2014 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3 Max Tow Package?
So I've been told by several dealers that GM is no longer building the 1500 with a max towing package for the 5.3L. If you want the max tow, you must order the 6.2L. Some 5.3's were built already,...
Forum Discussion
Don't confuse what GM shows as the max towing with what the truck is going to be able to tow comfortably and safely. I would not tow half the rated amount with either of my GM SUV's as they were not safe in terms of handling and braking with a full tow load or anything close to it.
Same applies to a gas engine that has to be at maximum RPM's every time you hit a hill with the trailer in tow. That gets old real quick for the driver and the passengers. There is also the safety factor when you learn how long it takes to go from 25 MPH to 60 MPH to have a chance of safely merging with freeway traffic and big rigs with your 11,500 lb. trailer and its load in tow. The truck's stock 25-60 time may be an acceptable 8-10 seconds without the trailer and an agonizingly long 20-30 seconds with a trailer load.
This is why the J2807 standard for testing that was developed by the SAE is so important in evaluating the true towing capabilities of a vehicle. My Chevy Tahoe SUV with only me inside could stop in less than 200 feet when traveling at 55 MPH. Add a 3,000 lb. trailer and the stopping distance more than doubled. For me it is important to be able to quickly stop a vehicle with whatever load it is carrying or towing.
Same applies to a gas engine that has to be at maximum RPM's every time you hit a hill with the trailer in tow. That gets old real quick for the driver and the passengers. There is also the safety factor when you learn how long it takes to go from 25 MPH to 60 MPH to have a chance of safely merging with freeway traffic and big rigs with your 11,500 lb. trailer and its load in tow. The truck's stock 25-60 time may be an acceptable 8-10 seconds without the trailer and an agonizingly long 20-30 seconds with a trailer load.
This is why the J2807 standard for testing that was developed by the SAE is so important in evaluating the true towing capabilities of a vehicle. My Chevy Tahoe SUV with only me inside could stop in less than 200 feet when traveling at 55 MPH. Add a 3,000 lb. trailer and the stopping distance more than doubled. For me it is important to be able to quickly stop a vehicle with whatever load it is carrying or towing.
