes shift points and on GMs locks up the torque converter in lower gears to help the Allison to run cooler)
Cruise as much as I can, with the GM cruise braking feature the Allison will start down shifting on down grades to keep the cruise setting. Can travel from Western NY to Florida and back and only use the Foot Brake to make complete stops.

[5th_Time]

Michelle, X2. Love the exhaust brake in tow/haul mode.

[Campers]

I use the tow mode all the time, helps with the down shift and keeps the tranny cooler. I also use it in town with out the rig, saves on the brakes.

[Rick and Mindy]

Originally Posted by homeguy

I now have a few questions for those more experienced than myself.
Why would I chip my vehicle? I have plenty of power and I am satisfied with my mileage.
Â*
Does everyone use the tow mode when towing their RV? I have towed many trailers but never really use the tox option .
Â*
Anyone use cruise when towing?

I am in the process of looking for a new tow vehicle but I currently use a 2004 Dodge 2500, 3:73 rear end, Cummins Diesel. I always pull in Tow/haul mode. I tried one time not using it and the transmission shifted too much going up the hills so I never tried it again. I have heard that some trucks can handle without being in tow mode. I do pull with cruise and love it!

[Dave&Ginny]

Yes I do have my truck chipped out but I wouldn't recommend it to most people. Most folks will NEVER recoup the investment. I drive my truck so much in business (and the company paid for the chip) that I'll recoup my money. This did give my truck a lot of extra power but most of today's trucks already have enough power to do the job.

I do use the tow feature as most folks do and I usually use the cruise control unless I'm in heavy traffic. Honestly, we sometimes forget the trailer is behind us unless we hit some big bumps.

Edited by: Dave&Ginny

[Rick and Mindy]

Originally Posted by Retired educators

I tow with a GMC 3500 SRW short bed. I get around 20 mpg traveling, 14-15 around town and 10-11.5 towing my 36 RL at 65 mph. If towing in mtns. it drops to 8.5-9 mpg.

I am currently debating between a 2011 Chevrolet 3500 dually and a 2013 Chevrolet 3500 single rear wheel. The 2011 has 43000 miles on it but it is a LT and is Certified. The 2013 is a Work Truck but has chrome and power windows, locks and cruise. The 2013is new. How do you like pulling with the single rear wheel? Would you buy another one or would you go to a dually? The single rear wheel would work better for me for use around town but I want to feel safe pulling.

[Dave&Ginny]

Originally Posted by Rick and Mindy

I am currently debating between a 2011 Chevrolet 3500 dually and a 2013 Chevrolet 3500 single rear wheel. The 2011 has 43000 miles on it but it is a LT and is Certified. The 2013 is a Work Truck but has chrome and power windows, locks and cruise. The 2013is new. How do you like pulling with the single rear wheel? Would you buy another one or would you go to a dually? The single rear wheel would work better for me for use around town but I want to feel safe pulling.

I had a new srw f350 and traded it off for my F350 Dually. No comparison! The dually is only intimidating for the first week. As several have posted on here before me, you can never have too much truck for these trailers

[Happy Camper]

I upgraded from the 2500 to 3500 DRW and agree there is no comparison.

[Buddy]

Ford F450 jumps you up to 24,700 pounds towing and need no extra lift kits.

[Rick and Mindy]

I want to thank everyone for their input on tow vehicles. Time for me to update everyone with my status. After 3 to 4 weeks of looking continuously on the web for that special tow vehicle we made a leap two weeks ago and purchased a new (never been sold) 2011 Ford F350 SRW Long bed truck. I just happened to find it on Cars.com and I had to drive 140 miles to get it but it was worth the drive. I never thought I would be driving a Ford but the deal was just too good to pass up. So far I love it. I am adding Firestone airbags to level out the truck and the trailer a little better. I have been towing with single rear wheel for several years and really did not have any problems so decided to stick with that rather than jump to the dually. I will say, the long bed makes a difference! My wife and I can't believe how quiet it is. Can't wait to get on the open road and test it out.

[subdoc4]

Originally Posted by Rick and Mindy

I want to thank everyone for their input on tow vehicles. Time for me to update everyone with my status. After 3 to 4 weeks of looking continuously on the web for that special tow vehicle we made a leap two weeks ago and purchased a new (never been sold) 2011 Ford F350 SRW Long bed truck. I just happened to find it on Cars.com and I had to drive 140 miles to get it but it was worth the drive. I never thought I would be driving a Ford but the deal was just too good to pass up. So far I love it. I am adding Firestone airbags to level out the truck and the trailer a little better. I have been towing with single rear wheel for several years and really did not have any problems so decided to stick with that rather than jump to the dually. I will say, the long bed makes a difference! My wife and I can't believe how quiet it is. Can't wait to get on the open road and test it out.

Wow! Sounds like you did your homework. Best of luck and happy travels!

[Rick and Mindy]

I know some people will be shaking their heads thinking I should have bought the dually but honestly, the deal was just too incredible to pass up and my wife really didn't want that dually, so to keep everyone happy we went with the super deal!!We don't see us going to heavier or longer fifth wheels in the future due to size limitations in some parks. We have lived in a 34 footer for 5 months at a time while workkamping and we did fine. I don't think our loaded weight in our 31sl will exceed 14,500 lbs. so this truck should handle it with no problems. My brother just recently purchased a F350 srw and pulls a 39 footer and loves it and a friend just purchased a F350 srw and pulls a 36 footer and also loves it! What's not to love.......life is good when you're on the road!!!

[RollsRoyce]

Mindy and Rick Lady's firest Question 1, what is your rear Gawr and Total GVWR on your long bed F350 and does it have that fuel additive tank requirement?

[Rick and Mindy]

Originally Posted by RollsRoyce

Mindy and RickLady's firestQuestion 1, Â*what is your rear Gawr and Total GVWR on your long bed F350 and does it have that fuel additive tank requirement?

The front GAWR is 5,250 and the rear GAWR is 7,280. The GVWR is 11,100 and the GCVWR is 23,500. Hope this helps