Best Tow Truck ???
07-08-2007, 10:50 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Best Tow Truck ???
I am looking to upgrade my current SUV to be able to tow a 20' enclosed trailer.
Currently own a 2001 V-8 Explorer and expect it's not enough to tow a C6 in an enclosed trailer.
What are my best choices considering either me or my wife will have to use the truck as a DD.
Will probably buy used, and is there something that will tow twice a month (200 miles max) and get any kind of gas mileage ???
Thanks for your opinion
Currently own a 2001 V-8 Explorer and expect it's not enough to tow a C6 in an enclosed trailer.
What are my best choices considering either me or my wife will have to use the truck as a DD.
Will probably buy used, and is there something that will tow twice a month (200 miles max) and get any kind of gas mileage ???
Thanks for your opinion
07-08-2007, 11:59 PM
#2
Burning Brakes
You could probably get by with a 1/2 ton Suburban or Silverado, and still get DECENT mileage for daily driving purposes.
A 3/4 ton truck would be the way to go for towing only a couple times a month, but the fuel mileage for daily driving wouldn't be much fun... I towed with a 3/4 Suburban which was great for towing, fuel mileage was poor though, and wasn't much better without the trailer behind me.
And you're correct, don't even bother trying to tow with the Exploder!
A 3/4 ton truck would be the way to go for towing only a couple times a month, but the fuel mileage for daily driving wouldn't be much fun... I towed with a 3/4 Suburban which was great for towing, fuel mileage was poor though, and wasn't much better without the trailer behind me.
And you're correct, don't even bother trying to tow with the Exploder!
07-09-2007, 12:20 AM
#3
Le Mans Master
I own a 2005 1/2 ton Suburban Z71 and a 2005 1/2 ton Silverado Crew Cab Z71. I have pulled a loaded 24' in town with the truck, but not at highway speeds. It did fine, but it was obvious what I was dragging around. I wouldn't hesitate to pull a loaded 20' trailer. I wouldn't want to pull it across country, but 200 miles/month wouldn't be bad. Just don't try to speed. And slow down on the really bad roads like we have in Louisiana. They will throw a trailer in the median in a minute.
If you don't already have the trailer, be sure to get one with a V-nose or sloped nose. That will make a huge difference too.
If you don't already have the trailer, be sure to get one with a V-nose or sloped nose. That will make a huge difference too.
07-09-2007, 12:24 AM
#4
Le Mans Master
Oh yeah, for gas mileage.
My 2005 Z71 Suburban (5.3) gets 18-19 on the interstate. It is stock.
My 2005 Z71 Silverado Crew Cab (5.3) got 18-19 hwy when it was new and stock. It now has larger off road tires, and the front has been lifted to level the truck. Stock it has a forward slope. It now gets 14.5 hwy.
These figures are with the vehicles unloaded.
My 2005 Z71 Suburban (5.3) gets 18-19 on the interstate. It is stock.
My 2005 Z71 Silverado Crew Cab (5.3) got 18-19 hwy when it was new and stock. It now has larger off road tires, and the front has been lifted to level the truck. Stock it has a forward slope. It now gets 14.5 hwy.
These figures are with the vehicles unloaded.
07-09-2007, 06:46 AM
#5
Team Owner
Member Since: Sep 2003
Location: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
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I use a 2004 1500HD Silverardo as my tow vehical and DD.
I tow a 24' enclosed and am close to my tow capasity.
WHen I tow I get 11.5 mpg and DD is 18.5. Highway is 21 mpg.
I have 73K miles on it change the oil evey 4,000 miles trans and diff fluid each winter, bleed brakes each winter and or befoe a long hauling trip.
I think a minium would be a 2500 3/4 ton truck for safe towing and braking.
I tow a 24' enclosed and am close to my tow capasity.
WHen I tow I get 11.5 mpg and DD is 18.5. Highway is 21 mpg.
I have 73K miles on it change the oil evey 4,000 miles trans and diff fluid each winter, bleed brakes each winter and or befoe a long hauling trip.
I think a minium would be a 2500 3/4 ton truck for safe towing and braking.
07-09-2007, 08:19 AM
#6
Safety Car
I picked up an '07 2500HD Silverado w/ Allison-DuraMax in Feb when GM was offering 0% APR. {Why use your money when someone else is giving you their's for free?}
Diesel around here is about .07 - .10 cents a gallon cheaper than Regular. The 6.6L puts out 360hp and 650 ft lbs tq. With 5400 miles on the odometer it still isn't broke in good. I'm getting 22mpg on the highway empty and 16-17mpg when towing. Around town I can get 17 if I keep my foot out of it. The turbo is nice but it will suck gas if you put your foot into it.
I traded a 1500 5.3 w/ Quadra steer in on it. The 5.3L got 13.3mpg regardless... empty/towing, city/highway. The differences are night and day. The only thing I miss about the 1500 is the Quadrasteer.
You might want to think twice about getting a used vehicle. There is a lot to be said for the new vehicles and the fuel mileage just keeps getting better.
Diesel around here is about .07 - .10 cents a gallon cheaper than Regular. The 6.6L puts out 360hp and 650 ft lbs tq. With 5400 miles on the odometer it still isn't broke in good. I'm getting 22mpg on the highway empty and 16-17mpg when towing. Around town I can get 17 if I keep my foot out of it. The turbo is nice but it will suck gas if you put your foot into it.
I traded a 1500 5.3 w/ Quadra steer in on it. The 5.3L got 13.3mpg regardless... empty/towing, city/highway. The differences are night and day. The only thing I miss about the 1500 is the Quadrasteer.
You might want to think twice about getting a used vehicle. There is a lot to be said for the new vehicles and the fuel mileage just keeps getting better.
07-09-2007, 08:32 AM
#7
Race Director
Member Since: Oct 2000
Location: Deal's Gap 2004 NCM Motorsports track supporter
Posts: 13,913
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200 miles max a month is not really dictating a diesel in my opinion. Since the truck will be a DD you might find the ride of a standard 1500 with towing package plenty for your purposes. The ride will be immensely better. Diesel trucks (HD) ride noticeably more harshley. I get 11 MPG with my '06 GMC 1500 ext. cab with towing package and 5.3L engine/automatic while towing my 24' enclosed trailer weighing about 8000# loaded. And that is up and down the hills in Tn. I just let the speed slow down going up the hill and try not to tow over 65 mph. I had to get rid of the General tires on the truck and went to Michelins for a much better ride. Your resale market might be a little better later down the road, too.
Oh yeah, running without trailer at 70 - 75 down the interstate, I get 18 to 19 on regular. The new trucks ought to be even better.
Oh yeah, running without trailer at 70 - 75 down the interstate, I get 18 to 19 on regular. The new trucks ought to be even better.
07-09-2007, 08:41 AM
#8
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
THANKS !!!
Sounds like a 1500 Chevy (Suburban or PU) is a good choice.
I will be daily driving a LOT more than towing so the above are a good choice.
Thanks again,
EE
Sounds like a 1500 Chevy (Suburban or PU) is a good choice.
I will be daily driving a LOT more than towing so the above are a good choice.
Thanks again,
EE
07-09-2007, 10:12 AM
#10
Uber Waxer
I had a 2004 6.0 Escalade ESV and it pulled my 24 foot trailer ok, got about 6-9 mpg pulling it, traded it in for a 2006 duramax 2500HD Silverado and LOVE it!
pulling to bowling green from maryland we got about 14 mpg average even going thru the mountains. I get about 24 mpg on the highway without the trailer and 17 or so in town. And it runs mid 14's in the 1/4, enough to put a hurting on some kids in honda's.
pulling to bowling green from maryland we got about 14 mpg average even going thru the mountains. I get about 24 mpg on the highway without the trailer and 17 or so in town. And it runs mid 14's in the 1/4, enough to put a hurting on some kids in honda's.
07-09-2007, 10:21 AM
#11
Safety Car
You can never have too much truck.FWIW:
I use the 2500HD as a DD with no issues. The ride isn't rough and it isn't your father's diesel. When you factor in the better fuel mileage and the lower price per gallon I've saved over $200 in the first 5400 miles of ownership.
07-09-2007, 10:23 AM
#12
Team Owner
Before you decide on a truck size, find out what your total loaded trailer weight wil be. Yu have to add the weight of the car, the weight of the trailer, and all the cargo that will go in the trailer.
After that, you need to figure out all of the weight that will go in the tow vehice. Add the weight of all of that cargo (tools, buddies, kids, luggage, wife, dog, whatever) and then add 10% of the total trailer weight (this is the tongue weight) to find the load that the truck will carry.
Once you have those numbers, then you can start to look for a suitable truck.
My 99 SIlverado extended cab with the 5.3L engine, Z71 package and 4.10 gears will tow 8000 lbs. I can safely load about 1200 lbs of cargo with the trailer. But these are maximum weights for my truck; ideally the total gross cargo weight of the truck and trailer should be around 75% of the maximum GCWR for safety. I tow an 18' open trailer and with my 87 on it, (5500 lbs total) fuel mileage pretty much sucks but I really do't tow much more than 100-150 miles per month.
A 1/2 ton would be suitable for what you are doing but IMHO, it would be at upper limits for a half-ton unless you added something like air bags or helper springs. A 3/4 ton will have a lot more capacity and the ride is not that bad in the later GM trucks.
Gas or diesel is sort of a personal choice, but the later GM diesels and Allison transmissions make excellent trailering platforms. The later diesels will get good fuel economy and will do slightly better on fuel when towing compared to gas motors. If you want gas power, go with a 3/4 ton and 6.0 motor.
In any event, your truck choice should have a factory towing package. With Chevy's, this includes wiring for trailer electrics and trailer brake controller, tranny cooler, HD radiator and the hitch. Tires should be an LT style. Make sure the brakes are new or in excellent shape. Have the auto trans serviced before you start towing.
Get a weight distribution hitch setup for towing. It will effectively raise the towing capacity of Class III receivers that typically come on factory towing packages from 5000 lbs to 12,000 lbs. If you will be towing on freeways, you may find that you'll need an anti-sway bar for the trailer. They help a bunch when you get passed by big trucks or have strong sidewinds.
Get a good trailer brake controller like a Tekonsha Proidigy.
After that, you need to figure out all of the weight that will go in the tow vehice. Add the weight of all of that cargo (tools, buddies, kids, luggage, wife, dog, whatever) and then add 10% of the total trailer weight (this is the tongue weight) to find the load that the truck will carry.
Once you have those numbers, then you can start to look for a suitable truck.
My 99 SIlverado extended cab with the 5.3L engine, Z71 package and 4.10 gears will tow 8000 lbs. I can safely load about 1200 lbs of cargo with the trailer. But these are maximum weights for my truck; ideally the total gross cargo weight of the truck and trailer should be around 75% of the maximum GCWR for safety. I tow an 18' open trailer and with my 87 on it, (5500 lbs total) fuel mileage pretty much sucks but I really do't tow much more than 100-150 miles per month.
A 1/2 ton would be suitable for what you are doing but IMHO, it would be at upper limits for a half-ton unless you added something like air bags or helper springs. A 3/4 ton will have a lot more capacity and the ride is not that bad in the later GM trucks.
Gas or diesel is sort of a personal choice, but the later GM diesels and Allison transmissions make excellent trailering platforms. The later diesels will get good fuel economy and will do slightly better on fuel when towing compared to gas motors. If you want gas power, go with a 3/4 ton and 6.0 motor.
In any event, your truck choice should have a factory towing package. With Chevy's, this includes wiring for trailer electrics and trailer brake controller, tranny cooler, HD radiator and the hitch. Tires should be an LT style. Make sure the brakes are new or in excellent shape. Have the auto trans serviced before you start towing.
Get a weight distribution hitch setup for towing. It will effectively raise the towing capacity of Class III receivers that typically come on factory towing packages from 5000 lbs to 12,000 lbs. If you will be towing on freeways, you may find that you'll need an anti-sway bar for the trailer. They help a bunch when you get passed by big trucks or have strong sidewinds.
Get a good trailer brake controller like a Tekonsha Proidigy.
07-09-2007, 10:42 AM
#13
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Apr 2004
Location: Stanfield NC
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I upgraded recently from a 1500 Siverado to a Dodge 3/4ton with a Cummins. Difference of night and day. I average 21-22 empty down the road and 16-17 towing my car and an open trailer. Even headed to RA, which is up hill both ways, I can set the cruise and just drive down the road. The silverado was always struggling. Your topography is a little more gentle than ours unless you are towing long distances, so the 5.3 may be OK. Much better stopping abillity also with the heavier truck.
07-09-2007, 11:23 AM
#16
Consider a 3/4ton suburban, or maybe a Dodge w/Cummins. The Dodge's drive a lot 'smaller' than Fords or Chevy's, just have limited cab and bed space.
Around the '09 and '10 model years, GM, Ford, and probably Toyota will have 'heavy' 1/2 tons with small diesels. Small is relative, they will be 250-300hp, 500ft/lb engines - what the heavy duty trucks were putting out just a few years ago. Those will be ideal for lot's of weekend racers.
Around the '09 and '10 model years, GM, Ford, and probably Toyota will have 'heavy' 1/2 tons with small diesels. Small is relative, they will be 250-300hp, 500ft/lb engines - what the heavy duty trucks were putting out just a few years ago. Those will be ideal for lot's of weekend racers.
07-09-2007, 11:38 AM
#17
Drifting
My buddy uses his 1500 Chevy to tow a 24' enclosed trailer with his Mustang racecar. He chose the 1500 with gas engine for many of the reasons above. However, when he has the trailer on the truck (with a weight distribution hitch) the trailer sways pretty bad and the mileage is pretty bad (close to single digits). We put the same trailer on my 2500 Dodge Cummins Diesel, and had no problems at all towing the trailer. Temps were never a concern, and he even took it up to 80-90 MPH. (Yea, I was sleeping when this happened.)
I tend towards overdoing it, but the difference towing the same trailer was huge. I use my Dodge for daily driving, and I love it. I get about 19-20 MPG combined, and that is with a 4x4. Finally, the 2500 diesels allow you to expand. I have an 18' open trailer, and I have finally decided to buy an enclosed, a 40' gooseneck. You never know when you may want to step it up.
Ken
I tend towards overdoing it, but the difference towing the same trailer was huge. I use my Dodge for daily driving, and I love it. I get about 19-20 MPG combined, and that is with a 4x4. Finally, the 2500 diesels allow you to expand. I have an 18' open trailer, and I have finally decided to buy an enclosed, a 40' gooseneck. You never know when you may want to step it up.
Ken
07-09-2007, 12:17 PM
#18
Drifting
You could also go with a Vortec MAX package 1/2 ton. It will give you a little extra and you can get a Crew Cab with a 10,400 towing capacity!
These specs may help you out a bit: These may look a bit confusing but the numbers on the left are model codes. This also shows you available rear end gears as well. Hope this helps.
Al
2007 Silverado 1500 TRAILERING SPECS - Automatic Transmission with Ball Hitch
Maximum trailer ratings are calculated assuming standard equipped vehicle, driver and required trailering equipment. The weight of optional equipment, passengers and cargo will reduce the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. 10 to 15% of the trailer weight is the recommended trailer tongue load. Automatic Transmission with Ball HitchAutomatic with 5th Wheel or Gooseneck Hitch
Automatic Transmission with Ball Hitch
Model (LU3) Vortec 4.3L V6 MFI (LY2) Vortec 4.8L V8 Gas SFI (LY5/LH6) Vortec 5.3L V8 gas SFI (LMG) Vortec 5.3L V8 SFI FlexFuel (L76) Vortec 6.0L V8 SFI
Axle
Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight lbs. (kg) Axle
Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight lbs. (kg) Axle
Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight lbs. (kg) Axle
Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight lbs. (kg) Axle
Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight lbs. (kg)
CC10703
3.23 4800 (2177) 3.23 5200 (2359) 3.42 7200 (3266) 3.42 7200 (3266)
3.73 5300 (2404) 3.73 7200 (3266) 3.73 8200 (3720) 3.73 8200 (3720)
CC10903
3.23 4700 (2132) 3.23 5100 (2313) 3.42 7000 (3175) 3.42 7000 (3175)
3.73 5200 (2359) 3.73 7100 (3221) 3.73 8000 (3629) 3.73 8000 (3629)
CK10703
3.73 5100 (2313) 3.42 5900 (2676) 3.73 7900 (3583) 3.73 7900 (3583)
4.10 7900 (3583) 4.10 8900 (4037) 4.10 8900 (4037)
CK10903
3.73 4900 (2223) 3.42 5900 (2676) 3.73 7900 (3583) 3.73 7900 (3583)
4.10 7900 (3583) 4.10 8900 (4037) 4.10 8900 (4037)
CC10753
3.23 4300 (1950) 3.23 4700 (2132) 3.42 6700 (3039) 3.42 6700 (3039)
3.73 4800 (2177) 3.73 6700 (3039) 3.73 7700 (3493) 3.73 7700 (3493)
CC10753
w/o (NHT) 3.73 8800 (3992)
CC10753
w/(NHT) 3.73 10200 (4627)
CC10953
3.42 6500 (2948) 3.42 6600 (2994)
3.73 7500 (3402) 3.73 7600 (3447)
CK10753
3.42 5500 (2495) 3.73 7500 (3402) 3.73 7500 (3402)
4.10 7500 (3402) 4.10 8500 (3856) 4.10 8500 (3856)
CK10753
w/o (NHT) 3.73 8500 (3856)
CK10753
w/(NHT) 4.10 10500 (4763)
CK10953
3.73 7300 (3311) 3.73 7400 (3357)
4.10 8300 (3765) 4.10 8400 (3810)
CC10553
3.23 4400 (1996) 3.23 4800 (2177) 3.42 6800 (3084) 3.42 6800 (3084) 3.73 8900 (4037)
3.73 4900 (2223) 3.73 6800 (3084) 3.73 7800 (3538) 3.73 7800 (3538)
CK10553
3.42 5500 (2495) 3.73 7500 (3402) 3.73 7500 (3402) 3.73 8600 (3901)
3.73 7500 (3402) 4.10 8500 (3856) 4.10 8500 (3856)
CC10543
3.23 4600 (2087) 3.42 6600 (2994) 3.42 6600 (2994)
3.73 6600 (2994) 3.73 7600 (3447) 3.73 7600 (3447)
CC10543
w/o (NHT) 3.73 8700 (3946)
CC10543
w/(NHT) 3.73 10200 (4627)
CK10543
3.42 5400 (2449) 3.73 7500 (3402)
4.10 7400 (3357) 4.10 8500 (3856)
CK10543
w/o (NHT) 3.73 8400 (3810)
CK10543
w/(NHT) 4.10 10500 (4763)
Silverado 1500 models are limited to 5000 lb. trailer rating unless equipped with (Z85) Handling/Trailering Suspension Package or (Z60) High-Performance Suspension Package or (Z71) Off-Road Suspension Package.
Addition of trailer tongue weight cannot cause vehicle weights to exceed Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (RGVWR) of Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
(Z82) Trailering Equipment, heavy-duty includes trailer hitch platform, trailer electrical connector and suspension upgrade if necessary.
GCWR For Engine/Rear Axle Ratio Combination with Automatic Transmission
Engine (GCWR) Gross Combination Weight Ratings lbs. (kg)
9500
(4309) 10000
(4536) 11000
(4990) 12000
(5443) 13000
(5897) 14000
(6350) 15500
(7031) 16000
(7258)
(LU3) Vortec 4.3L V6 MFI 3.23 3.73
(LY2) Vortec 4.8L V8 Gas SFI 3.23 3.42 3.73 4.10
(LY5/LH6) Vortec 5.3L V8 gas SFI 3.42 3.73 4.10
(LMG) Vortec 5.3L V8 SFI FlexFuel 3.42 3.73 4.10
(L76) Vortec 6.0L V8 SFI 3.731 3.732 4.103
1 - Not available with (NHT) Max Trailering Pack.
2 - Requires 2WD Models and (NHT) Max Trailering Pack.
3 - Requires 4WD Models and (NHT) Max Trailering Pack.
These specs may help you out a bit: These may look a bit confusing but the numbers on the left are model codes. This also shows you available rear end gears as well. Hope this helps.
Al
2007 Silverado 1500 TRAILERING SPECS - Automatic Transmission with Ball Hitch
Maximum trailer ratings are calculated assuming standard equipped vehicle, driver and required trailering equipment. The weight of optional equipment, passengers and cargo will reduce the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. 10 to 15% of the trailer weight is the recommended trailer tongue load. Automatic Transmission with Ball HitchAutomatic with 5th Wheel or Gooseneck Hitch
Automatic Transmission with Ball Hitch
Model (LU3) Vortec 4.3L V6 MFI (LY2) Vortec 4.8L V8 Gas SFI (LY5/LH6) Vortec 5.3L V8 gas SFI (LMG) Vortec 5.3L V8 SFI FlexFuel (L76) Vortec 6.0L V8 SFI
Axle
Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight lbs. (kg) Axle
Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight lbs. (kg) Axle
Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight lbs. (kg) Axle
Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight lbs. (kg) Axle
Ratio Maximum Trailer
Weight lbs. (kg)
CC10703
3.23 4800 (2177) 3.23 5200 (2359) 3.42 7200 (3266) 3.42 7200 (3266)
3.73 5300 (2404) 3.73 7200 (3266) 3.73 8200 (3720) 3.73 8200 (3720)
CC10903
3.23 4700 (2132) 3.23 5100 (2313) 3.42 7000 (3175) 3.42 7000 (3175)
3.73 5200 (2359) 3.73 7100 (3221) 3.73 8000 (3629) 3.73 8000 (3629)
CK10703
3.73 5100 (2313) 3.42 5900 (2676) 3.73 7900 (3583) 3.73 7900 (3583)
4.10 7900 (3583) 4.10 8900 (4037) 4.10 8900 (4037)
CK10903
3.73 4900 (2223) 3.42 5900 (2676) 3.73 7900 (3583) 3.73 7900 (3583)
4.10 7900 (3583) 4.10 8900 (4037) 4.10 8900 (4037)
CC10753
3.23 4300 (1950) 3.23 4700 (2132) 3.42 6700 (3039) 3.42 6700 (3039)
3.73 4800 (2177) 3.73 6700 (3039) 3.73 7700 (3493) 3.73 7700 (3493)
CC10753
w/o (NHT) 3.73 8800 (3992)
CC10753
w/(NHT) 3.73 10200 (4627)
CC10953
3.42 6500 (2948) 3.42 6600 (2994)
3.73 7500 (3402) 3.73 7600 (3447)
CK10753
3.42 5500 (2495) 3.73 7500 (3402) 3.73 7500 (3402)
4.10 7500 (3402) 4.10 8500 (3856) 4.10 8500 (3856)
CK10753
w/o (NHT) 3.73 8500 (3856)
CK10753
w/(NHT) 4.10 10500 (4763)
CK10953
3.73 7300 (3311) 3.73 7400 (3357)
4.10 8300 (3765) 4.10 8400 (3810)
CC10553
3.23 4400 (1996) 3.23 4800 (2177) 3.42 6800 (3084) 3.42 6800 (3084) 3.73 8900 (4037)
3.73 4900 (2223) 3.73 6800 (3084) 3.73 7800 (3538) 3.73 7800 (3538)
CK10553
3.42 5500 (2495) 3.73 7500 (3402) 3.73 7500 (3402) 3.73 8600 (3901)
3.73 7500 (3402) 4.10 8500 (3856) 4.10 8500 (3856)
CC10543
3.23 4600 (2087) 3.42 6600 (2994) 3.42 6600 (2994)
3.73 6600 (2994) 3.73 7600 (3447) 3.73 7600 (3447)
CC10543
w/o (NHT) 3.73 8700 (3946)
CC10543
w/(NHT) 3.73 10200 (4627)
CK10543
3.42 5400 (2449) 3.73 7500 (3402)
4.10 7400 (3357) 4.10 8500 (3856)
CK10543
w/o (NHT) 3.73 8400 (3810)
CK10543
w/(NHT) 4.10 10500 (4763)
Silverado 1500 models are limited to 5000 lb. trailer rating unless equipped with (Z85) Handling/Trailering Suspension Package or (Z60) High-Performance Suspension Package or (Z71) Off-Road Suspension Package.
Addition of trailer tongue weight cannot cause vehicle weights to exceed Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (RGVWR) of Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
(Z82) Trailering Equipment, heavy-duty includes trailer hitch platform, trailer electrical connector and suspension upgrade if necessary.
GCWR For Engine/Rear Axle Ratio Combination with Automatic Transmission
Engine (GCWR) Gross Combination Weight Ratings lbs. (kg)
9500
(4309) 10000
(4536) 11000
(4990) 12000
(5443) 13000
(5897) 14000
(6350) 15500
(7031) 16000
(7258)
(LU3) Vortec 4.3L V6 MFI 3.23 3.73
(LY2) Vortec 4.8L V8 Gas SFI 3.23 3.42 3.73 4.10
(LY5/LH6) Vortec 5.3L V8 gas SFI 3.42 3.73 4.10
(LMG) Vortec 5.3L V8 SFI FlexFuel 3.42 3.73 4.10
(L76) Vortec 6.0L V8 SFI 3.731 3.732 4.103
1 - Not available with (NHT) Max Trailering Pack.
2 - Requires 2WD Models and (NHT) Max Trailering Pack.
3 - Requires 4WD Models and (NHT) Max Trailering Pack.
07-09-2007, 02:14 PM
#20
Melting Slicks
If you are looking at a daily driver and occasionally towing, look for comfort and style first and grunt second. The last 6 years I have towed a 24ft. enclosed with a 5.3 Yukon and a 6.0 Escalade ESV. The Escalade is much more comfortable and gas mileage is similar. You will get better highway in the Yukon, about the same in combined city/highway and the same towing.
When you tow be sure to have both weight distributing hitch and a SWAY bar. Also, have an larger trans cooler and beef up the trans (4L60E) with corvette servo, billit OD servo and possibly a transgo shift kit.
Since you are going short distances you probably have few hills or mountains to contend with otherwise a diesel would be preferred. If you want to have fun with your DD, add a supercharger and inner cooler. The torque of a diesel and the hp of large cube engine.
If you have a slope nose trailer, you can expect about 10.5 mpg towing at 65, 9.2 towing at 73, and 9.7 at 80 (The truck stays in overdrive most of the time at that speed). HTH
When you tow be sure to have both weight distributing hitch and a SWAY bar. Also, have an larger trans cooler and beef up the trans (4L60E) with corvette servo, billit OD servo and possibly a transgo shift kit.
Since you are going short distances you probably have few hills or mountains to contend with otherwise a diesel would be preferred. If you want to have fun with your DD, add a supercharger and inner cooler. The torque of a diesel and the hp of large cube engine.
If you have a slope nose trailer, you can expect about 10.5 mpg towing at 65, 9.2 towing at 73, and 9.7 at 80 (The truck stays in overdrive most of the time at that speed). HTH