Forum Discussion

wowens79's avatar
wowens79
Explorer III
Sep 12, 2016

Towing Speed / RPM dilemma

Bought a TT, and I can't find my happy speed. Here are the paticulars
2002 Chev 1500HD 6.0l, 4 speed auto 3.73 rear end
2016 Heritage Glen 29BH ~7500lbs loaded

On the interstate, if I'm running 65, I'm only turning 2000 rpm, in 4th gear, and it wants to shift down to 3rd and 3000 rpm. If I bump the speed up to 73-75, the rpms are around 2500, and it will hold that speed. I really don't like towing at 75, and don't plan on doing that regularly.

I don't really want to spend the money on this truck to put 4.10 gears in it, since it's 4x4, and would be expensive, and the truck has 192k miles on it. I'll be getting a new truck in a couple of years, but I'd like to get get about 3 more years out of this truck.

Should I just drop it to D3, and let her spin? I've read that the 6.0 likes to run at a higher RPM.

Thanks for any input.
  • mbutts's avatar
    mbutts
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2016
    Not the exact answer you were looking for, but have you checked your TT's tires and their speed rating? Most (until very recently) have a max speed rating of 65 MPH. Blowout of an overstressed tire can do tremendous damage to your trailer.
  • wowens79's avatar
    wowens79
    Explorer III
    Sep 12, 2016
    I have, I am rated at 65, that is why I'm staying at 65, I discovered that it pulled better at 75 after bumping up to 75 to get past some trucks. That extra 500 rpms really made a difference.
  • Tom_Barb's avatar
    Tom_Barb
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2016
    Are you certain that it didn't shift down to get the 3000 RPM and is towing in 4th at 75?
  • Sandia_Man's avatar
    Sandia_Man
    Explorer II
    Sep 12, 2016
    I also pull with the 6.0 and have no problems letting the motor rev up to get the job done. With the constant grade changes out here in the West, RPMs can get and stay pretty high if one wants to maintain interstate speeds. For peace of mind I purchased a Scangauge a few years ago to monitor tranny temp among other powertrain specifics. The 6.0 is very hardy and designed for running at high RPM where its powerband is located, we've used synthetic oil since day one and have no qualms when the engine roars into duty.
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2016
    That 3,000 RPM may make a lot of noise but does no damage to the engine. Lugging at low RPM does do damage. You can run a gasoline engine at redline all day if you want.
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2016
    wowens79 wrote:

    Should I just drop it to D3, and let her spin? I've read that the 6.0 likes to run at a higher RPM.


    I would recommend this. Lock it in 3rd and let it spin at 2500-3000rpm, whatever 60-65mph ends up being. You'll get better throttle response, lower trans temps, and possibly better fuel economy.
  • Turtle_n_Peeps's avatar
    Turtle_n_Peeps
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2016
    It will use a bit more fuel, but sure, just drop a gear and let it spin a bit. Like I said, it will just use a bit more fuel.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Sep 12, 2016
    About $2,000 for the swap. Otherwise 60-65 mph in 3rd or 4th is fine as long as you avoid hunting. Still might be worth swapping gears to get three better years towing and not buy a transmission. If you do swap verify you do not want 4.56 ;)

    http://www.4lo.com/calc/gearratio.php

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