How to improve towing for 2007 Chevy 2500 HD Duramax

[sabinazeeb]

Hi,
I own a 2007 Chevy Classic, 2500 HD Allison Duramax, 6.6L V8 Turbo, with full tow package, 3.73 rear axel ratio, short bed, extended cab - towing capacity for a 5th wheel/gooseneck is 15,400lb. I am towing 5thwheel and goosneck horse trailer, both around 12,500 GVWR, and have in general no problems. I was still wondering if I can improve safety and stability, and maybe even have a smoother ride with upgrades like:
Ride-Rite air bag helper springs?
Air Cell load support kit?
stronger struts?
Added spring leafs?
Performance enhacing custom tune like "balck bear"?
Anything else recommended?

Thanks a lot
Sabine

[N-Trouble]

mabynack wrote:
I would avoid a tuner. I used one on my 2005 Ford Diesel and ended up blowing a head gasket from the increased cylinder pressures. The added mileage and power were nice, but not worth the $8000 repair bill.

Apples/oranges... OP has a reliable Dmax. I wouldnt use your experience with THE most flawed modern diesel motor from Ford. Its well known the 6.0 PS is a bastard child.

[DustyR]

N-Trouble wrote:
A mild "heavy tow" tune from one of the reputable Duramax EFI live tuners will do wonders. Don't believe all the naysayers who say it will just ruin your truck. Simply not true... If you want to inquire more head over to the Duramax forum.

X-2

Check this link out. This is the way I went with my 2008 Duramax and haven't looked back.

Click

I like the air ride suspension setup in conjunction with the on-board compressor and ride height compensation.

[RDS33]

I have about the same truck as the OP, except mine is a crew cab. My fifthwheel is a little heaver.
changes I have made:
Firestone air bags. I run them at 30 psi that levels the truck and keeps the lights on the road at night. Ride is better with them.
Glide ride pin box helped the ride. The trailer did not cause as much movement of the truck when on the road.
Bilstein shocks helped, but the old shocks were getting weak.
The truck had an Edge tuner on it when I got it, I would not have bought it other wise. I like it for the gauges. I use exhaust gas temp, gear, boost.
The biggest advantage of getting a tune would be to get an exhaust brake as part of that.
However there is a trick to get an exhaust brake on and LBZ with a switch. It works on most LBZs and cost only a few dollars for some pins, wire and switch. I just sad it did not work on mine.

[Me_Again]

"ALLISON 1000 STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
The Allison's obvious strength is its robust size, as the 1000 series transmission is designated for medium duty applications. Intuitively, this demonstrates that the transmission is inherently sufficient for class 3 and 4 GMC/Chevrolet pickups. The six speed model also has dual overdrives, with the second overdrive ratio being rather high. This allows for low engine speeds at cruising rpm and ultimately opportunities for significantly reduced fuel consumption in relative terms.
The Allison is not without a few weaknesses, which include insufficient lubrication to the C3 clutch and the off-center engagement of the C1 and C2 clutches. Low fluid flow to the C3 clutch has been known to be a leading cause of premature failure in the Allison, although it's not generally a cause for concern and there exists no phenomenon of widespread failures as a result of this issue. The C1 and C2 clutch pistons engage their respective clutch systems from the side (off-center), which typically causes uneven wear on these clutch packs. Again, the problem is frequently noted during transmission rebuilds, but has not been largely attributed to premature transmission failure.
A common occurrence for Duramax owners who chose to install aftermarket tuners/programmers (for performance improvements) is experiencing the transmission's "limp mode". This is a safety feature built into the Allison's programming which locks the transmission in 3rd gear if rapid or excessive slippage is detected. The concept is to protect the owner from being stranded as the result of serious transmissions problems, as the system identifies the slippage as abnormal and possibly a sign of severe problems. When this occurs, owners will experience a significant decrease in engine performance and reduced vehicle speed (performance and ratio limited)."

http://duramaxhub.com/allison-transmission.html

[Grit_dog]

mabynack wrote:
I would avoid a tuner. I used one on my 2005 Ford Diesel and ended up blowing a head gasket from the increased cylinder pressures. The added mileage and power were nice, but not worth the $8000 repair bill.

Yeah but your truck would have likely lifted the head gasket stock, so not a fair comparison.
That's why you can buy 2 6.0s for the price of one good Duraamax now, lol!

[Grit_dog]

sabinazeeb wrote:
Thanks, nice to know the real axel rating.
I thought it could handle quite a bit more than the door sticker says. Door sticker= stock tire rating it appears.
I guess I stay away from the tunes for right now,vdont fix what ain't broken.
Need the bigger tires, so if my stock rims take it, I may go to the 285/75/16

If you are worried about the rim width, I'm not, have had 285s on PYO wheels before, but look for a set of Dodge 8 lug takeoff wheels. Having balloon tires on narrow rims wouldn't be my first choice for towing heavy.
The 3rd gen HD truck alloy wheels are 17x8 and are a direct bolt up to your truck, even the GM hubcaps fit. And they look much nicer IMO. Put a set on my 02 Dmax. Really sets the truck off too IMO.
Actually any Ram wheels up to current model up year will work and you can find takeoff wheels with new tires for less than a set of new tires.
And you can still sell someone looking to upgrade his truck your old wheels to offset part of the cost.

[mabynack]

I would avoid a tuner. I used one on my 2005 Ford Diesel and ended up blowing a head gasket from the increased cylinder pressures. The added mileage and power were nice, but not worth the $8000 repair bill.

[sabinazeeb]

Thanks, nice to know the real axel rating.
I thought it could handle quite a bit more than the door sticker says. Door sticker= stock tire rating it appears.
I guess I stay away from the tunes for right now,vdont fix what ain't broken.
Need the bigger tires, so if my stock rims take it, I may go to the 285/75/16

[Grit_dog]

sabinazeeb wrote:
Regarding tunes - I have to admit, I don't understand it at all. Besides that you need a reputable person doing it. What does it improve? Pulling power? Speed? Both are not my issue.
My main issue is pin weight on the horse trailer - 3 horse slant with living quarters. Bought it used, have a large 5th-wheel, and no issue with pin weight there. But I found out, goosnecks are leveled differently...Just got Sumo Springs today (SuperSprings;front and rear) today. Looking into tire upgrade next.
Does anybody know what the rear axle and bearings can actually carry (besides the sticker weight)?
Thanks Sabine

If you can operate a toaster you can install box tuners or programmers. But your not looking for mo power anyway. Yes most will increase power significantly and mileage a little maybe depending on the tune and how you drive.
Your truck has an AAM 11.5" rear diff. Mfg rating is around 9-10klbs. You'll be far over any tire rating unless you step up to 19.5" wheels and load F-H tires before you get near the real axle weight rating.

[CampingN_C_]

sabinazeeb wrote:

Me Again wrote:

racer4 wrote:
You can put larger tires on it. 265 instead on 245, same as the 2007 3500 came with.

Lots of people use air bags to level the truck, if needed.

I have a 2007 GMC Sierra Classic 2500HD and I did put on the same size tires as a 3500HD.

It will be gone soon.:(

Works well when you use the proper wider rims like the 3500 came with. Putting 265 on the stock 6.5 wide rims is not wise, as the sidewall really roll in. On my 2001 RAM it came with optional LT265/75R16's on 8" wide rims.

Chris

I just got a quote on stronger tires (not all E load tires are created equal...) 265/75/R16 AND 285/75/R16; they are both supposed to fit on my rims. The 285 (Toyo - 3,750lb) need a leveling kit.
Do you think that they missinformed me about my rims? This is a place that upgrades trucks (for work trucks ond toys...) I have 245/75/R16 from factory (only option Chevy put on there) Sabine

I ran 265's on my 2005 2500HD stock rims. Yes they will fit fine and look good but if towing heavy, you're not going to like it.
I always fought handling issues with our current trailer. It just never towed the way I wanted. I tried everything except going back to 245's, and looking back I think that was the key.
As said, the 3500's came with an identical wheel but it was wider.

[Cummins12V98]

With all the money spent to make this truck do the job you would be better just buying a truck that will do it right out of the box.

[Paul_Clancy]

6084 is the gawr for the rear.

[sabinazeeb]

Regarding tunes - I have to admit, I don't understand it at all. Besides that you need a reputable person doing it. What does it improve? Pulling power? Speed? Both are not my issue.
My main issue is pin weight on the horse trailer - 3 horse slant with living quarters. Bought it used, have a large 5th-wheel, and no issue with pin weight there. But I found out, goosnecks are leveled differently...Just got Sumo Springs today (SuperSprings;front and rear) today. Looking into tire upgrade next.
Does anybody know what the rear axle and bearings can actually carry (besides the sticker weight)?
Thanks Sabine

[sabinazeeb]

Me Again wrote:

racer4 wrote:
You can put larger tires on it. 265 instead on 245, same as the 2007 3500 came with.

Lots of people use air bags to level the truck, if needed.

I have a 2007 GMC Sierra Classic 2500HD and I did put on the same size tires as a 3500HD.

It will be gone soon.:(

Works well when you use the proper wider rims like the 3500 came with. Putting 265 on the stock 6.5 wide rims is not wise, as the sidewall really roll in. On my 2001 RAM it came with optional LT265/75R16's on 8" wide rims.

Chris

I just got a quote on stronger tires (not all E load tires are created equal...) 265/75/R16 AND 285/75/R16; they are both supposed to fit on my rims. The 285 (Toyo - 3,750lb) need a leveling kit.
Do you think that they missinformed me about my rims? This is a place that upgrades trucks (for work trucks ond toys...) I have 245/75/R16 from factory (only option Chevy put on there) Sabine