Going up hills
I'm new at rv-ing. Just bought a 24' Forest River EVO TT; I have a 2012 Silverado 1500 4WD Crew Cab short box. It has the tow package, Model K10543, 3.08 gear ratio, 5.3L V8. I I'm getting air bags in...
Forum Discussion
ShinerBock wrote:
Okay, that one confused me. How can a 3.08 gear ratio tow like a 3.42 with the same 6 speed transmission gearing being used for both? When using the same transmission gearing(the 2012 GM 6L80 is identical in gearing to the 2014+ 6L90), a 3.42 will always send more torque to the wells than a 3.08... always.
I think it more of the fact that GM increased the power output of the 5.3L from 315hp/335lb-ft in the OP's 2012 to 355hp/383lb-ft in 2014.
I am going to jump to a conclusion here and that mkirsch was comparing axle ratios of vehicles with a 4 speed vs a 6 speed transmission.
Whenever someone states they have a 3.42 axle in a 1/2 ton gas truck the majority of the people jump on the "you need lower axle" band wagon. They need to distinguish between having a 6 speed and a 4 speed.
In all actuality the 3.08 axle with the 6 speed is closer to a 4.10 with a 4 speed than any other axle (3.08 x 4.03 = 12.41 and 4.10 x 3.06 = 12.55) in first gear.
For the OP, towing with the 3.08 I would treat your transmission more like a 4 speed and forget about 5th and 6th. Your 3rd gear is better than the old 4 speed tranny running 3rd gear with a 4.10 axle.
With not having the max tow package you just need to watch your temps like you have been doing and probably maintain your vehicle more frequently.
