camper don wrote:
Owners manual shows two options for the 1500 series 4wd long wheel base:
5.3L V8 (LC9)= axle ratio of 3.08 with max tt weight of 5000 and GCWR of 11,000 lbs.
5.3L V8 = axle ratio of 3.42 with max tt weight of 5500 and GCWR of 11,500 lbs.
Inside your glove box door their should be a label that has a bunch of codes. These are all of the options/features on your truck. GU4 is the 3.08 axle, GU6 is the 3.42 axle. Look for the K5L code to see if you have the HD cooling package (this requires the 3.42).
With that size trailer, even with the 3.08 axle you should be fine, mostly due to the 6 speed transmission.
Years ago we used to tow a 5000# GVWR hybrid travel trailer with a 2005 Suburban that had the 5.3L/3.42 axle/4 speed. The kids were smaller, but with six of us and two dogs I had no problem towing that trailer. I only would use drive for towing (3rd).
With the six speed, even with the 3.08 axle you shouldn't have any issues getting rolling. It will be cruising down the highway were you will have "issues". I would watch your tranny temp gauge (in the driver information center) to figure out what gear you need. I doubt your truck is going to tow in 6th. Maybe in 5th? See how it does and lock it in 4th gear if you have to. You don't want the transmission to be shifting back and forth.
I don't know how the standard truck is set up, but look for a small radiator (heat exchanger) behind your Chevy emblem on the grill. If it is there, that should be your tranny cooler. If there isn't one there, watch your temps and if they spike way over 200F or are consistently over 200F you will want to have a tranny cooler added.
Best of luck...
