Am I ok towing in regular drive mode?

[Capt Ed]

I hate the tow mode when towing my 3400lb. boat trailer. Is there any reason I can't tow in regular mode for this light rig?

 

[Doubeleive]

I hate the tow mode when towing my 3400lb. boat trailer. Is there any reason I can't tow in regular mode for this light rig?

tow mode is 100% optional, it's just there to help if desired. even without towing anything it is great for steep downgrades, saves your brakes and increases handling capabilities.

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

I hate the tow mode when towing my 3400lb. boat trailer. Is there any reason I can't tow in regular mode for this light rig?

Why do you hate it? I use it w/ my 4200lb boat and it is awesome.

 

[Jay P Wy]

As others have said you don't need to use tow mode but it does help keep the engine in it's power band and provide grade braking. It only alters the shift points, affects torque converter lockup and turns on the exhaust brake if you have a diesel.

 

[tagexpcom]

I tow 5300lbs with a 2021 Yukon Denali 6.2L and don't always notice that I 'forgot' to switch to tow mode. However, I do A LOT of mountain driving all around Oregon and on those 5-10-15mile downgrades, the auto-engine-braking is awesome - so smooth / nice control without having to brake much or at all.

 

[DontTaseMeBro]

When you have to deal with grades - it’s great. If you don’t have anything steep, it’ll rob of you of MPG and nothing more.

 

[swathdiver]

I hate the tow mode when towing my 3400lb. boat trailer. Is there any reason I can't tow in regular mode for this light rig?

You're right to not like it, the shifts feel funny when towing something that light. One only benefits from it when towing at 75% or more of the GCWR.

For example, if your GCWR is 14,000 pounds and you are towing a 3,400 pound trailer with a truck that weighs 6,200 pounds is still under 10,500 pounds and thus experience no real benefit from using it. That 6,200 pound truck has got to be towing 4,300 pounds or more to enjoy the benefits of Tow/Haul Mode.