Can my truck tow this?
So like any other new person that's bought a travel trailer I probably have put the cart before the horse. So ultimately the question is can I tow this... I have a 2019 GMC Sierra Elevation DC 4x4 w...
Forum Discussion
JRscooby wrote:
Is the engine the only part of the vehicle that takes a strain? Yes, the more verity of ratios in trans is better for engine. Just pulling numbers off the donkey, I don't know what would be real on a RV. If it takes 1000ft/lbs of torque at the wheel to move the load, with 4:1 rearend, the driveshaft is only carrying 250ft/lbs plus friction in rearend. But if the ratio is 2:1 the driveshaft must carry 500ft/lbs plus more friction in the rearend. And that increase in force is also applied to frame, motor mounts and more.
Again, assuming you are within the tow ratings...driveshaft and everything else is designed to handle the strains in both trucks.
Of course, you example is extreme...I've never seen a 2:1 rear end...certainly not put up against a 4:1 rear end in any kind of realistic scenario. With more normal comparative rear ends say 3.55 to 3.73...the extra strain and more importantly, internal friction changes are not that big to where it's likely to have a measurable impact on efficiency or parts failure.
Friction will be different in the rear end but you will get an opposite effect on friction in the transmission...Net effect is likely in the range of a rounding error.
