Please help

PaulandMonica · 11-19-2010, 02:57 PM

We are new to this forum but have some experience towing a trailer.
We have just bought a 2010 silverado with 3.42 ratio, 6 speed transmission and full tow package. Max towing capacity is listed at 9600# ( minus the usual such as passengers etc). We are looking at the Rockwood 2604 which has a gvwr of 6600.( dry weight listed at 5200#). 29 feet. We will add sway control/weight distribution. We tend to travel light but do tavel through the mountains . Can we pull this properly and safely? The numbers suggest that we can but it would be reassuring to hear from others.
Thank you very much for your input.

Goomph · 11-19-2010, 03:02 PM

The ratio is not the best for towing. Is this a 5.7 liter engine ? You sure won't break any speed records especially going uphill with that 3.42. Worst comes to worst, you could spend some money and have it reduced to 3.73 or 4.10.

I am sure others will chime in now, and someone might have the exact ratio you have and voice their opinion.

PaulandMonica · 11-19-2010, 03:22 PM

Sorry I forgot the mention that it has a 5.3 L engine. I was told that the 6 speed transmission helps make up for the gear ratio?

BOBFIDY · 11-19-2010, 04:47 PM

PAUL..... We recently bought a 29' Salem that dry weight is in the neighborhood of 7400 lbs. We started towing it with our 2007 Ford Expedition. The numbers all are in range if I could get enough weight transferred to the front of the tow rig.
We did a 3 week trip...2600 miles total and did just fine with a tail wind. A 35 to 40 mph headwind between St. Louis and Memphis was a killer.
We decided we were so close to being over the edge of overloaded we went today and made a deal on a new tow rig. 2011 Ford F350 dually, thinking if we ever decided to upgrade to a 5th wheel we will be ready.
Good luck with your combo.

tomjsas · 11-19-2010, 05:13 PM

We have an 08 Denali XL (6.2L) that we tow our 2501ss with. We had an '03 Yukon XL with the 5.3L. They both have the 3.42 rear end. The 5.3L with that rear end just didn't have the umpph, especially towing up into the mountains here in Colorado. The Denali of course has a bit more HP and Torque on the 5.3L and is passable. Looking at a new HD in the event that we trade up to 5er in the near future. As stated...you can do it, you just won't be the front runner in any race.

MtnGuy · 11-19-2010, 05:31 PM

The 3.42 gears are a little stiff, but the 6 speed transmission will help with that some. If Chevy says you can tow up to 9600 lbs., then a trailer with a GVWR of 6600 lbs. should be OK, but like others said, you won't win any races at the red lites. Just so you got enough acceleration onto the interstates is the important thing. I would compare the 5.3 Liter, 3.42 gears, and 6 speed transmission close to the 5.4 Liter, 3.73 gears, and 4 speed transmission of my 2006 F150........doable, and can usually get up to speed getting onto an interstate without revving the engine or 3500 rpms or so. If need be, I can wind that puppy a little higher, but rarey need to. MInd you, my trailer does appear to be about 500 lbs. lighter, but the gross weight of mine is actually higher.

I would think in the mountains that the 6 speed transmission should really pay off. I have to pull a steep pass here in 2nd gear, with torque converter unlocked. With the close ratios of the 6 speed, I could probably find a gear where I could keep the torque converter locked up, which would help keep the tranny cooler.

In all of the information that you gave, you failed to mention the cab/bed configuration. Wheelbase has a lot to do whether you can safely tow a 29 foot trailer.

If it were me, and the wheelbase is enough, I would give it a try.

PaulandMonica · 11-19-2010, 06:07 PM

Thanks for your response. It is an extended cab with a wheel base of 143.5 inches

**Herk7769** · 11-19-2010, 06:25 PM

Here is an awesome calculator to let you see where you stand weight wise.
Travel Trailer Weight Calculator

IMHO, while the two overdrive gears in the transmission will help fuel mileage in cruise, the six banger will be taxed quite a bit from a standing start with those rear end gears. You most likely will have trouble starting out on hills, too.

mjones12 · 11-19-2010, 06:42 PM

I have exactly the same truck and couldn't be happier with it. Of course, I tow a 20-foot Surveyor with a gross weight of about 5,000 pounds. I figure I tow it at a little over 4,000. I know my unit is lighter than yours, but it is effortless towing for me, even up the mountain grades here on the East Coast. And the tow/haul mode works great. I hope it works out for you. I'm not an expert on these things, but I'm guessing you will be fine.

lbrjet · 11-19-2010, 08:34 PM

I think you would be fine with this combination. The 6 speed has a lower first gear to get you going and (I believe) a 1.15 4th gear. Combined with the 3.42 gives you a 3.93 4th gear final drive ratio which ain't too shabby.

donn · 11-19-2010, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herk7769

Here is an awesome calculator to let you see where you stand weight wise.
Travel Trailer Weight Calculator

IMHO, while the two overdrive gears in the transmission will help fuel mileage in cruise, the six banger will be taxed quite a bit from a standing start with those rear end gears. You most likely will have trouble starting out on hills, too.

It aint a six cylinder. It is a 5.3L V8. With two overdrive gears and a 3.42 rear end it will be really ugly for towing unless you tow in 4th. No matter what don't expect fuel economy numbers much better than 10.

**Herk7769** · 11-19-2010, 10:13 PM

I re-read these posts and can't for the life of me figure out where I got the idea he was talking about a 6 cylinder. Long day I guess

rockwood06 · 11-19-2010, 10:36 PM

I have a 2008 Silverado Heavy Duty 1/2 ton with a 6.0 gas engine and a 4:10 rear with the heavy duty tow package, 4 speed auto trans. The tow rating 10,500 lbs, this has a 144" wheel base, this truck tows better then my 1997 GMC 3/4 ton Suburban. The camper i tow is a 2006 8314ss Rockwood approx 34' long, 6,600 lbs dry weight and 7,910 lbs fully loaded, the Silverado does a great job.

Anyone know if the 4:10 rear is still a option on the new 1/2 ton Silverado's or just on the 3/4 ton?

**Herk7769** · 11-19-2010, 11:17 PM

Build Your Own GMC Vehicle

The "build it" site shows the 4:10 option to be $100
The site does not show a diesel. It must be an error, since I believe the diesel is available still in the 2500HD

LadyWindrider · 11-20-2010, 12:27 AM

OK, hate to say this, but since the FIRST post says "just bought" what are your options? Take it back for a refund? (doubtful) Trade it in for full value on a better towing vehicle? (doubtful). Keep it and see if it is satisfactory? (most likely) There are a lot of replies, and mostly opinions here. Bottom line, you have to be the judge as to whether it fits your needs. If you are asking for a blessing about your truck, we can all give you that, but it won't change the way it tows your camper. Best vehicle for towing usually says PETERBUILT or KENWORTH on it. Best for commuting says HONDA or TOYOTA, (according to the polls). Somewhere in between is the pick up truck. It boils down to will it perform to your satisfaction, 365 days a year. It's a little late to ask after the purchase. I don't mean to offend, and sorry if I have. The last line of your first post does ask for reassurance. Other can only give you their experience, yours will vary. You've got the truck, take it out and see how it does. Good Luck, and safe travel. And by the way, the numbers work on paper, so you should be fine. Just don't enter any races.

**Herk7769** · 11-20-2010, 07:16 AM

Windrider, this was an excellent post.

Not only did I miss the number of cylinders, I also missed that it was a "Done Deal." Must have been too tired to think straight. (It happens)

Paul, good luck with the truck and have a great time.

PaulandMonica · 11-20-2010, 10:26 AM

Just to make it clear the truck is a done deal but we are LOOKING at the trailer so we could always down size.

LadyWindrider · 11-20-2010, 10:49 AM

Sorry, guess it was my turn to mis-read something. That gives you another option. The truck has the tow package, so it shouldn't take much to go for a "test" tow, if the dealer will let you. Make sure you get on the highway, and go up a long hill starting 45 mph or so. Also as you are looking at trailers, the longer they are, the harder they are to park, you may be to long for some campgrounds, or sites, and are possibly prone to sway more. Also meaner to pull on a windy day. Good luck.

frankm · 11-20-2010, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herk7769

Windrider, this was an excellent post.

Not only did I miss the number of cylinders, I also missed that it was a "Done Deal." Must have been too tired to think straight. (It happens)

Paul, good luck with the truck and have a great time.

Lou you had a rough week (maintaing the peace here) so you are entitled to a day off. However we (I'm sure I speak on behalf of most members) do expect you to be back Monday with your clear, concise and accurate posts/advise/opinions.

Go ahead and enjoy your day off but please read the posts just in case I encounter a problem and need you

lbrjet · 11-20-2010, 04:31 PM

I see a lot a negativity here about your trailer choice. That HD tow package 1500 Chevy/GMC is a great truck and will pull that trailer just fine. Go with a smaller trailer and you will regret it. Been there done that. I would highly recommend an integrated weight distribution / sway control hitch system like the Equalizer or Reese dual cam. You would then have a fantastic truck/trailer/hitch setup.

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