Realistic towing expectations with the 5.3L

UnlimitedMatt · March 2, 2020

1 hour ago, 9c1fanatic said:

Awesome. That does give me some useful perspective. Thank you. Just curious, what is the idea behind switching to 5W30?

I believe it has better heat handling capabilities. I also believe Chevy switched to 0W20 just get better fuel economy.

There is a thread here somewhere discussing oil rating.

9c1fanatic · March 2, 2020

Thanks. And thanks again for sharing your experiences so candidly.

MN1(SW) · March 2, 2020

My 2015 Silverado has the 6-speed, 4x4, 5.3, and the 3.42 gear ratio. When I first bought my camper, I still had the stock tires on it and she pulled just fine. Since then, my truck's gotten heavy duty steel wheels, Nitto 33" E-rated tires, and my speedo recalibrated by BBP. The camper weighs closer to 10,000lbs with all of my junk in it.

My camper is a 2020 Mallard M33,weighs 7600lbs empty, and 37' long overall. I'm using the Camco Recurve R6 WDH and it seems to do a good job, however, I do intend on installing these (SSR-209-40 https://www.supersprings.com/shop/ssr-209-40/) to help the WDH sort things out. I prefer to stay away from airbags and add-a-leaf kits since I regularly take my truck off road and I don't want to lose any of my rear articulation.

All of that said, my hometown is about 5 hours from where I'm currently stationed so when I'm feeling froggy and want to spend some time at home, I pack up the camper and rolll out. I don't typically go over 60~, especially going up and down hills on HWY 98 & HWY 49. I set tow/haul mode when taking off from a red light and turn it off when I get up to speed. The transmission does just fine and I haven't had any issues with it overheating. Since upsizing to my heavy 33" wheels, I've definitely lost a lot of grunt. When the finances are all sorted out, I'd like to switch the front and rear out with 4.10s. I also ditched the removable tow mirrors and got and extendable aftermarket pair (definitely worth the money). Overall, with the exception of acceleration, my truck performs admirably, even with stopping.

Other mods I've done are an AEM CAI, muffler chop, and BBP tune.

huntwyo · March 2, 2020

I think you'll struggle on any hills. Flat? Sure. I have the 6.2 and pull a 5,000 lb travel trailer. Going up our mountain passes here in Wyoming I can definitely feel it back there. Now on flat land that's a different story. I'd make sure if you get one to get a transmission cooler and trailer brake installed if it doesn't come integrated.

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huntwyo · March 2, 2020

My 2015 Silverado has the 6-speed, 4x4, 5.3, and the 3.42 gear ratio. When I first bought my camper, I still had the stock tires on it and she pulled just fine. Since then, my truck's gotten heavy duty steel wheels, Nitto 33" E-rated tires, and my speedo recalibrated by BBP. The camper weighs closer to 10,000lbs with all of my junk in it.

My camper is a 2020 Mallard M33,weighs 7600lbs empty, and 37' long overall. I'm using the Camco Recurve R6 WDH and it seems to do a good job, however, I do intend on installing these (SSR-209-40 https://www.supersprings.com/shop/ssr-209-40/) to help the WDH sort things out. I prefer to stay away from airbags and add-a-leaf kits since I regularly take my truck off road and I don't want to lose any of my rear articulation.

All of that said, my hometown is about 5 hours from where I'm currently stationed so when I'm feeling froggy and want to spend some time at home, I pack up the camper and rolll out. I don't typically go over 60~, especially going up and down hills on HWY 98 & HWY 49. I set tow/haul mode when taking off from a red light and turn it off when I get up to speed. The transmission does just fine and I haven't had any issues with it overheating. Since upsizing to my heavy 33" wheels, I've definitely lost a lot of grunt. When the finances are all sorted out, I'd like to switch the front and rear out with 4.10s. I also ditched the removable tow mirrors and got and extendable aftermarket pair (definitely worth the money). Overall, with the exception of acceleration, my truck performs admirably, even with stopping.

Other mods I've done are an AEM CAI, muffler chop, and BBP tune.

That is a HUGE trailer for a half ton truck. Do you live somewhere flat? I wouldn't dare pull that with my 6.2 with the wind and mountains in Wyoming.

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mpouls1 · March 8, 2020

Do you plan on upgrading your TT in the future? I'd take that into consideration for sure. I tow a 2019 Flagstaff Micro-lite 25BH LB. Not apples to apples and I have the 3.08. It tows fine flat but I have no plans to ever run up and down mountains with it. The next truck I purchase will be a 2500 or 1 ton depending if we upgrade our TT. I prefer an easier towing experience. I added tow mirrors and plan on adding Timbrens and Bilsteins once it warms up to assist as well. It sits pretty level as is when hooked up. Gas mileage averages 9.5mpg and with the 22 gallon tank you have to make more stops. Trans temp runs around 200. I usually tow between 60-65mph. I use an Andersen WDH and it works well and Tekonsha P3 brake controller.

Don't forget about payload as well. Most trucks run out of that before towing capacity.

9c1fanatic · March 24, 2020

I believe Im going to be only getting the 1500 if I can find a max tow so I have more payload wiggle room. Other life factors maybe changing so Im going to keep Silverado HD and even Chevrolet Express 3500 as options when I start shopping (after this covid madness is over).

Edited March 24, 2020 by 9c1fanatic