Realistic towing expectations with the 5.3L

[L86 All Terrain]

Personally I don't like to tow with my 6speed 5.3L. It tows fine, but its not strong. Although it would still be a considerable upgrade over a 350 on 3.08's. If I were you I would look for a 5.3L Max tow or 6.2L with the 8 speed trans if you don't want to jump up to a 2500. My 6.2L pulls a lot stronger than my 2500 and gets considerably better economy, but it is less stable and braking is not as effective. The 5.3L makes 100hp more than the 5.7L and more low-end torque, one more gear and shorter FD ratio. I would suggest test driving the potential trucks, take them empty to 70mph and make sure you don't feel vibrations, then pin up to your trailer and drag that for a loop through town to get a feel for it. 

[amxguy1970]

11 hours ago, CamGTP said:

One suggesting I do have is that with whatever truck you get in the K2XX platform, is that you "remove" the factory transmission cooler line thermostat. It's just a simple mod to do. It will help lower transmission temps by 30-40 degrees.

Why would you want to do that? Towing I don't break 200, regular driving stays around 180ish, I wouldn't want to run around with my trans at 140 daily. I saw 230 once but that was crawling up engineer pass in 4 low at 12k feet, maybe then I would want that break in temps. These things are designed for specific fluid viscosity's at particular temps, I can see things not working optimally all the time if you are running around at 140 (that's why they shift hard when cold). Shoot, trying to change the transmission fluid on my fiances Rav4 requires a fluid temp between like 104-114 or something like that so I can only imagine what engineers designed in to these transmissions.

 

OP, same set up you are looking for (5.3, 6 speed & 3.42) and it does great. Brakes are plenty, power is very good and this would fit right in to that trailer weight (it is what they were designed for). Like you I am not a fan of leather so I am enjoying my LT and the front bench has come in handy if you go that route (not to mention the added leg room). Good luck with your search.

 

Tyler

[Donstar]

11 hours ago, 9c1fanatic said:

 

Any of you guys tow a travel trailer with the 5.3L/6L80E/3.42 combo with stock size tires?  What are your impressions good or bad?

 

Two years ago I bought a TT.  It was 22' with 7k gross and 4k dry.   I was concerned how my 4.3/6spd/3.42 would handle such a load based on my online searches. I thought I'd be fine because I pulled a TT in the 80's with much less truck but I was still a little leery.   Based on my experience, I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to pull your trailer with my truck!.  The higher highway speeds will be hard on gas with any truck you choose.  I found much better fuel economy at 60 mph over 70 mph.

 

[9c1fanatic]

16 minutes ago, L86 All Terrain said:

Personally I don't like to tow with my 6speed 5.3L. It tows fine, but its not strong. Although it would still be a considerable upgrade over a 350 on 3.08's. If I were you I would look for a 5.3L Max tow or 6.2L with the 8 speed trans if you don't want to jump up to a 2500. My 6.2L pulls a lot stronger than my 2500 and gets considerably better economy, but it is less stable and braking is not as effective. The 5.3L makes 100hp more than the 5.7L and more low-end torque, one more gear and shorter FD ratio. I would suggest test driving the potential trucks, take them empty to 70mph and make sure you don't feel vibrations, then pin up to your trailer and drag that for a loop through town to get a feel for it. 

Thats a good idea on the test drive.  I am shooting for a NHT truck and im willing to wait for it but they sure are not super common.  I also wouldnt mind having the 6'6" bed either with the crew cab but finding these together will be even harder.

[9c1fanatic]

13 minutes ago, Donstar said:

Two years ago I bought a TT.  It was 22' with 7k gross and 4k dry.   I was concerned how my 4.3/6spd/3.42 would handle such a load based on my online searches. I thought I'd be fine because I pulled a TT in the 80's with much less truck but I was still a little leery.   Based on my experience, I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to pull your trailer with my truck!.  The higher highway speeds will be hard on gas with any truck you choose.  I found much better fuel economy at 60 mph over 70 mph.

 

Thank you, that's very encouraging and what a testament to the 4.3L!  Thats a great engine, and its too bad they dont offer it in more GM vehicles these days.  I usually tow 55-60 but when I get out on I-10 West of San Antonio, the speed limit is 80 and its very difficult not to kick  it up to at 70.

[flyingfool]

just add boost , it covers up all problems while towing , and its cheaper than buying a new truck!

 

I have towed a travel trailer 18 footer,  and also a 20 foot airstream. 

the airstream was my favorite to tow off the hitch, its so damn light and you hardly notice its there...  only problem is the back half wont open up for loading toys, they are missing a huge market at airstream

Edited February 26, 2020 by flyingfool

[YEGbluesilverado]

2016 1500 crew cab 5.3L 4x4 3.42 6 speed, standard bed (1620lbs payload).  Only mods are K&N drop in filter, Elite catch can, Sumosprings, A1auto towing mirrors, and a custom tune.  Going to do the transmission thermostat delete this spring.  I tow a 2016 Lance 1995 (6000lbs gvwr) trailer over the Rockies up here in Alberta, Canada often going to the West coast. The highway to Tofino has a 18% grade at one spot and the truck does great.  Its not passing diesels at will but tows just fine doing 100-105km/h

[NE18]

5.3 6sp 3.42 Does well towing the 3500 GVW RPod 180. Very stable at highway speed, gets 16mpg, and stops well. Transmission will get >200F in stop n go traffic or in the hills of the northeast but usually runs less than 200F. I run tow haul mode in traffic, in a city/town, or going up or down steep hills. I shut off the tow haul on the highway. From a stop or while merging on the highway it will get to speed quickly but it won’t throw you in your seat. It’s a workhorse of a combination and it’ll get the job done. I don’t need a WDH for the rpod but the truck gets bouncy without it. The WDH only moves 80lbs off but it eliminates the bounce. 

 

[NE18]

2 hours ago, YEGbluesilverado said:

2016 1500 crew cab 5.3L 4x4 3.42 6 speed, standard bed (1620lbs payload).  Only mods are K&N drop in filter, Elite catch can, Sumosprings, A1auto towing mirrors, and a custom tune.  Going to do the transmission thermostat delete this spring.  I tow a 2016 Lance 1995 (6000lbs gvwr) trailer over the Rockies up here in Alberta, Canada often going to the West coast. The highway to Tofino has a 18% grade at one spot and the truck does great.  Its not passing diesels at will but tows just fine doing 100-105km/h

How’s the Lance treating you? I’ve been reading up on the brand and just like any other product there’s good and horrible reviews. Looking good!

[Kyleorsini]

I’ve got a double cab with a jayco white hawk 29bh and blue ox wd hitch. 5.3 tows the trailer fine, I know it’s there but there is enough power, haven’t scaled but I know I’m close on weights but a HD truck isn’t in the cards just yet. Buddy has the same truck in a crew and another brand travel trailer couple feet shorter and about the same weight and has gone through the prairies , some grades in British Columbia and the north west USA with 3 kids a wife in the truck he’s close on weights too but made out fine. You ain’t winning any races but the 5.3 is decently capable


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rah7777777]

On my 5.3, 6-speed, 3:42 geared K2, I did a bunch of research on towing a 6k lb trailer and came to 2 conclusions. 
 

#1- use a good weight distribution hitch

 

#2- put a set of $300 air bags on the back

 

then all is good to go...

[Kyleorsini]

Some solid e rated tires helps towing stability too


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[CamGTP]

10 hours ago, amxguy1970 said:

Why would you want to do that? Towing I don't break 200, regular driving stays around 180ish, I wouldn't want to run around with my trans at 140 daily. I saw 230 once but that was crawling up engineer pass in 4 low at 12k feet, maybe then I would want that break in temps. These things are designed for specific fluid viscosity's at particular temps, I can see things not working optimally all the time if you are running around at 140 (that's why they shift hard when cold). Shoot, trying to change the transmission fluid on my fiances Rav4 requires a fluid temp between like 104-114 or something like that so I can only imagine what engineers designed in to these transmissions.

 

 

My 2010 and 2012 trucks did not have the in-line thermostat and never once did it cause a problem because of lower transmission temps. Both trucks had the same 6L80e transmission as my truck with a thermostat.

 

In the summer I was lucky to break 160-170 degrees unless I was beating the piss out of the truck. It would rise and then fall right back into that zone. Winter was always lower than that and still no issue. The 6L80e runs a full synthetic transmission fluid, so the slightly lower temps doesn't make it any worse.

 

If I can stop these newer trucks from running at 190-200 or pushing 210+ with a simple mod I am going to do it.

 

[9c1fanatic]

You guys are awesome.  Love the real world accounts you guys are giving.  Thanks so much!  By the way, YEGbluesilverado, that's an awesome photo!  great looking rigs and what awesome scenery!

[swathdiver]

On 2/25/2020 at 10:40 PM, 9c1fanatic said:

Any of you guys tow a travel trailer with the 5.3L/6L80E/3.42 combo with stock size tires?  What are your impressions good or bad?

You can manually shift to 4th if needs be and spin those LS motors 3,000 to 4,000 rpms all day long while towing.  There's definitely a difference in towing prowess with the lower gears compared with your 3.08s.