Towing with the 5.3 V8

[email protected] · March 5, 2014

^^^^What he said

I towed a 1983 Landcruiser diesel loaded with spare parts on a tandem uhaul car trailer (total was almost 6000lbs) and towed great, same setup as you. Not going to get 20mpg on the highway. I was much happier with this than my 2009 5.3 w/3.42

quickvert1 · March 5, 2014

Well see the throttle response is horrible on these 5.3s

KARNUT · March 5, 2014

You really set yourself up for a lot of blow back when you make a blanket statement like that. My throttle response is awesome, see what I mean?

Cmillerjr · March 6, 2014

I have the 5.3 with 3.42's and I tow a 18' steel deck car trailer, loaded with two RZR's. It pulls just fine.. I have a 04 Ram with the Hemi, same set up and it's a dog compared to the chevy.

I've had a mid size SUV on the trailer with the chevy too, no problem. The only complaint is with a heavy load the MPG's goes to shit 10-11 MPG.

quickvert1 · March 6, 2014

You really set yourself up for a lot of blow back when you make a blanket statement like that. My throttle response is awesome, see what I mean?

Its terrible..nothing like my maxima or my corvette..i hear it has to do w the direct injection..

MTB · March 17, 2014

I towed our Boy Scout Troop Trailer across the great State of Louisiana and back over this last weekend. The trailer is a 6X12 single axle enclosed cargo trailer. This truck is a pulling / towing beast compared to my 07'. No problems accelerating, even when I forgot to put it in TOW/HAUL on the return trip. My truck has the 5.3 and 3:42 gears. My previous truck pulling the exact same trailer with a comparable load averaged 12 going and 11 mpg coming back. This truck averaged 14.2 going and 13.1 coming back. I attribute the loss to head wind.

EXSlider400 · March 17, 2014

So my trailer is 7,500 (scale weight) with passenger's items & equipment total is more like 7,900. Manual Max towing says 8,600 but and I can't find in manual where it list conventional towing but it is on the gmc site @ 6,600. I use a WD and sway control bars and truck is SLT 4x4 crew cab short bed that came with trailer sway control, integrated trailer brake, oil and trans coolers, hitch, and plug wiring. Didn't think it would come with 3.08 gears. So far it pulls alot better than my 2007 but worried if I am exceeding limits for both insurance and reliability issues. As far as safety, it has same suspension and brakes as lower geared trucks so not worried.

Edited March 17, 2014 by EXSlider400

bdbake01 · March 17, 2014

Not sure I follow? First, passengers usually reside in the cab, so you can leave them out of the trailer weight but keep in total weight. Second you seem properly equipped for your max rating of 8,600?

EXSlider400 · March 17, 2014

Cleared up my confusing post. Also here is GMC site @ 6,600. Why the different numbers (8,600 vs 6,600)

Edited March 18, 2014 by EXSlider400

bdbake01 · March 18, 2014

Very interesting. Just looked through the 2014 trailering guide and I couldn't find 8,600 listed for any truck configuration? In fact, everything I found for your truck listed 6,600. Makes me wonder if it isn't some sort of misprint? Unlikely, I know, but 8 is awful similar looking to 6.

EXSlider400 · March 18, 2014

I wonder if there is a difference between "Maximum Trailer Weight" & "Maximum Conventional Trailering"? By adding the Weight Distributing" hitch, can I now tow 8,600? If it's a misprint and my trans goes out before 100,000....it's on GM. If I get an "update" to the owners manual with lower tow ratings I will see about GM changing gears to one set lower.

Edited March 18, 2014 by EXSlider400

cmpcpro · March 18, 2014

^{With 3.08's its 6600 or 6800 with 3.48 it jumps up to I believe 9800}

SB09 · March 18, 2014

I keep seeing everyone say 6,600lbs. My sticker shows 7,200lbs. and I have the 3.08s in my truck. Is there a reason for the difference in that?

newdude · March 18, 2014

6600lbs per spec is max tow rating for your crew cab short box 3.08 4x4. 3.42 would be 9600lbs.

I keep seeing everyone say 6,600lbs. My sticker shows 7,200lbs. and I have the 3.08s in my truck. Is there a reason for the difference in that?

That is the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) not towing capacity.

SB09 · March 18, 2014

6600lbs per spec is max tow rating for your crew cab short box 3.08 4x4. 3.42 would be 9600lbs.

That is the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) not towing capacity.

Got it. Thanks for the clarification.