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5.03 truck 3.08 rearend towing 6000 lbs

Arnold_Wagaman
Explorer
Explorer
I am planning on towing a 6000 lb. trailer 3000 miles over the Rockies three times. any one towing with a GM 1500 5.03 motor and a 3.08 rear-end how well will this set up tow?
2014 Silverado 1500 5.3 engine 3.08 axel 6 speed automatic transmission
2015 Arctic Fox 22G
Heaven! My last stop.
20 REPLIES 20

martinto
Explorer
Explorer
I have a 6.2L Yukon with six speed tranny and a 3.42 gear. I use tow mode whenever I pull my TT. Plenty of torque and the 3.42 seems to pull fine in my Smokey Mountain trips. I'm sure a 3.73 or 4.10 would work easier, but the 3.42 isn't a showstopper. I don't know how significant the difference is with a 3.08. I sure like the torque and tow mode with my 6.2L.

therink
Explorer
Explorer
Even if you have the 6 sp transmission, the transmission is going to be the weakest link with that high of axle ratio. It is going to run hot as soon as you push it on hills. Anything above 230f will shorten the life of the trans. If it were me and considering serious Towing like you said I would change to at least 3:73 axle (or axles if 4wd), or change trucks.
Steve Rinker
Rochester, NY
2013 Keystone Sydney 340FBH 5th Wheel, 12,280 lbs loaded (scale)
2015.5 GMC Sierra Denali 3500, SRW, Duramax, CC, Payload 3,700 (sticker- not scaled yet)

Take my posts for what they are, opinions based on my own experiences.

intheburbs
Explorer
Explorer
I pulled a 6500-lb trailer to Yellowstone with an '01 Suburban 1500 5.3, 4-speed transmission and 4.10 axles.

Going up towards Powder River Pass, elevation 9666 ft, the best we could do was first gear and 25 MPH. GCW was ~12,700 lbs.

I would have significant reservations using a 5.3 with the 3.08 rear, UNLESS it's a newer truck and you have a six-speed.
2008 Suburban 2500 3LT 3.73 4X4 "The Beast"
2013 Springdale 303BHS, 8620 lbs
2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali (backup TV, hot rod)
2016 Jeep JKU Sahara in Tank, 3.23 (hers)
2010 Jeep JKU Sahara in Mango Tango PC, 3.73 (his)

APT
Explorer
Explorer
What transmission do you have? The 2009+ GM 6-spd trans isn't so bad. It compares quite well to the prior 4-spd trans with 4.10 that few people complained about 10 years ago.



Performance won't be great, but it should do it. Tow/Haul and M4 should be good. Make sure you have the Z82 HD trailering package or an upgraded aftermarket trans cooler.
A & A parents of DD 2005, DS1 2007, DS2 2009
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)

Pig-Smoker
Explorer
Explorer
Arnold Wagaman wrote:
I am planning on towing a 6000 lb. trailer 3000 miles over the Rockies three times. any one towing with a GM 1500 5.03 motor and a 3.08 rear-end how well will this set up tow?


I think that would be a hard pull. I use to have the same set up and pulling up a little mountain here in Virgina could be a strain. I traded for a 2500HD with a 6.0 and a 410 gear. Pulls a lot easier with less strain on the motor, transmission and rear end. I thinks it is better to have more truck and less camper. Just my opinion I'm sure there will be those who disagree.
2007 2500HD Chevy
2008 28ft Dutchmen

donn0128
Explorer II
Explorer II
Nice passanger car gearing. Terribe towing gearing. Change to maybe 4:10 and you would bengood to go. Remember if this is a 4X4 you will need to change both ends.