Towing Bullet 22

I'm guessing this is another case of someone who just isn't used to what a hard working engine sounds like.

Without a load, most of us drive around at minimal RPMs and it makes us think anything higher is bad. It's not. You can use your RPM range without hurting the engine. They're designed for it.

As mentioned, find out where your engine produces it's torque and use it. Most of these 5.3s make their torque at higher RPMs. It's not bad. It just is.

I think you're fine. Swapping gears is very expensive and you'll not notice much gain from it

My '08 Silverado with 5.3 had a 3.73 diff and still annoyed me with the downshifting and revving, even on overpasses in Louisiana. One trip to Colorado convinced me that something had to change. LOVE my Ecoboost! Rarely does it ever need to shift below 4th gear or rev above 2800 rpm.

IF you want to never exceed 3000rpm for example, you need a vehicle that has significantly more power under that. A Big block or forced induction will do that, like Ford's Ecoboost or a diesel. If you have 2WD, change the gearing to 4.10 for $500 and see if you like it. Otherwise, save your $ for a more capable truck.

Not true per se'

I have the 4.3 vortec 6 cylinder in my old 96 s10.. This truck has 3:73 gears. I only have 190 HP and 250 ft lbs of torgue..

The funny thing with these 4.3' is they make all the torgue at 2800 RPMs. This is why I can pull the 4400 lbs camper I have.. Not saying im winning races, but I can get going pretty good.

Torgue converter locks in and all is good and truck runs cool. Its when the TC unlocks then things may run a little hotter, but by that time im over the hill and it cools down quite fast. Trans temps never pass 190f and enginge temps the same.

65 in third im right at power band 2800 rpm..


Now as stated the OP's truck at 4000 rmp making all the power may sound like the truck is screaming... This is just what it is for the higher reving motors. Most gasers are like this..

As stated a diesal will net you lower rpm's and max torgue.

I would be more concerned with your trans temps and engine temps..

Thanks again for all the input. This is exactly what I needed to help me make my decision.

My Avalanche is 5.3 but it has the 3.73 gears. My Bullet is 28' (actually longer when measured) and weighs 5200 lbs dry. I usually tow with only me and DW, so we are not loaded up much. Most of my towing is either flat or gentle rolling terrain, so the Avy pulls fairly well without having to get down into the real high RPM range. I have not towed in mountainous areas as of yet, and will porbably avoid those areas so I don't tax the drivetrain.

If you better define drive the heck out of it and mash the gas, we can make better recommendations. What is your cruising engine speed on flat ground and what does the engine turn on these hills? Your engine makes its peak torque over 4000rpm. Lower gearing/higher axle ratio will help get and keep the engine there, but you still need to understand how much that will help. You won't suddenly be able to tow at 2000rpm up mountains.


Towing any high walled RV is hard work just to pull two sheets of plywood through the air at 65mph. You should be towing in 3rd gear most of the time and with tow/haul mode. Hills/overpasses will drop speed. When I had a similar powertrain, I let the vehicle speed drop to about 55mph before I downshifted to second gear, which would be 3800rpm. And that's was with 3.73 axle. You have two accelerating gears and one cruising gear. The truck will do it all day long. You as a driver may not like it, so changing gears may not be satisfactory. IF you want to never exceed 3000rpm for example, you need a vehicle that has significantly more power under that. A Big block or forced induction will do that, like Ford's Ecoboost or a diesel. If you have 2WD, change the gearing to 4.10 for $500 and see if you like it. Otherwise, save your $ for a more capable truck.

Thank you all for responding. I hear what you are saying. I know I am limited due to the small engine to start with. I was hoping lowering the gear would result in a bit more torque. I usually travel between 60 and 65 MPH in D. I am planing a trip to Branson, Mo. in July (650 miles) and not looking forward to having to "mash the gas" so hard all the way.

That trailer is 4600 lbs... dont know whats in it but chevy states 6700 ,,
That trailer has 1800 cap... So thats 7 K...

500 lb TW and IMO your at your limit...

Its just going to be that type of ride and use the torque band as stated... Tow in drive and use tow haul mode....

Ummm Chevy states a 1000 lbs tow difference with the different gears...6700 vs 7700

I would not doo it.... meaning a gear change..

I have to drive the heck out of it in hills.

What does that mean? High rpm? Youll do the same with 3"73

Mickey_D wrote:
I had a 2005 Sierra CC 5.3 and it pulled remarkably well. You did have to let it rev and just lock out the OD but we pulled way too much (12K plus pound plus utility trailer with brakes) and it never overheated or felt totally underpowered. The one thing that it was not was fast, so limiting towing to 55-60 was a good idea. I would not worry about swapping gears unless it just does not want to start moving, just lock it out of OD and don't worry about running it around 3000 rpm.

Before changing the rear end.

lock out OD as mentioned above & find out what your max torque is at what RPM & stay there when pulling grades.