Just completed first tow....good and bad!,
As a newby, We just finished our first tow with a 2011 GMC hd 2500 6.0 gas from st louis, mo. to harrington beach campground north of Milwaukee, Ws. Trailer is about 8000 pounds. Trip was about 860 mi...
Forum Discussion
Welcome to the forum !
First, some assumptions
You also said "about 8000 pounds" and always recommend actually going
out and weighing it, as that is the only way to know where you are
in reference to 'your TV's' ratings
What is the GVWR of your trailer and the 'dry' tongue weight ?
Small blocks have come a long ways and the six speed automatics too
Still a small block and not many understand the value of low end torque
Even though the specifications says the torque and HP are near to
being even with big blocks. The difference is that small blocks develop
those torque and HP numbers much higher in the RPM range than a big block
360HP or 268KW @ 5400 and 380ft/lb or 515Nm @ 4200 is close to my
7.4L big block's numbers...but the big block develops those numbers
down in the 1800-2400 rpm range. Your small block's red line is 6000rpm
and my big block's red line is 4800rpm...but the red line is dashed
starting around 4200rpm
Think of a small framed guy turning a crank very fast to attain those
numbers...vs...a brutish guy turning the same crank much slower to
attain those numbers
Six speed automatics are just a close ratio gear box with a double
over drive. Meaning the gear ratios are very close together in order
for the small block to keep spinning in it's best portion of the torque
curve. Many call it the sweet spot
So towing heavy (add some incline and head wind) will have the small
block need every bit of it's power and if the incline/headwind or
your foot demands more...will have the tranny shift down to keep the
small block spinning in it's sweet spot
Key's here are
So to answer your question directly...sounds normal for a small block
towing heavy and going at the speed limit. On that, if ST class tires
note that they are speed rated to a max of 65MPH
Again, suggest you load up as you would go camping and weigh the
setup. Axle by axle. That is the only way to know where you are in
reference to your TV's ratings.
On that, here is a clicky to a site with your TV's ratings:
2011 2500HD Technical specifications
Notice the multitude of variations and the corresponding ratings
On those tow ratigs...note that they are derived from a base or
stripper model. If your TV isn't a base/stripper model, those MTWR's
do not apply. The true MTWR will be less for a fully optioned TV
Plus, they only had one 150lb driver and the tow option.
First, some assumptions
- No engine modifications, tuner, etc
- Stock height and no lift
- Stock tires, LT245/75R17E's or something in the 30" dia range
- Your TV is not over loaded both with what was loaded into/onto it
- That you are withing the ratings of your 2500HD TV
- You have the new six speed automatic (should be stock)
You also said "about 8000 pounds" and always recommend actually going
out and weighing it, as that is the only way to know where you are
in reference to 'your TV's' ratings
What is the GVWR of your trailer and the 'dry' tongue weight ?
Small blocks have come a long ways and the six speed automatics too
Still a small block and not many understand the value of low end torque
Even though the specifications says the torque and HP are near to
being even with big blocks. The difference is that small blocks develop
those torque and HP numbers much higher in the RPM range than a big block
360HP or 268KW @ 5400 and 380ft/lb or 515Nm @ 4200 is close to my
7.4L big block's numbers...but the big block develops those numbers
down in the 1800-2400 rpm range. Your small block's red line is 6000rpm
and my big block's red line is 4800rpm...but the red line is dashed
starting around 4200rpm
Think of a small framed guy turning a crank very fast to attain those
numbers...vs...a brutish guy turning the same crank much slower to
attain those numbers
Six speed automatics are just a close ratio gear box with a double
over drive. Meaning the gear ratios are very close together in order
for the small block to keep spinning in it's best portion of the torque
curve. Many call it the sweet spot
So towing heavy (add some incline and head wind) will have the small
block need every bit of it's power and if the incline/headwind or
your foot demands more...will have the tranny shift down to keep the
small block spinning in it's sweet spot
Key's here are
- Small block
- Speed
- HEAVY
- incline
- headwind
- heavy foot
So to answer your question directly...sounds normal for a small block
towing heavy and going at the speed limit. On that, if ST class tires
note that they are speed rated to a max of 65MPH
Again, suggest you load up as you would go camping and weigh the
setup. Axle by axle. That is the only way to know where you are in
reference to your TV's ratings.
On that, here is a clicky to a site with your TV's ratings:
2011 2500HD Technical specifications
Notice the multitude of variations and the corresponding ratings
On those tow ratigs...note that they are derived from a base or
stripper model. If your TV isn't a base/stripper model, those MTWR's
do not apply. The true MTWR will be less for a fully optioned TV
Plus, they only had one 150lb driver and the tow option.
