Anyone tow with a 2010 Chevy 1500?

[Chappo51282]

I've got a 5.3 LTZ crew cab with a 3.08 rear end. Max towing capacity is 6k which sucks. Looking at a Grey Wolf 23DBH that weighs 5k but would prefer the 26DBH but it weighs 5,600. Not sure I want to push it that much. I'm curious if anyone else on here tows with the same vehicle and how it handles. I've heard the 5.3 is a dog....any info is much appreciated. Not looking to tow more than 2 hrs but don't want to get stuck needing a bigger truck

[Chappo51282]

Thanks for the info. this is exactly what I was looking for. Not sure I'm comfortable running at that high of rpm's given that probably 75% of the places I would be taking it are pretty hilly.

My take away is that the truck will handle it but the ride will not be very pleasant. If it were a second vehicle I would feel different but this is also my daily driver. Looks like I'll hold off until next year and plan to buy a bigger truck as well. I'd rather buy the TT I really want instead of sacrificing features due to my truck

[APT]

The 6-spd with 3.08 axle is a actually better than GM's prior 4-spd with 4.10. You'll have 4 usable towing gears vs. 5 with 3.42. If you decide to tow any high walled trailer, get a high capacity transmission cooler. The 5.3L has plenty of power. It just needs to spin, like 2500RPM+ cruising and 4500rpm climbing hills. If that concept scares you, find a truck with forced induction.

As others have said, no one tows a dry trailer. Expect 1000 pounds more than brochure/web site weights.

Few people will notice any difference between two trailers 600 pounds different. The aerodynamics are what people notice, any high walled RV.

[SouthpawHD]

What year 5.3L? Different years have different performance.

I pulled a 5,500 with my 2015 5.3L and had no issues with the power.

[SoCalDesertRid1]

That 3.08 axle ratio is what's going to kill the towing power. Needs a much deeper ratio. Change to 4.10 minimum. Even lower is better, like 4.88.

[WNYBob]

I have a 2011 Silverado 1500 5.3 LS "work truck" with a tow package & 3.73 rear end. It's a regular cab 8' bed, rated tow just under 10,000.

I pull a 2010 Shadow Cruiser 195WSB (under 20') and scale numbers are all under the truck specs. Axle, payload etc. I just don't have the numbers at my finger tips now.

Now for the real question, by the way I do not have a WDH, how does it handle?

Well OK, the tail does wag a little, and I've run over 4,000 rpm on the hills of PA (we have no mountains in the east). I get about 11 to 12 mpg, while running about 60 to 65. Note trailer tires are 1 yr old and rated at 87 mph. Truck tires are stock size 'E'. I also have added Air Bags for a previous life under a TC, but don't need them to run level with the TT.

IMHO you need a smaller TT or a larger truck, to be happy and not have white knuckles!

[Dannyabear1]

Change rear gears to 3;43, 3;55, or 3;70 and add airbags and transmission cooler

[bikendan]

you're making the #1 Newbie mistake, using fictional "dry" weights.

that trailer's "dry" tongue weight is already over your truck's max hitch weight, before you add battery, water and cargo.

it will easily weigh over 6,000lbs once you add batteries and water.
then add at least another 500lbs. minimum, for cargo.

grey wolf 26dbh specs