6.0/3.73/6speed in mountains pulling 8000 lbs

[sportsman16]

I have 2013 suburban 2500 pulling my new Creekside 27 bh which is 8,000 loaded. First trip with this combo over Stevens pass hwy 2 in Washington state. Once the serious climbing started I was 2nd gear at 4500 rpm to hold 45 mph. Transmission temp started at 190 and hit 235 at top of pAss. TranS temp dropped quickly down the other side. I was afraid to move my foot on the gas. Any more throttle and I may have dropped to first. Any less and it would have shifted to third and speed would have lugged. I hear plenty of folks that pull heavier with this combo, how? I always read about letting these engines rev to hit max power, am I doing something wrong? Trams temp of 235 startled me a bit. Is there a better way to approach the pull up the mountain passes ?

[TomG2]

sportsman16 wrote:
I have 2013 suburban 2500 pulling my new Creekside 27 bh which is 8,000 loaded. ......snip......

Is that the real weight and what is the actual total weight? Like others have said, put the transmission in (M)anual mode with tow/haul engaged for maximum control.

Your performance is about typical for what I have experienced with similar equipment and loading. Bet you used a lot of gasoline too. All part of the deal.

[MARK_VANDERBENT]

Those rpms are a normal sweet spot for that engine. 45 mph climbing a mountain with a full load is what I would be at in far right lane with truckers. Some think you need to climb a hill at 70 mph and if not then your truck has a problem. Trans temps seem normal when working. Very proven motor you have along with trans.

[lbrjet]

I don't think your computer would have gone to 1st or 3rd going 45 uphill. The truck did what it is supposed to do and so did you. 235 for a short period is not going to hurt anything at all.

[sail2liv]

Maybe you should make the steep climb at 30-35 mph in the right lane and let the computer do the shifting with tow haul engaged.....I would think there would be some slow trucks you can get behind.....go slow and enjoy the sights as you see a lot more....plus you get to see those who pass you changing blowouts and stopping for gas along with the open bay doors flapping.....good luck, whats the hurry your house is with you.....

[time2roll]

Can you pull the lever and lock in 2nd gear? If so just lock it in and set the cruise control at 42/45 mph to the top. 235 for 15 minutes will not hurt a thing as long as you stay with scheduled maintenance.

[path1]

That doesn't sound right. We go that way often. I don't have any magic I just let the motor and trans do the work. I'd rather be going a slower MPH but rpm's higher because I'm in a lower gear. Than a higher speed and rpm's lower. Higher rpm's equal more fluid (trans, coolant)circulating faster, and getting cooled more by what manufacture put in for cooling. Of course you don't wind it up the rpm's as far as you can. And those people that stop at the top by ski area and idle or shut down everything are doing exactly the opposite of what there rig was designed for IMO. Keep fluids flowing and air coming thru fins on coolers. You don't sound like the "be first one top of hill" type. Let the equipment do the work, that is what it is made for. And of course others on here say that fluid doesn't care what rpm your going and doesn't make a difference.

I leave my driveway in a 2003 with 13,380 pounds in a little 5.4 gasser with over 100,000 miles on it and have no problems. My poor little thing barley gets enough speed at end of on ramp sometimes. It is not a ball of fire by any means, but get the job done.

Many times (during our rainy season) we go over to Fish Lake or Leavenworth area just for the day or couple 3, to get some sun.

Yours equipment new and I've heard (but have not checked out) that many new rigs can run higher temps in trans due to fluid type. Maybe your temps are alright for newer fluids and everything is normal????

I'd do some research on what you describe because there are other places that make Stevens pass look like kiddy's play.