2014 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3 Max Tow Package?

[TundraTire]

So I've been told by several dealers that GM is no longer building the 1500 with a max towing package for the 5.3L. If you want the max tow, you must order the 6.2L.

Some 5.3's were built already, but no more.

Anyone know why??

[TundraTire]

APT wrote:
Any aversion to the 6.2L?

No major aversion, other than initial purchase price and the fact it is recommended to use premium fuel.

I'm just trying to maximize my dollar, like anyone would, while trying to buy a truck and camper in the same year.

[Dadoffourgirls]

The order guide indicates that it is no longer available for model year. I am guessing that GM ran out of availability of 9.76" rear axle, (GT4) 3.73 rear axle ratio.

There are some available at dealers.

[APT]

The GMT900 was max tow with the 6.2L only. GM started offering the max tow with 5.3L with K2xx for 2014. Maybe they are taking it away.

Any aversion to the 6.2L?

[ib516]

Just a guess, but probably because they (GM) want to upsell you on the 6.2L as it is a pricey option that likely costs very little more to manufacture.

[1oldtruck]

It might be a Canada kind of thing. I was at the local GMC dealer last weekend looking at the 2014's. They did not have a max tow package in stock with the 5.3L, but I was told they are available.

I have not been able to locate a max tow package with the 5.3L or the 6.2L on any dealer lots.

[TundraTire]

Not confusing anything.

Towing package provides wiring for a brake controller, wiring for the lights, and the hitch.

Max Tow package is same, plus 3.73 gears, auto locking rear diff, factory brake controller, enhanced cooling radiator, revised shock tuning, 9.76 rear axle, heavier duty rear springs and an increase to GAWR.

It used to be available on the 5.3, now it is not, why?

[Redsky]

Don't confuse what GM shows as the max towing with what the truck is going to be able to tow comfortably and safely. I would not tow half the rated amount with either of my GM SUV's as they were not safe in terms of handling and braking with a full tow load or anything close to it.

Same applies to a gas engine that has to be at maximum RPM's every time you hit a hill with the trailer in tow. That gets old real quick for the driver and the passengers. There is also the safety factor when you learn how long it takes to go from 25 MPH to 60 MPH to have a chance of safely merging with freeway traffic and big rigs with your 11,500 lb. trailer and its load in tow. The truck's stock 25-60 time may be an acceptable 8-10 seconds without the trailer and an agonizingly long 20-30 seconds with a trailer load.

This is why the J2807 standard for testing that was developed by the SAE is so important in evaluating the true towing capabilities of a vehicle. My Chevy Tahoe SUV with only me inside could stop in less than 200 feet when traveling at 55 MPH. Add a 3,000 lb. trailer and the stopping distance more than doubled. For me it is important to be able to quickly stop a vehicle with whatever load it is carrying or towing.

[TundraTire]

I see that as well, you can build it on-line, but try ordering it from a dealer. At least here in Canada, we are being told its no longer possible.

[DavisK]

This is from GM's web site:
Rated at 355 HP and 383 lb-ft of torque, the EcoTec 5.3L V8 offers an available class-leading max trailering of 11,500 lbs4 when ordered with the available Max Trailering Package (Double cab, 4x2).