automatic transmission shifting procedure
Just checking my methodology to see if "all" agrees. I am towing a 5000 lb TT with a 2006 Chevy Trailblazer with the 5.3 vortex v8. I tow in 3rd. When going up a steep hill, I wait until the comput...
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I am kinda curious about your 3,500RPM ceiling as well. I tow with a diesel now and will take my 5.9 right up to 3,400 RPM red line when it is necessary to do so. When I ran gas units for towing I had no qualms about running the gas pots right up to 4,200 to 4,500 RPM depending on the motor being worked. My square bore 400CID Ford wasn't even sweating until 4,000RPM and she still had much more pedal to the floor if I needed it.
I think you should try "being one with your machine" and let the transmission make the decisions for you. If you are going up a mountain just keep the gas pedal down, to the floor if necessary, let the engine work and let the tranny logistics do what they do best. I agree that your 5.3 should NOT be struggling with a paltry 5,000lb trailer unless your are seriously way over weight with cargo, kids, dogs and an SO.
Service your tranny regularly, clean fluids and filters, adjust the bands and so on as required by your service manual and you should be good to go. If you are working the motor hard at, say, 4,200 RPM for an extended period of time, keep an eye on your gauges and react to any over temp situations. If you don't have a tranny temp gauge then get one installed and keep an eye on it.
Cheers!
Mike
I think you should try "being one with your machine" and let the transmission make the decisions for you. If you are going up a mountain just keep the gas pedal down, to the floor if necessary, let the engine work and let the tranny logistics do what they do best. I agree that your 5.3 should NOT be struggling with a paltry 5,000lb trailer unless your are seriously way over weight with cargo, kids, dogs and an SO.
Service your tranny regularly, clean fluids and filters, adjust the bands and so on as required by your service manual and you should be good to go. If you are working the motor hard at, say, 4,200 RPM for an extended period of time, keep an eye on your gauges and react to any over temp situations. If you don't have a tranny temp gauge then get one installed and keep an eye on it.
Cheers!
Mike
