Advice on model selection for towing

Rozz522 · October 23, 2020

Hi Everyone,

I'm currently driving a 2013 Silverado LT Z71 crew cab with the 5.3L and 6spd transmission with the HD cooling package and towing capacity of 9500lbs. We purchased a travel trailer this past summer with a dry weight of 6200lb and an estimated loaded weight of roughly 8000lbs. When I add in my family of 4, 75lb dog and the truck payload (coolers, firewood, kayaks, etc) we are freighted even with an Andersen WDH. The 5.3L is marginally underpowered on slopes, but more concerning is the transmission consistently running in the 215-225 range. I was planning on a 10 yr replacement but I'm looking to bump that up to the next 6 months and here are the options that I'm kicking around.

Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Standard Bed, 6.2L w/10sp, Max Towing Package

Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Standard Bed, 5.3L w/8sp (or 10sp?), Max Towing Package (same engine with a little higher HP/ft-lbs and more gears)

Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Standard Bed, 3.0L Duramax w/10sp. (ratings seem comparable to current truck but not sure if diesel will be different)

Silverado 2500 Crew Cab Standard Bed, 6.6L gas w/6sp.

If it weren't for the transmission running hot, while not ideal, I think my current truck would be adequate to meet my needs. If I am buying a new truck, I question if the incremental increases of the newer 5.3L/transmission combo would perform that much better than my current truck in terms of power and transmission temperature and justify the upgrade. The diesel is intriguing, but the ratings seem to be quite low. Are there other things to consider when looking that the 1/2 ton diesel? I'm currently leaning toward the 6.2L but again question if the upgrade would be justified when compared with the current 5.3L offerings. Lastly, I am trying to avoid the 3/4 ton due to the limited amount of towing (10-12 trips per year), MPG, ride quality, questions regarding new engine/transmission combo, etc, but given the relatively small cost difference, I'm not sure if I should just suck it up.

Thanks for any input.

econometrics · October 23, 2020

If I was in your shoes, I would get a 6.2L/10sp with the NHT (Max tow). I think that would be the best all-around choice for you.

It will easily tow your loaded up trailer a few times per year
You'll get pretty good gas mileage out of it the rest of the year (20-22 hwy, no problem)
You won't have a massive truck to park, maneuver in u-turns
You'll have better ride quality vs. a 2500
You'll get a better looking truck at the RST/LTZ level

My $0.02.

btj_z71 · October 23, 2020

28 minutes ago, Rozz522 said:

Hi Everyone,

I'm currently driving a 2013 Silverado LT Z71 crew cab with the 5.3L and 6spd transmission with the HD cooling package and towing capacity of 9500lbs. We purchased a travel trailer this past summer with a dry weight of 6200lb and an estimated loaded weight of roughly 8000lbs. When I add in my family of 4, 75lb dog and the truck payload (coolers, firewood, kayaks, etc) we are freighted even with an Andersen WDH. The 5.3L is marginally underpowered on slopes, but more concerning is the transmission consistently running in the 215-225 range. I was planning on a 10 yr replacement but I'm looking to bump that up to the next 6 months and here are the options that I'm kicking around.

Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Standard Bed, 6.2L w/10sp, Max Towing Package

Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Standard Bed, 5.3L w/8sp (or 10sp?), Max Towing Package (same engine with a little higher HP/ft-lbs and more gears)

Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Standard Bed, 3.0L Duramax w/10sp. (ratings seem comparable to current truck but not sure if diesel will be different)

Silverado 2500 Crew Cab Standard Bed, 6.6L gas w/6sp.

If it weren't for the transmission running hot, while not ideal, I think my current truck would be adequate to meet my needs. If I am buying a new truck, I question if the incremental increases of the newer 5.3L/transmission combo would perform that much better than my current truck in terms of power and transmission temperature and justify the upgrade. The diesel is intriguing, but the ratings seem to be quite low. Are there other things to consider when looking that the 1/2 ton diesel? I'm currently leaning toward the 6.2L but again question if the upgrade would be justified when compared with the current 5.3L offerings. Lastly, I am trying to avoid the 3/4 ton due to the limited amount of towing (10-12 trips per year), MPG, ride quality, questions regarding new engine/transmission combo, etc, but given the relatively small cost difference, I'm not sure if I should just suck it up.

Thanks for any input.

Either the 6.2L w/10-speed or 3.0L Duramax w/10-speed.

The 2500 gas V8 is just slightly stronger than the 1500 6.2.

For daily driving, the 3.0L Duramax is the way to go, I really enjoy mine.

aseibel · October 23, 2020

Any of the half-tons will get 8,000 lbs moving. slower than you would like? maybe.

The 6.2 and 5.3 are identical trucks except for the driveline. Even with the diesel, no real improvements to braking or control of your trailer compared to your 2013. The only upgrade would be more gears to match your speed and maybe feel a bit more responsive than your current truck.

you say 10-12 trips per year, how many miles? that's one weekend every month, I would say that's a decent towing demand. Your trailer is approaching the top end of what the 1/2 ton can comfortably do. Sure it works okay, but you are obviously concerned. What if you want to pull a boat or golf cart behind the camper, or add any more equipment, or upgrade the camper in a couple years? only you can guess what the future holds for your camping needs.

I would make the decision based on this: if you only pull it to the next county over, or 1 hour drive up north, then stick with the half-ton you like best. If you pull over mountains, and across country, you would enjoy driving the 2500 more.

Edited October 23, 2020 by aseibel

OnTheReel · October 23, 2020

Well, the other difference is the transmission. You cannot get a 5.3 10 speed and Max Trailering Package in any of the Silverado trim levels.

So if we are going between the 5.3 / 8 speed and 6.2 / 10 speed, the 6.2 /10 is the better combo all around.

That said, even the 5.3 8 speed is much stronger than the one in your 2013 and wouldn’t have any issues. Whichever engine you chose, I would view the Max Trailering Package as a must for the better gearing, improved cooling, and stouter suspension.

aseibel · October 23, 2020

6 minutes ago, OnTheReel said:

Well, the other difference is the transmission.

For sure. I edited my previous to say "driveline".

my point is that all the half-ton trucks weigh the same (relatively), have the same suspension, brakes, etc. So controlling the trailer in a gust of wind, or emergency braking situation is the same. More gears and a bigger engine only help get it moving faster. They don't really improve safety.

Only upgrading to a 2500 will improve on any of that.

Edited October 23, 2020 by aseibel

BossTaco2020 · October 23, 2020

As has been mentioned, I think you're at the upper end of a half-ton. I wouldn't feel safe with that big of a trailer and family in the cab in a 1500, but that's IMO as I'm sure others have no qualms about doing it. A 2500 LT with a 6.6 Duramax would easily pull that load and won't also break the bank. I just priced out that config and got around $61K MSRP before any discounts. That's about $6K more than my LT Trail Boss and a more capable truck for towing.

flyingfool · October 23, 2020

2011-13 2500HD for towing

diyer2 · October 23, 2020

3 hours ago, econometrics said:

If I was in your shoes, I would get a 6.2L/10sp with the NHT (Max tow). I think that would be the best all-around choice for you.

It will easily tow your loaded up trailer a few times per year

You'll get pretty good gas mileage out of it the rest of the year (20-22 hwy, no problem)

You won't have a massive truck to park, maneuver in u-turns

You'll have better ride quality vs. a 2500

You'll get a better looking truck at the RST/LTZ level

My $0.02.

My choice.

LowCountryDenali · October 23, 2020

Recently completed my first tow of 27 ft. Airstream approx 6500 lbs dry weight. My 6.2 with 10 speed purred like a kitten on roundtrip of 611 miles. Avg mpg was 11.5 @ 65 mph on relatively flat terrain with moderate to no wind. Based on your description of your trailer I'd say the 6.2 or the 3.0 Duramax would meet your needs plus some. I read good reviews of the Duramax on this forum.

redwngr · October 23, 2020

I wouldn't be concerned about 215-225F transmission temperatures.

But if you're looking to order/find a 2021 you will get a lot of recommendations for the 10 speed.

MQB Transmission, 10-speed automatic, electronically controlled with overdrive and tow/haul mode. Includes Cruise Grade Braking and Powertrain Grade Braking
On Custom TrailBoss - Included and only available with (L87) 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine.
On LT - Included and only available with (LM2) Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel I6 engine.
On RST and LTZ - Included and only available with (LM2) Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel I6 engine or (L87) 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine.

On LT Trailboss - standard

On HC - Included and only available with 4WD models, (LM2) Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel I6 engine or (L87) 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine.

3.0 is not available on either TrailBoss

The diesels add exhaust braking to the mix, which can make long downgrades less dependent on the service brakes.

Some don't want diesel (3.0L), some don't want to use high test (6.2L).

If you're happy with the current 5.3L, then the 10 speed and the newer 5.3L is likely to do the job even better.

AlaskaErik · October 23, 2020

I have the 6.2L with max trailering and your load would be at the limits for my truck. Forget that fictitious max towing number. It's for bragging rights only. Your real limiting factor is payload capacity. I would not tow 8000 lbs with anything less than the 6.2L with max trailering. The 5.3L is too anemic and payload capacity is insufficient without the max trailering package. But for that heavy of a trailer, I would go 3/4 ton. The drive will be much more pleasant. My trailer is lighter than yours and I overgrossed my 2016 payload capacity and the 5.3L was terrible in the mountains. That's why I now have the 6.2L with max trailering.

UGADawgs · October 24, 2020

It is interesting that the OP feels that the current setup has been working fine, yet everyone online says more truck is needed.

Wife and I are debating a 5500 vs 6500lb TT (both are 27') to take out about 4-8x a year with our 5.3/8sp. Based on reports from quite a few owners, it should be fine. Yet others say they would want more truck. Really don't want to have to buy another truck, use 93oct or diesel. But if this leak keeps coming back or the truck can't handle the towing, we'd be looking at a change. Or sell it all and just go back to tent camping with the Subaru, lol.

Edited October 24, 2020 by UGADawgs

newdude · October 24, 2020

Your payload

Quote

my family of 4, 75lb dog and the truck payload (coolers, firewood, kayaks, etc)

Even a max trailer 5.3 or 6.2, if you figure 10% tongue from the trailer (800lbs) , you are left with 1000lbs +/- 100-200lbs of remaining payload before you even sit in the driver's seat. So just using 1000lbs remaining and some ballpark #s, 200lbs driver, 130lbs passenger, two 100lbs kids and the 75lb dog, that's 605lbs leaving you a balance of 395lbs for coolers, wood, kayaks. That 395lbs will be gone FAST. You can easily hit the payload limit of the truck, and just as easily exceed it.

I would say see what max trailer trucks are payloading at. Perhaps someone that owns one can post their trailer sticker from the door jamb so you have an actual payload # of one. 3.0 Duramax would be out of the question as most of the ones we've sold at work have a payload of 1500-1700lbs. I'm not saying that a max trailer 5.3 or 6.2 can't tow your trailer, I'm just saying that the truck runs the risk of being overloaded really fast and that a 2500hd would be the safer choice.

Edited October 24, 2020 by newdude

newdude · October 24, 2020

2 hours ago, UGADawgs said:

It is interesting that the OP feels that the current setup has been working fine, yet everyone online says more truck is needed.

Wife and I are debating a 5500 vs 6500lb TT (both are 27') to take out about 4-8x a year with our 5.3/8sp. Based on reports from quite a few owners, it should be fine. Yet others say they would want more truck. Really don't want to have to buy another truck, use 93oct or diesel. But if this leak keeps coming back or the truck can't handle the towing, we'd be looking at a change. Or sell it all and just go back to tent camping with the Subaru, lol.

I'm sure its working fine, but he is probably overweight on the payload which isn't good.

Edited October 24, 2020 by newdude