Forum Discussion

mikeinaz's avatar
mikeinaz
Explorer
Oct 19, 2014

How does the new Silverado tow w/ the 5.3L?

I have been toying with the idea of getting a truck lately. I currently have a newer Dodge Durango and it fits our family perfect on a day to day basis (3rd vehicle) for running kids and travel. It has the HEMI in it and pulls ok but I am at my limit on payload (1200) and I think its geared high in the rear end as well. We love the ride, ease of parking and seating for 7 plus its got all the bells and whistles. My TT is 6000lbs loaded and is 26' long. I pull it fine (except for the steepest grades) but due its short wheelbase, the TV does get a bit of sway.

I stopped into the Chevy dealer yesterday and they are clearing out the 14's w/ some good prices. They had a 1500 w/ the 5.3, Z-71 option, 4x4. Its only a 1LT trim model but has the dealer installed lift package and big wheels and tires. Looks great! Payload was over 1700lbs as well. It does not have all the bells and whistles on it but wondering how well this setup tows? Got about the same hp/tq as my Durango. WHat size rear ends are on these? I could not find much out from the sales person. Does a lifted truck hurt towing or is it more susceptible to sway? Looking for some input in a world I don't know much about. Trucks. LOL. I know we would be giving up a lot of the niceties we currently have and some drivability but gas mileage was about as good as our TV(guessing 2-3 mpg less w/ the larger tires). Just looking to see what those w/ experience think of this setup. Thanks!
Tow Vehicles
  • mikeinaz's avatar
    mikeinaz
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2014
    ordually wrote:
    GM puts really deep gearing into the 6 (and now 8) speed transmissions, so to make it apples-apples you'd need to compare the overall ratio (1st gear * rear axle), plus tire size differences to get an idea. Your Durango with the 6 speed has only a 3.00:1 first gear and a huge drop to 2nd at 1.67 and mostly nothing third at 1.50.

    I'd expect a GM 5.3L would a big improvement in take off performance, and overall a much better suited powertrain to towing.

    That said, it might be some of sway could be remedied with some hitch adjustments on your Durango.

    Ord.

    Wow, that sounds like some soft gearing in my TV huh? Its a dog off the line and its close to 400hp! I knew it had to be geared high. So is the 3.41 like the Silverado has a good middle of the road gear w/ regard to gas mileage and towing? I know some folks have some pretty low gear ratios but its a dedicated TV to them. For me I still want to get decent mileage if I am not towing, which is 98% of the time. Guessing this look I like on this particular truck is not conducive to the best mileage either w/ the lift and bigger tires. Thanks for the great info.
  • ordually's avatar
    ordually
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2014
    GM puts really deep gearing into the 6 (and now 8) speed transmissions, so to make it apples-apples you'd need to compare the overall ratio (1st gear * rear axle), plus tire size differences to get an idea. Your Durango with the 6 speed has only a 3.00:1 first gear and a huge drop to 2nd at 1.67 and mostly nothing third at 1.50.

    I'd expect a GM 5.3L would a big improvement in take off performance, and overall a much better suited powertrain to towing.

    That said, it might be some of sway could be remedied with some hitch adjustments on your Durango.

    Ord.
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2014
    The 2014 GM 5.3L has about the same power as my HD 6.0L in a lighter truck. It should pull well. 3.42 is probably the axle ratio which is fine with the 6-spd trans. Expect a lot of towing in 4th and 5th gears.
  • ktosv's avatar
    ktosv
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2014
    The new 5.3L has more HP and more Torque than the 6L in my van. My trailer has a loaded axle weight of about 6800#. In my opinion, my van tows fine. It is more than content to run in 5th gear and the lowest gear I have needed on the hills is 4th.
  • mikeinaz's avatar
    mikeinaz
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2014
    ktosv wrote:
    mikeinaz wrote:
    I found out it has a 3.41 rear in it.


    Terryallan wrote:
    Doubt it will tow any better than the Dodge with that high gear, and taller tires. Maybe not as good.


    What axle ratio and transmission does your Durango have? You have to remember that the GM 6 speed with 3.42 is better than the old 4 speeds and 4.10 axle.

    If your trailer is really 6000# loaded it should do a fine job of towing.


    Ive also got a 6speed. Sorry I forgot to mention that. Not sure of my gear ratio but its not ideal. You have to stomp on it to get it moving (even not towing) and Ive helped it out w/ a reprogram of the ECU and a CAI. It tows fine like I said for the 8-10 trips we make a year. I know a big truck is not as practical as what I have but my emotional side is coming through I guess.
  • ktosv's avatar
    ktosv
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2014
    mikeinaz wrote:
    I found out it has a 3.41 rear in it.


    Terryallan wrote:
    Doubt it will tow any better than the Dodge with that high gear, and taller tires. Maybe not as good.


    What axle ratio and transmission does your Durango have? You have to remember that the GM 6 speed with 3.42 is better than the old 4 speeds and 4.10 axle.

    If your trailer is really 6000# loaded it should do a fine job of towing.
  • Terryallan's avatar
    Terryallan
    Explorer II
    Oct 20, 2014
    Doubt it will tow any better than the Dodge with that high gear, and taller tires. Maybe not as good.

    Adjust your hitch. You should be able to get rid of the sway.
  • Bagger97's avatar
    Bagger97
    Explorer
    Oct 19, 2014
    Larger tires will change the effective ratio to a much lower number (3.08) depending on how much taller they are. I have an 11 GMC Sierra and it tows fine with stock tires.

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