Will my truck tow safely in the Smokys?
I have a 2017 Silverado with max towing of 6100lbs, it is a 5.3 w/ 3.08. My TT is 5000 lbs dry. My Truck feels strong enough on flat land but I've never taken it anywhere with a real grade. We'd like ...
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I've got 3.73 gears and a 6 speed trans and I still lock out 6th when towing a #7000 loaded TT.. It's "dry weight" was around #5500 if i recall and I know it's right at it's GVWR of #7000 because I pack heavy and admit it! :)
Anyway, as long as you are not afraid of the higher rpms you will need to get up the grades, and don't feel you need to bomb up the grade at 60+ mph, you should be fine.. Don't use CC and keep it around 50 mph, hold whatever gear keeps you around the 3500-4000 rpm range (about your peak power rpms for your engine) and just stay in the right lane.
Going down hill, shift down, keep the revs about the same as going up. If you find yourself gaining speed, hit the brakes hard, slow down about 10 mph and then LET OFF the brakes.. Let them cool a bit as you gain speed again.. Repeat as needed... The WORST thing to do is ride the brakes lightly to maintain a speed... That will roast the brakes fast and then you will be in a big pile of kimchi...
If you change rear gear ratio, you'll also have to have the comp re-programmed for the new gear set so your shift points and speedo/odo stay calibrated.. Too much to deal with IMO...
If you don't like the performance of the truck after this, then you need to make some decisions and "chose wisely" next time... :)
Good luck!
Anyway, as long as you are not afraid of the higher rpms you will need to get up the grades, and don't feel you need to bomb up the grade at 60+ mph, you should be fine.. Don't use CC and keep it around 50 mph, hold whatever gear keeps you around the 3500-4000 rpm range (about your peak power rpms for your engine) and just stay in the right lane.
Going down hill, shift down, keep the revs about the same as going up. If you find yourself gaining speed, hit the brakes hard, slow down about 10 mph and then LET OFF the brakes.. Let them cool a bit as you gain speed again.. Repeat as needed... The WORST thing to do is ride the brakes lightly to maintain a speed... That will roast the brakes fast and then you will be in a big pile of kimchi...
If you change rear gear ratio, you'll also have to have the comp re-programmed for the new gear set so your shift points and speedo/odo stay calibrated.. Too much to deal with IMO...
If you don't like the performance of the truck after this, then you need to make some decisions and "chose wisely" next time... :)
Good luck!
