towing confusion

[kirkp]

I've done searches and have read a lot of info but still somewhat confused. The situation is that I have a 2013 Rockwood Ultralight 2604WS with a dry hitch weight of 603#, a GVWR of 6603# and a loaded weight of 6565#. Up to now I've been towing it with a 2003 Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L and 3.73 gears. It has the 4 speed auto tranny which seems to kick down a lot on even a modest grade and there are many times that it kicks way down to even stay at 50 mph. This vehicle has a tow capacity of 7800#

Now looking at a 2014 silverado with the 5.3L and 3.42 axle that is rated at 9600#. I was looking for the 3.73 axle that supposedly has a tow capacity of 11200# but is non-existant in a 2014. My gut tells me I'll be okay but I get jittery when spending this much money. If it wasn't for the constant down shifting I'd stay with what I have but it gets really annoying and almost feels painful to me when it happens.

Thoughts?

Thanks, Kirk

[53jimc]

After my tow experience this past weekend with a 5.3l Silverado pulling a 07 SV 291 surveyor, dry about 4500lbs. I wouldn't buy another gas truck. My setup is a few years older than yours, '99chevy silverado w/tow package, but to me, it's just too much trailer to be pulling. Of course, that is my opinion based on subjective "feel". IMO, torque is needed, lots of it.

My next door camping neighbor had a huge 5er pulling it with a '01 F250 with the 7.3 diesel and he said it pulled it great. That's what I'm going to be looking for in the next year or so.

[goduc]

The new 6sp will make a big difference in towing. The old 4spds are ancient technology compared to the new 6-8spds out there.

Why not look at a Ford F150 with the 3.5 Eco V6? It'll tow circles around the 5.3.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by goduc

The new 6sp will make a big difference in towing. The old 4spds are ancient technology compared to the new 6-8spds out there.

Why not look at a Ford F150 with the 3.5 Eco V6? It'll tow circles around the 5.3.

kirk, I've gotta agree with goduc on this one. You'll be grinning ear to ear going to the Ecoboost after towing with a naturally aspirated V8. I went from a 6.7L Ford diesel and I'm still happy with how my EB tows. You might be a die hard Chevy guy, but Ford has THE engine to have if you wanna tow with a half ton. The Dodge Ecodiesel is worth considering, but you are going to pay a considerable premium for it because it is so new. I personally think the Ecoboost will out tow it, but I'd have to get into a lengthy discussion about torque and horsepower, which I'd rather not do at the moment.

[kirkp]

Appreciate the responses and I'll give it some consideration. However if I were to stay with the Chevy am I going to be okay in your opinions?

[HONDAMAN174]

I think a newer silverrado will be an easier tow for you but it still will downshift down shift to 4th and maybe 3rd to hold 60 on large hills.

IF you swing to the ford side of the plate, I think I saw 12k rebates on the 14's today- pretty good deal if you find the options you want.


2014 Stealth Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra Rock Crawler TRD 5.7 "Clifford"

[pappcam]

Originally Posted by kirkp

I've done searches and have read a lot of info but still somewhat confused. The situation is that I have a 2013 Rockwood Ultralight 2604WS with a dry hitch weight of 603#, a GVWR of 6603# and a loaded weight of 6565#. Up to now I've been towing it with a 2003 Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L and 3.73 gears. It has the 4 speed auto tranny which seems to kick down a lot on even a modest grade and there are many times that it kicks way down to even stay at 50 mph. This vehicle has a tow capacity of 7800#

Now looking at a 2014 silverado with the 5.3L and 3.42 axle that is rated at 9600#. I was looking for the 3.73 axle that supposedly has a tow capacity of 11200# but is non-existant in a 2014. My gut tells me I'll be okay but I get jittery when spending this much money. If it wasn't for the constant down shifting I'd stay with what I have but it gets really annoying and almost feels painful to me when it happens.

Thoughts?

Thanks, Kirk

Originally Posted by 53jimc

After my tow experience this past weekend with a 5.3l Silverado pulling a 07 SV 291 surveyor, dry about 4500lbs. I wouldn't buy another gas truck. My setup is a few years older than yours, '99chevy silverado w/tow package, but to me, it's just too much trailer to be pulling. Of course, that is my opinion based on subjective "feel". IMO, torque is needed, lots of it.

My next door camping neighbor had a huge 5er pulling it with a '01 F250 with the 7.3 diesel and he said it pulled it great. That's what I'm going to be looking for in the next year or so.

A new gasser 1/2 ton with a 6 speed or more transmission will be fine. You can see what my rig is like in my signature. I've towed it through mountains and long trips with absolutely no issues other than the 9mpg but that was to be expected.