Hi all, To those of you with direct experience with these GM trucks.I have a 2013 GMC Sierra SLE with 70K miles on it and a 5.3 L engine with tow package. It has been well maintained it's entire life. Potentially and historically does this vehicle have allot of life left as a tow vehicle? I'm planning a 3 month long trip south and west and trying to decide on using what I have or getting something new or newer. It's rated for 9500 lbs towing and my trailer is 6500 GVW so I have a little cushion on the weight. Thanks.

My experience is that it should have plenty of life left, of course if you are just looking for a reason to purchase a new truck you could consider it over the hill so to speak and go shopping. Every GMC, Chevy, or Cadillac we have ever owned has easily delivered great service beyond 150K miles. Just a few weeks ago our older full size Chevy Express conversion van with the same engine as your truck and 164K miles, transported 6 adults and loads of luggage through Phoenix and Vegas, 110 degree temps, heavy traffic, and she purred on like she just rolled off the assembly line. Typical of all our GMs.Same thing goes for our Silverado HD tow vehicle, it is a bit older than your truck with about the same mileage as it is a dedicated tow rig, I sometimes think of going new, but what for as it easily handles our 10K# TT. Plus it has been paid off for nearly a decade, no need for new unless I go to larger RV.

70K miles, No worry. As long as it has been well maintained you have another 200K to go.

30 years ago, 100k miles was a lot. I think that number is now 200k.

Still good! LS engines last a long time. I would not worry, so many of GM V8 lasting over 200k no issues.

2013 GMC 1500 longevity? | Good Sam Community

18 Replies

free_radical
Explorer
Aug 11, 2019
I have 08 Silverado w 4.8 V8 and mechanicaly its been perfect.
Had to replace one tiny air bag sensor and e brake handle.
If you dont overheat,overrev and dont drive like you stole it,it will last forever.Changing oil and filter on time helps too.
colliehauler
Explorer III
Aug 11, 2019
marcsbigfoot20b27 wrote:
Grit dog wrote:
We did just have a 5.3 go down in a 2012 pickup at under 100k miles.
Dropped a valve or something, haven't seen the diagnosis, but noone could swear one way or another how the truck was used or maintained, since it's had about 5 different primary drivers at least and who knows how many others.
I think it's an anomaly though.

Most likely due to AFM Active Fuel Management aka cylinder deactivation.
Many of us have this disabled in a tune.
The way my mechanic explained it is when the cylinder is deactivated the lifter chatters on the cam causing ware on the cam. He has rebuilt 4 of them for companies around here. He personally bought a Chevrolet truck that had this issue and put in a new motor for his daily driver.
marcsbigfoot20b
Explorer
Aug 10, 2019
Grit dog wrote:
We did just have a 5.3 go down in a 2012 pickup at under 100k miles.
Dropped a valve or something, haven't seen the diagnosis, but noone could swear one way or another how the truck was used or maintained, since it's had about 5 different primary drivers at least and who knows how many others.
I think it's an anomaly though.

Most likely due to AFM Active Fuel Management aka cylinder deactivation.
Many of us have this disabled in a tune.
LanceRKeys
Explorer
Aug 10, 2019
Actually, I can’t remember the last time I had a vehicle that had less than 100,000 miles on it.
LanceRKeys
Explorer
Aug 10, 2019
220,000mi on our 2008 suburban 5.3L yours is fine.
kw_00
Explorer
Aug 10, 2019
Chrisatthebeach wrote:
My brother has 470000 on his.

Wow what engine, year, ect? I am not surprised though. LS engines are really good and durable.
Chrisatthebeach
Explorer
Aug 09, 2019
My brother has 470000 on his.
APT
Explorer
Aug 09, 2019
Search the used classifieds on how many 200k+ mile GM trucks are on the market. I expect many at not low prices since they seem to last when taken care of.

We have 117k miles on 2011 Suburban 6.0L (Similar engine design to your 5.3). I expect to keep it for another 117k miles!
MARK_VANDERBENT
Explorer
Aug 08, 2019
By 2009 suburban has 350,000 miles.
Just decided to put a fresh jasper motor in her for piece of mind.
5.3s are pretty stout!
Grit_dog
Navigator II
Aug 08, 2019
We did just have a 5.3 go down in a 2012 pickup at under 100k miles.
Dropped a valve or something, haven't seen the diagnosis, but noone could swear one way or another how the truck was used or maintained, since it's had about 5 different primary drivers at least and who knows how many others.
I think it's an anomaly though.