Will my truck tow safely in the Smokys?

JIMNLIN wrote:
Is your '17 1500 chevy 5.3 engine 3.08 a 6 or 8 speed tranny.
Either way with the 3.08 gears just drop down another gear and keep the engine in the power band on steep grades.
My wifes '16 1500 chevy 3.42 gears 5.3 engine crew cab 4wd 6 speed tranny does fine for what it is pulling at its 9400 lb tow rating.
A 5k trailer shouldn't be a issue with that model truck even with a 3.08 and a 6 or 8 speed tranny.

It is the 6spd

The important thing is to not test tow 7,000 pounds with a 2500HD. I did and purchased the HD immediately, Much more competent tow vehicle, but like many have said, "You can probably get by with what you have". "Probably" I am currently towing with a half ton, but my trailer is now 5,500 pounds loaded for a trip. It does fine.

Its one trip. Pack light, take your time, and be safe. Dont buy a new truck just for it. I think you will be just fine, your not overkill on the weights at all.

Is your '17 1500 chevy 5.3 engine 3.08 a 6 or 8 speed tranny.
Either way with the 3.08 gears just drop down another gear and keep the engine in the power band on steep grades.
My wifes '16 1500 chevy 3.42 gears 5.3 engine crew cab 4wd 6 speed tranny does fine for what it is pulling at its 9400 lb tow rating.
A 5k trailer shouldn't be a issue with that model truck even with a 3.08 and a 6 or 8 speed tranny.

You're going to feel the pull going up the mountain at Jelico but there are going to be plenty big rigs in the right lane running 45mph. Pull in behind them, take your time and relax. That's the only place that you are really going to feel it. Unless you plan on making the trip frequently, save your money on changing your gear ratio.

I had a 2000 Silverado with 5.7 and 3.73 rear. Pulled a 6500 Gvwr 24ft fifth wheel and pulled fine around here.
I would think that something 17 years newer would have a bit more hp and with the 6 speed trans would work just fine around here.

Save your money re regearing.

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!

thanks for all the feedback everyone!

KD4UPL wrote:
I'd do it. You are likely over the rated tow capacity but that's not a big deal in my opinion. You will be slow up hill with your foot on the floor. That's not unsafe, just annoying. I don't really see a safety issue if your rig is set up correctly with the right hitch.
If you want to keep that truck then changing the gears would go a long way to improving your towing experience. I'd skip the 3.42 and go right for the 3.73 if you go to the trouble and expense of changing.

Thanks I have an anti sway weight distribution hitch from Equal-i-zer. I think I can get the gears installed for about 2k at a local transmission shop. I am not sure a GM dealer would do it if asked.