Weight Of The Trailer; Tow/Haul Mode - GMC 2005 Savana Van Owner's Manual

Tow/Haul Mode

Tow/haul is designed to assist while your vehicle is
pulling a large or heavy load or trailer. Tow/haul is most
useful while pulling such a load in rolling terrain, in
stop-and-go traffic, or when you need improved
low-speed control, such as when parking. The purpose
of the tow/haul mode is to:
•
Reduce the frequency and improve the predictability
of transmission shifts,
•
provide the same solid shift feel when pulling a
heavy load as when the vehicle is unloaded,
•
improve control of vehicle speed while requiring
less throttle pedal activity.
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Press this button located
to the right of the steering
wheel on the instrument
panel to turn tow/haul
mode on and off.
Tow/haul mode will turn off automatically when the
ignition is turned off. See Tow/Haul Mode Light
on page 3-39.
Tow/haul is 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 this section.
Driving with tow/haul activated without a heavy load will
cause reduced fuel economy and unpleasant engine
and transmission driving characteristics, but will
not cause damage.

Weight of the Trailer

How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For example,
speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and
how much your vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all
important. And, it can also depend on any special
equipment that you have on your vehicle.
While activated, the
indicator light on the
instrument panel will
be on.