Recommended Tuner for Towing with a 2004 GMC Sierra

Question:

I recently asked a question about which tuner you would recommend for my 2004 GMC Sierra that would be best for towing our camper. I really appreciate the quick response from Jon. The more I’m learning about tuners I have a couple more questions. 1 when you receive the tuner does the software have to be updated straight out of the box before using and is it a free update and is there a time limit for you to have the ability to update your tuner say for example the first year only ? And 2 on my truck there is the tow button on my gearshift lever so once you install the tuner should I still use the tow button or DONT use it ? Again I am so impressed and thankful for the quick response. I will definitely recommend ETRAILER to my friends and if I need anything for our vehicles I will come here first!!! Thanks again

asked by: Robert P

Expert Reply:

The tuner that I recommend for you to use when towing with your 2004 GMC Sierra is the Superchips Flashpaq F5. This can give you up to 18 HP and 17 ft-lbs for torque, and easily connects to your Sierra via the OBD-II port.

We have part # SU2845 for you to use unless you live in California. If that is the case then you need part # SU4845 which complies with the laws passed by the California Air Resource Board.

The Flashpaq F5 not only allows you to add some extra power to your Sierra, it also allows you to monitor your engine data and keep track of 1/4-mile times. You can update this device by simply plugging it into the USB port on your computer. This tuner is made in the USA and comes with a 2-year limited powertrain warranty.

expert reply by: Jon G

Robert P.

4/6/2018

Jon G.

4/6/2018

Any updates that need to be done to the programmers from Superchips, like the Flashpaq F5, are free. I spoke with my contact at Superchips who said that for your Sierra the Flashpaq F5 should work directly out of the box without needing any updates. Even when using the "Tow" mode on the Flashpaq F5 you need to use the "Tow" button on your Sierra. The programmers are designed to work in conjunction with the tow mode on your vehicle.