A 15 series truck will generally speaking, not have what could be the need for 2000-3000 lbs of payload. 6-8k of trailer is upwards of 1200lbs for hitch. 2 large dogs....my two salutes were 150 each with crates. 2 adults...except and I are 450 lbs. 2 kids......mommy daddy can we bring 2 friends.....now you are a family of 6. We were 1200-1300+ when I had 4 adult sized teen kids.
Anyway, I had a 9200 gvwr sw 3500 usually running down the road at 9000-9500 lbs with 6500-7000 on trailer axles. 2500-3000 lbs of people etc in truck!
Any current gas motor will move you better than a 454. I had a couple of 454's. Decent motors. Tranny options sucked.
My 02 on this from my experience.
Marty
