2014 Silverado 3.42 or 3.73
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Jan-19-2014 08:44 AM
Now that we are in a world of much higher power from the same 5.3 and things like 6 speed transmissions, I'm not sure what I really need? The issue is that trucks on the lot are typically rate at 9500lbs. with the 5.3/3.43 combo, and every dealer has a pile of them. The upgrade is the Max tow package with the 3.73 and roughly an additional ton of rating. The package is overpriced for what you get, and it's pretty rare. Bottom line is, what can I expect when pulling 7K or so, with the 3.43?
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Jan-20-2014 12:42 PM
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Jan-20-2014 05:52 AM
2021 GMC Sierra SLE (6.6L V-8, 3.73 rear gear)
2018 Coachmen Freedom Express 279RLDS
Reese W/D & HP DC
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Jan-20-2014 05:41 AM
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Jan-19-2014 08:53 PM
owenssailor wrote:
We have the 2012 Silverado 1500 5.3 6 spd 3:42 Towing a trailer 30 ft overall weighing 6500 lb when travelling (5400 lb dry). The truck handles the trailer very well. So far we have travelled Ont to the east coast, Ont to Florida and nw Ont to New Orleans to Tucson Az.
I always use toe haul ( and turn on headlights) when towing. I let the transmission choose the gear. When in tow haul the engine braking feature does work - the transmission shifts down to a lower gear to hold the speed on steep downhills.
We get about 10 MPG / US gallon when towing.
The 2014 has some more power than my 2012.
I hope my experience helps.
Same experience here.
We tow a 7,200 pound trailer (loaded) with a 2013 5.3, 3.42 Silverado and it is fine. We have towed it though the Smoky Mountains as well as the hills of southern Indiana and Kentucky, and it has actually done BETTER than I expected!
2014 RAM 2500 6.4L HEMI
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Jan-19-2014 08:23 PM
I always use tow haul ( and turn on headlights) when towing. I let the transmission choose the gear. When in tow haul the engine braking feature does work - the transmission shifts down to a lower gear to hold the speed on steep downhills.
We get about 10 MPG / US gallon when towing.
The 2014 has some more power than my 2012.
I hope my experience helps.
2012 Chev Silverado Crew Cab 5.3 6 spd 3.42 (sold)
2017 Chev Silverado Crew Cab 5.3 8 spd 3.42
Equal-i-Zer 1400/14000
RotoChocks
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Jan-19-2014 06:54 PM
09 SuperDuty Crew Cab 6.8L/4.10(The Black Pearl)
06 Keystone Hornet 29 RLS/(The Cracker Cabana)
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Jan-19-2014 12:50 PM
romore wrote:
You will be sorely disappointed with the power and fuel mileage, the 5.3 will be barely enough with the lower gears pulling that trailer. You are pushing the limits, it is at the top end of the range for a 1500. We made that mistake with our first combo, it took all the fun out of rving particularly on steep grades.
Not true. Get the 3.73 and go have fun. I feel this will be a great combo. I tow a similar weight TT and have no issues even with an older truck with 4spd tranny.
2013 CrossRoads Sunset Trail Super Lite 250RB
2-2012 Yamaha VX Deluxe
2012 Toyota Highlander
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Jan-19-2014 11:19 AM
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Jan-19-2014 11:09 AM
romore wrote:
You will be sorely disappointed with the power and fuel mileage, the 5.3 will be barely enough with the lower gears pulling that trailer. You are pushing the limits, it is at the top end of the range for a 1500. We made that mistake with our first combo, it took all the fun out of rving particularly on steep grades.
I could not disagree more. The 2014 5.3L has almost identical power to my 6.0L and similar gear ratios. My TT has a yellow sticker weight of 5500 pounds, so I estimate loaded at 6500-7000 pounds depending on what trip we are on. My truck tow my TT easily and so would a 2014 half ton 5.3L with either axle.
I always recommend the shortest axle ratio. There is no measurable difference in fuel consumption, but always a noticeable power difference. But the 3.42 is plenty for that TT. Use Tow/Haul mode, and M5.
6-spd with 3.08 is very close to the old 4-spd with 4.10 axle. 3.42 more like 4.56.
2011 Suburban 2500 6.0L 3.73 pulling 2011 Heartland North Trail 28BRS
2017 Subaru Outback 3.6R
2x 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV (Gray and Black Twins)
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Jan-19-2014 09:49 AM
2003 Chevrolet 2500 4x4 Suburban 8.1L 4.10's
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Jan-19-2014 09:49 AM
If you can live with towing and torque power using the middle ratio provided option then that could be the best of both worlds. On my 2010 F150 Truck I use the 3:73 gears and for my 4200lb non-wind resistant POPUP trailer load I almost get the same gas mileage whether I am pulling my trailer or not...
I agree with the other post on here That you are probably on the bottom end of the towing capability (Need a bigger truck). The old school says 7500lbs max for 1/2-ton guys but there are now exceptions to this rule it seems. I'll still go with the old school haha...
Roy Ken
Roy - Carolyn
RETIRED DOAF/DON/DOD/CONTR RADIO TECH (42yrs)
K9PHT (Since 1957) 146.52M
2010 F150, 5.4,3:73 Gears,SCab
2008 Starcraft 14RT EU2000i GEN
2005 Flagstaff 8528RESS
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Jan-19-2014 09:29 AM