Towing with a 2001 tahoe LT 5.3

[Familytahoe]

Going to be doing an 9 hour trip from Cali to Idaho in the ol girl hauling a small 3 bedroom apt ( hopefully 2 trips) with a trailer, I'm a first time tower any advice?

I know she'll make it no problem. New tranny put in 10k ago and radiator, I'm nervous as hell!! Going to do a tune up (top of the line plugs and oil change and top of line pads) before the trip

Should I use tow/haul the whole way? Or shift myself?

I was researching stuff and i read that the 3.73 rear end is the best for towing does my lt have one? How do I check?

 

[6speedblazer]

for towing, just keep an eye on trans and coolant temps, i run a bluetooth dongle and just set my phone up to show a bunch of PID

make sure all fluids are topped off and brakes are in good order.

 

[Sasquatch]

You can tell what gear ratio you have by checking the RPO codes on the inside of you glove box lid.

Check for one of these codes.
GT4 -- AXLE REAR, 3.73 RATIO
GT5 -- AXLE REAR, 4.10 RATIO
GU4 -- AXLE REAR, 3.08 RATIO
GU5 -- AXLE REAR, 3.23 RATIO
GU6 -- AXLE REAR, 3.42 RATIO
G80 -- AXLE REAR, locking differential.

 

[RST Dana]

Going to be doing an 9 hour trip from Cali to Idaho in the ol girl hauling a small 3 bedroom apt ( hopefully 2 trips) with a trailer, I'm a first time tower any advice?

I know she'll make it no problem. New tranny put in 10k ago and radiator, I'm nervous as hell!! Going to do a tune up (top of the line plugs and oil change and top of line pads) before the trip

Should I use tow/haul the whole way? Or shift myself?

I was researching stuff and i read that the 3.73 rear end is the best for towing does my lt have one? How do I check?

Tow mode should be fine, especially if you have a 3.43. If its a 3.08, expect a LOT of shifting.