Hauling my trailer

SoCalDesertRider wrote:
What axle ratio does the truck have?

pradousmc wrote:
I have no idea. I dont know anything about vehicles

If you're the owner, and especially if you're towing with it, you should. :R

With the OP not telling us anything specific about the particular truck in question who's to say how capable (or not) it may be negotiating serious upgrades? :h I tow with a 5.3L Avalanche equipped with GM's ubiquitous non-tow friendly 3.42 axle ratio and because it has the older wide ratio 4-spd transmission I always tow our 4500 lb 20' travel trailer in 3rd with Tow / Haul engaged. Towing in Drive even over relatively flat terrain results in too much unintended downshifting and serious upgrades require a downshift to 2nd. Newer GM 1/2 tons that produce even more power, are coupled to a much better narrow ratio 6-speed transmission, and which are equipped with a tow friendly 3.73 axle ratio would do much better. Bottom line - no one can answer the OP's question with any degree of certainty unless more specific information about this particular truck is provided.

pradousmc wrote:
I have a Chevy 1500 with the smaller v8.and was wondering if I would have any issues hauling my Dutchman lite up steep grades ie big bear California, the Sierras? I have hauled it to Silverwood lake with no issues,except going real slow.just dont want to risk it. My trailer weighs approx 4600lbs.

The grades going to Big Bear and Silverwood are very mild.

The Sierra on the other hand, has some very steep grades, especially the eastern side. "The Sierras" is a very big place. Some steep. Some not.

You didn't mention age or condition of your Chevy, but assuming the cooling system is in good condition, I don't think you will have issues pulling 4,600#. You may be in first gear on grades like Sherwin or Conway north of Bishop. Cooling is the critical aspect. Both engine cooling and transmission cooling. If you don't have added transmission cooling, it would be smart to add it.

pradousmc wrote:

SoCalDesertRider wrote:
What axle ratio does the truck have?

I have no idea. I dont know anything about vehicles

On the VIN info sticker, in the driver's door jamb, there should be a code under 'axle'. Someone here can decipher the code, if you post it.

The code, or sometimes the actual ratio, can also be found on the build sheet/sticker, in the glove box door, of some year GM's. My old dually had it there.

A higher number (like 4.10 or 4.56) means a lower ratio, which is better for towing power. Lower ratio means more torque multiplication and higher engine rpms at any given road speed. :)

A lower number (like 3.23 and 3.55), is a higher ratio, which sucks for towing.

Mark and Linda wrote:
You should not have any problems....use the lower gears. As my dad always said, don't lug it down.

Thanks for the great info guys

SoCalDesertRider wrote:
What axle ratio does the truck have?

I have no idea. I dont know anything about vehicles

What axle ratio does the truck have?

You should not have any problems....use the lower gears. As my dad always said, don't lug it down.

I know this isn't your situation but I'm sharing this as more of a worse case scenario. I have a 15,000 lb 5th wheel that I towed with a 1986 Chevy 3500 dually crewcab. It had the 7.4L V8 and 3 speed automatic. On grades like Big Bear, up to Shaver Lake in the sierras and the Grapevine (I-5 south out of Bakersfield) I would have to get down into first gear and travel at 22MPH up the grade. The temperature gauge would come off of normal and hit 200 if it was a hot day but the truck handled the grades.

I often would feed the squirrels as they ran alongside...

I also have a Silverado with a 5,3 V8 6 speed and 3.73 rear end, my trailer is a Shadow Cruiser 195wbs at 4700 loaded.

Expect to down shift to 4th and Rev over 4000 rpm

Take it slow, stay in that range and you'll be ok.

Good luck