Some comments over the years about the lack of power in a GM 6.0L gas truck.We just left a campground on Rte 33 in W Virginia outside Harrisonburg ... was hauling 3200 lbs of camper, and a 1100 lb trailer with a 560 lbs bike and a buncha sports gear and 'other stuff' ... So, like Truck 5890 + 3200 + 11000 + 560 + 300 + two passengers at 190 + 130 ... 11370 lbs ...2003 6.0L 4x4 X cab SB gas 4 sp auto w/3:73 w/199,880 miles on it ... Read a road grade and thought, Oh, OH ... 9% upgrade for 9 miles -- Truck hauled that puppy like it was born to it - so, sometimes, we all get into the size matters, and gears matter and all that other stuff, and makes me wonder what you all are doing to your trucks to make 'em so weak.This 2003 never blinked, rode it about 40-45 mph with half-throttle due to the curves, and never rose a degree on the engine temp gauge, and raised about an eight higher than normal needle reading on the tranny gauge. So, anyone out there wondering about "wasting" operating money on a "weak engine and high RE ratio" - this set-up works fine, and I get 14 mpg highway and 10-11 towing.I keep hearing 4:10 and six speed etc for hauling - well, then you get engine whine and gas money spilling out your pockets. SO, don't let any one convince you a 6.0L gasser won't do the job ... :) :) :)

Thanks for the report. I have a gasser V10 3.73 and it just keeps working. I sometimes wish it had 4:30's. but that just means it would be turning more RPM's all the time. I see 6.0 GM's pulling heavy all the time. They seem to do just fine.Thanks

The folks who are already convinced that the 6.0L won't do the job... are probably right.Your reported total gross combined was 11,372 pounds. That's how much some folk's trailers alone weigh... empty and dry. Then add the truck, the people, and the cargo, and the gross climbs up to 18-20-22K. That kind of weight on a 9% grade is going to be felt hard with a 6.0, which is otherwise an outstanding power plant up to 17K.I currently own a 6.0/4L80E/4.10, and like the OP, feel that it hauls plenty. But if hauling more than 16K regularly on grades, then it is understandable to be convinced to consider other options.

Try driving a GMC 6.0L powered school bus loaded with kids. Takes a long time to get to 50mph.

I'd sure like to see how some of you would have towed anything from just a generation ago when the top tow rigs were powered by a Chevy 454, or Ford 460.......

I feel the same way when I tow. My rig is typically called a grocery getter, but it's been towing for over 10 years now all up and down the Appalacians, and I've never done a thing other than basic maintenance. I do keep my weights within range, but very close to limits. I drop in second and go up anything I've come across at 45-50mph and 3200rpm. Yet, I still get lured in by the bigger is better syndrome. I find that if I don't read the towing forums I enjoy my rig more. :)

GMC 6.0L Hauls plenty | Good Sam Community

30 Replies

monkey44
Nomad II
Jul 22, 2013
Quote: "A 11370 lb GCWR is nothing to brag about."

Wasn't bragging, just stating a fact - but it also convinced me that this truck is more of a powerhouse than is often stated on here, simply because it did it without huffing and puffing.

So, that shows me it can haul more than that comfortably too. Not trying to 'sell everyone' on the 6.0L - 3:73 just trying to give people some real numbers to work with.

So, the weight at about 6000 lbs here, makes me think this 6.0L will haul a 10k trailer pretty well, as that grade is pretty steep, and most are not that steep (well, Rockies, of course) but still, I'd feel pretty comfortable with a 10k trailer on it. Above that, I'd start thinking a gear reduction or a larger engine or maybe then the diesel ...

Just have seen quite a few mention the 6.0L and 3:73 as weak - and so these numbers show it not quite breathing as hard as some think with a little weight on it. Of course, anyone can say - "so, try it with 15k or 18k" and bog it down ... and to those I'd say - "OK, try your 4:10 or your diesel with 50k ... we can always add imaginary weight and make a case that will hurt a truck.
APT
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
My 6.0L pulls the Suburban + TT like a rag doll, somewhere in the 14k range. 18k seems reasonable for it still. GM sells about 60% of their HD pickups with the 6.0L after 13 years, so it is working very well for GM and the market.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Jul 22, 2013
JIMNLIN wrote:
A 11370 lb GCWR is nothing to brag about.

Folks I see complaining about their small block gas engines are usually in a 2500 truck and are pulling a 10k-12k trailer for a 17k-19k GCWR.

The 6.0 is a stout engine and will be a push over for just 11370 lb GCW.

That is for sure that is what my 33' 5er weighs, I run about 18,500 to 19,250 GCVW, pulling 6% and some 7% grades at 55 mph to 60 mph. I consider my load to be about mid-range as may 5ers run 14,000 to 18,000,less the TV usually running a GCWR of 24,000 to 26,000.
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Jul 22, 2013
A 11370 lb GCWR is nothing to brag about.

Folks I see complaining about their small block gas engines are usually in a 2500 truck and are pulling a 10k-12k trailer for a 17k-19k GCWR.

The 6.0 is a stout engine and will be a push over for just 11370 lb GCW.
monkey44
Nomad II
Jul 22, 2013
Yes, agreed with heavier weights, you'll need more power ... but this post was to let some of you guys out there that talk about the 6.0L truck as a weakling are not accurate.

I know, some trailers are 10k all by themselves, and maybe take more, but my truck didn't even work hard to climb this grade. And, in fact, surprised me because when I saw the 9 miles 9% sign, just briefly I considered dropping the trailer and taking the TC over, then dropping the TC and returning for the trailer.

I don't know why that hit me, I guess because we don't usually see signs like that. SO, it occurred to me the weight - but this truck has always performed well for us so don't know why the thought hit me this time. But, wanted to share it because I had the exact weight and the exact road numbers, which is better than commenting on a "guess the grade and miles" ... this was hard fact numbers and weights - so, thought it is worth sharing.
tragusa3
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
I feel the same way when I tow. My rig is typically called a grocery getter, but it's been towing for over 10 years now all up and down the Appalacians, and I've never done a thing other than basic maintenance. I do keep my weights within range, but very close to limits. I drop in second and go up anything I've come across at 45-50mph and 3200rpm.

Yet, I still get lured in by the bigger is better syndrome. I find that if I don't read the towing forums I enjoy my rig more. :)
Engineer9860
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
I'd sure like to see how some of you would have towed anything from just a generation ago when the top tow rigs were powered by a Chevy 454, or Ford 460.......
john_bet
Explorer II
Jul 22, 2013
Try driving a GMC 6.0L powered school bus loaded with kids. Takes a long time to get to 50mph.
BigToe
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
The folks who are already convinced that the 6.0L won't do the job... are probably right.

Your reported total gross combined was 11,372 pounds. That's how much some folk's trailers alone weigh... empty and dry. Then add the truck, the people, and the cargo, and the gross climbs up to 18-20-22K. That kind of weight on a 9% grade is going to be felt hard with a 6.0, which is otherwise an outstanding power plant up to 17K.

I currently own a 6.0/4L80E/4.10, and like the OP, feel that it hauls plenty. But if hauling more than 16K regularly on grades, then it is understandable to be convinced to consider other options.
jerem0621
Explorer II
Jul 22, 2013
Thanks for the report.

I have a gasser V10 3.73 and it just keeps working. I sometimes wish it had 4:30's. but that just means it would be turning more RPM's all the time.

I see 6.0 GM's pulling heavy all the time. They seem to do just fine.

Thanks

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GMC 6.0L Hauls plenty

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