Forum Discussion

Mikesr's avatar
Mikesr
Explorer
Mar 26, 2017

Upgrade Suggestions Needed

Towing with a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 6.0 Gas 4x4 with a standard 6.5 ft box. It has the tow package from factory. I've towed 3 different TT's since owning the truck from new. I use an Equlaizer WDH with 10 k head and thousand pound bars. Use a prodigy P3 brake controller. Currently towing an 8000 lb TT with less then 900 lb tongue weight. The truck has a 10.5 K tow rating
Looking to upgrade to a new TT that had a 8400!lb dry weight and right at about a 1000 pound tongue weight.
Planning on a new WDH hitch or a minimal of a bar upgrade but welcome input on that too.
My questions are about the truck. It has the power and drivetrain to handle what I've towed and will be towing, its completely stock and well maintained at or above manufacturers recommended schedules. Never had any engine or transmission problems. 120 K miles from new.
I'd like to get another few years out of this truck, we all know the cost of replacement.
My questions; Should I be upgrading the receiver? Read about a Curtis receiver that's not a butget buster but is it worth it for my situation ? Should I be upgrading my stock original shocks or add air bags ? If so what are the benefits? What about leaf springs ? I never had a desire to upgrade or chip the stock engine over the years, like I said all stock yet. Would I benefit from this type of upgrade? K&N air filter thought too ?
Maybe I know the answers already, If it ain't broke don't fix it right ? I'm just trying to be proactive to get a few more safe years of towing from this good truck.
Thanks for any input or suggestions.
Tow Vehicles
  • campigloo's avatar
    campigloo
    Explorer
    Mar 26, 2017
    I've heard many bad things about washable high flow air filters. More air equals more dirt. As far as suspension, I put Bilsteins on my Ram 2500. Biiiggg improvement. I also added stable loads. If the spring on your truck is predrilled it's s super easy install. If not, take it to a shop. These were also really good and they're inexpensive and mechanically really dumb; no fail. Don't know about your receiver but are they that expensive? Other than that happy travels!!
  • GeoBoy's avatar
    GeoBoy
    Explorer
    Mar 26, 2017
    The GM receivers of that vintage were terrible, replace it. Replace the shocks with Bilstein 4600's. I added a larger transmission cooler in place of the original cooler. Do not use a K&N air filter, stick with the HD stock air filter.
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Mar 26, 2017
    You're only going a little bit heavier so I don't think you will notice much of a difference. The K&N would be a waste of time IMO.

    As to the receiver hitch, Chevy had some bad years on some of their round tube hitches leading to failures. I don't recall the details so some Chevy owners will need to chime in here. Therefore, the Curt receiver might be a worthwhile upgrade.
  • NMDriver's avatar
    NMDriver
    Explorer
    Mar 26, 2017
    What Takeingthe5th said.

    I'd spend my money on comfort and convenience items if I had the money to spend. Maybe tire pressure monitors, back up cameras, 12V converter, 12V cooler, and I love my heated seat cushion/back rest in the winter.

    Opinions will vary, but I would not consider a reusable filter. I tried one and prefer to change filters rather than try to clean and then get the correct amount of spray on the KN or similar reusable filters.

    You might save some money over years of use but the time, effort and piece of mind is better with a replaceable filter for me.

    Almost forgot to mention the Mass Air Sensor. Clean it, the biggest power boost for my old Astro van was after I cleaned the MAS.
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Mar 26, 2017
    Tvov wrote:
    Sounds like your truck is perfectly capable as is, and that you take care of it. I'd tow the new trailer with it first before doing any "upgrades".


    ^^^^ This...Agree completely ^^^^
  • TakingThe5th's avatar
    TakingThe5th
    Explorer
    Mar 26, 2017
    You say you are good with maintenance. Your truck is getting older and you are going to work it harder. Your maintenance should go from good to better. Spend some extra time on the cooling system, making sure the system is flushed, the hoses and belts are good, etc. Shocks? Maybe, but do you have any worn steering parts? Bearings and tires OK?

    Get close up and have a good look at everything. In my mind a sweet running old truck can be like an old friend. Take care of it's heightened needs and you will still be friends.
  • Tvov's avatar
    Tvov
    Explorer II
    Mar 26, 2017
    Sounds like your truck is perfectly capable as is, and that you take care of it. I'd tow the new trailer with it first before doing any "upgrades".
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Mar 26, 2017
    The only change I would consider might be a cat back free flowing exhaust. You really wouldn't see any difference changing the receiver.

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