Has anyone had a problem

[95whtZR2]

My dads truck, a 2000 silverado Z71, 5.3, Auto, shifts extremelyhard from first to second with a load. I know it is supposed to shift hard, but this feels like the drivetrain is going to explode, and the truck is going to disinergrate into pieces during this shift period. It only happens when towing a decent sized load, our 20 ft cuddy cabin boat on a 24 foot tandem axle trailor,  but when not loaded down it shifts fine. He has taken it into the dealer 2-3 times for this problem, never with the boat, and they always say it is normal. My dad is fixing t take it up there with the boat hitched up to it seeing as his extended warranty expires in about 10k miles, at 75k.

 

So the question is, does anyone have any experience with towing a similar load with a similar truck? How does it fare, is the shift really bad, or just feels liek it has more power to the shift?

 

TIA for any help...

 

Tom

[Wingnut]

28' cuddy cabin, with a tandem trailer pushing close to 6k lbs. full. 02 Z71 ex cab pulls it just fine, shifts a little harder in tow/haul mode....But not what you are describing.

 

:werd:

 

I would definately take it to the stealer with the boat in tow.

[Black02Silverado]

28' cuddy cabin, with a tandem trailer pushing close to 6k lbs. full. 02 Z71 ex cab

And I must say that is one sweet boat you have Wingnut. :thumb:  

 

What is it's top speed? Just curious.

 

Now don't get me wrong, not asking because I'm an Amsoil dealer but a new "moneypit" used boat owner, how often do you change your oil?  What powers that beauty?

[cowboy02]

Just out of morbid curiosity..............

 

What in the world do you use a 28' boot for?  Around here it's so dry were lucky we can put a wave runner in the water.

[BlueRado]

Lumberjack94, does it also shift that hard when in tow/haul mode without a load?  Or did I missunderstand?

 

They definitely seem to shift harder in tow/haul mode anyway, but like wingnut said, doesn't seem having a load should make much of a difference there, especially not the way you're describing it.  I'd maybe check another dealer service dept for another opinion.

 

Keep us posted!  

[95whtZR2]

Since I worked at a dealership last summer, and working there again this summer, I got/get a chance to drive the vehicles, and I put it in T/H mode on those trucks and I could definately tell they didn't shift as hard as my dads did (both being without a load) but if you went out on a limb you could say that the shift without T/H on is normal compared to the others. But to answer the question, it doesn't feel a 1/4 as hard without the boat as it does with the boat, so no, it isn't as hard without the boat. I am going back to work in a couple of weeks, and I will make sure that I am there to talk to the manager (owners son) if they feel like screwing over my dad. I am not saying I carry a lot of weight (well I am pretty hefty, but anyway) it is that the manager would probably listen an employee, or employees dad, a little better, or atleast I hope so.

 

I will definately keep ya'll posted.

 

Tom

[Wingnut]

28' cuddy cabin, with a tandem trailer pushing close to 6k lbs. full. 02 Z71 ex cab

And I must say that is one sweet boat you have Wingnut. :thumb:  

 

What is it's top speed? Just curious.

 

Now don't get me wrong, not asking because I'm an Amsoil dealer but a new "moneypit" used boat owner, how often do you change your oil?  What powers that beauty?

Tops out around 65 or so...Depending on the wind, and how many drunk idiots are in there.

 

Oil gets changed two or three times per year. Depending on how many hours get racked up.

 

It's got a Merc 454.

 

As far as what to use a 28' boat for (Cowboy02).....Wakeboarding, skiing, or just cruising around one of the many, many lakes we have within spitting distance of here.....Gets used mostly as an expensive chick magnet.

 

Little advice. Get a puppy. They attract just as many women and don't cost nearly as much as a boat.

 

The cuddy is great, you can get hammered, and can just crash right there. No    and driving for me.