Forum Discussion

marpel's avatar
marpel
Explorer
Sep 18, 2021

New Truck question(s)

Good day,

As my current truck has reached it's retirement, I am beginning to look at a new vehicle.

We have a relatively small trailer (22' and about 5k lbs loaded) and have been towing it with a GMC Sierra, 6.2L, 6spd, 373. On short trips it has been a fine combo.

However, since the birth of a grand-daughter in Denver Co, we have spent every vacation driving back/forth from BC, Canada, via various interstates, with speed limits at 60/70/80, depending on location. And anticipate this will continue for a good number more years.

Currently, pulling at 63-64-ish, I put it in 5th, as in 6th it will constantly downshift at even the slightest incline/overpass. Much (like 80%) of the route is like this. Of course, up hills/mountains is understandably different.

I am considering going up in size to a 2500 or 3500 with the 6.6L gas, not diesel (may upgrade trailer in future), and am wondering if this would allow pulling in overdrive, rather than in 5th, during those long straight stretches. I am also considering the Ford 7.3 but think it may be a bit overkill for my needs, although it remains an option.

Any other thoughts would also be welcome.

Many thanks,

Marv
Tow Vehicles
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Sep 18, 2021
    5th gear is also an overdrive in that transmission. So you are technically towing in overdrive, just not the highest one.
    You're current engine is rated 420 Hp and 460 lb/ft. The 6.6L is rated 401 HP and 464 lb/ft. So, you're not gaining anything but the power peaks are at a lower RPM which is nice.
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Sep 18, 2021
    The 6.6 GM or 7.3 Ford gassers will still downshift in the same situation. Maybe even more so....less hp same torque and a heavier gross weight truck. Use a lower gear where the tranny won't downshift all the time.
    Now if your going to upgrade to a heavier trailer then a 3/4 tom makes sense.
  • marpel's avatar
    marpel
    Explorer
    Sep 18, 2021
    KD4UPL,

    Thanks for the reply.

    Sorry, I should have been a bit more clear in the first instance. My current truck is ten years old and is rated at 403 hp and 417 lb/ft. Which is why I was curious if the added lb/ft in the 6.6L would resolve the question I posed, or if it would benefit from a higher hp, more than the increase in torque.

    As mentioned, my truck pulls fine for most applications, it's just when we are out on the interstates and extremely long distances that I wish for a wee bit better performance.

    Marv
  • marpel's avatar
    marpel
    Explorer
    Sep 18, 2021
    wing zealot and JIMNLIN,

    I guess you posted while I was replying to KD4UPL.

    I must really not understand trucks and towing. I often read comments about guys towing a zillion pound trailer down the highway at 65+ mph, with little effort. I just presumed the bigger HD truck/motor they describe would pull a small trailer like mine with ease, even at interstate speed.

    I'll have to do some more learning.

    Marv
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Sep 18, 2021
    Why do you care about towing in 6th gear? Those gas engines will be happiest towing in 5th. Pick you speed, 62mpg or 78mph, but 5th gear for the GM engines. One benefit of the 2500 is the larger fuel tank (and range).
  • wowens79's avatar
    wowens79
    Explorer III
    Sep 18, 2021
    While the Peak ho and torque numbers are similar between your 6.2 and the motors in the hd trucks, if you look at the torque curve, you get lots more torque at lower rpms.
    I wa awaiting for the 2020 Chevy hd to come out, but I think Chevy messed up staying with a 6 spd. In all the comparisons, the Ford 7.3 handles loads much better. But if you stick with a similar size trailer, the 7.3 may not be needed, but it’s priced similar to the others.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Sep 18, 2021
    wing_zealot wrote:
    You need something with the 10 speed transmission.


    And then, apples to apples, it will pull in a lower gear as well. Probably 7th 8th or 6th.
    OP don’t fixate on towing in top gear. And fwiw your truck doesn’t give up much at all to any new 3/4 ton gasser for towing power.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Sep 18, 2021
    marpel wrote:
    KD4UPL,

    Thanks for the reply.

    Sorry, I should have been a bit more clear in the first instance. My current truck is ten years old and is rated at 403 hp and 417 lb/ft. Which is why I was curious if the added lb/ft in the 6.6L would resolve the question I posed, or if it would benefit from a higher hp, more than the increase in torque.

    As mentioned, my truck pulls fine for most applications, it's just when we are out on the interstates and extremely long distances that I wish for a wee bit better performance.

    Marv


    Yeah, look at power, and final drive ratio and you’ll see your truck is at the upper end of the scale for gassers. Not far behind the new 3/4 tons

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