towing power

[Wildcat327ck]

Does anyone have a 327ck wildcat fifth wheel? Am interested in what you tow it with. We have a 2013 Chevy 3/4 ton HD 4x4. The camper pulls nice on flatter roads, but pulls kind of hard going up hills. Any info would be appreciated.

[Crankshaft]

Originally Posted by Wildcat327ck

Does anyone have a 327ck wildcat fifth wheel? Am interested in what you tow it with. We have a 2013 Chevy 3/4 ton HD 4x4. The camper pulls nice on flatter roads, but pulls kind of hard going up hills. Any info would be appreciated.

You don't mention whether it's gas or diesel. I really don't know how experienced you are because we don't know each other so I'm just asking the question of do you use the "Tow/Haul" feature? I have a '04 GMC diesel that probably has too much power but I still use the Tow/Haul feature.

[wyo700]

If its pulling hard going up hills I can almost be sure he has the 6.0 gasser. Just part of pulling with a gas engine. Gotta know how to drive them high Rpms are common but done right is no problem.

[Oakman]

Originally Posted by wyo700

If its pulling hard going up hills I can almost be sure he has the 6.0 gasser. Just part of pulling with a gas engine. Gotta know how to drive them high Rpms are common but done right is no problem.

X2!

Gas engines are designed to produce the maximum horsepower and torque at high RPM’s, usually around 4500 to 5700 RPM’s. Many drivers find the sound of the engine a bit unnerving when running this high and tend to drive slower than they have to going up hills. The 6.0 Vortec engine produces maximum HP at 5400 RPM’s and maximum torque at 4200 RPM’s. When you’re climbing hills, don’t be afraid to run at high RPM’s with the gas engine.

[Cajun Po-Boy]

Originally Posted by Wildcat327ck

Does anyone have a 327ck wildcat fifth wheel? Am interested in what you tow it with. We have a 2013 Chevy 3/4 ton HD 4x4. The camper pulls nice on flatter roads, but pulls kind of hard going up hills. Any info would be appreciated.

That camper as a GVWR of 12K lbs...if your Chevy is the 6.0, I bet you do feel it having some struggle going vertical.
As others stated, you must get the rpm's up in the 4500 range or higher to utilize all the torque/HP in the chevy gasser to get some pulling grunt

[Wildcat327ck]

We have a 6.0 gasser. We use the tow-haul feature. Thanks for the info everyone, it was very helpful since we are new at this. Appreciate any helpful hints from you.

[jevanb]

I know your feeling, went from a 04HD 6.0 to a 06HD diesel night and day towing, the first time it went into 3rd to climb a hill the next week I had a brand new truck in the driveway. it was great on the flats but hit anything remotely like a hill with a load and the engine sounded like it was coming thru the hood

[11XLITE28BH]

My 8.1 produces max torque at a lower 3200 rpm instead of the normal gas engine of 4200 to 4500 rpm. The 8.1 doesn't have to wind up to get its torque. I wish GM still installed that engine. I would get it again on the new generation.

[jevanb]

the 8.1 is a beast, brother inlaw had 1 in a avalanche and it smoked the tires off. my LBZ makes it max tq at 1600 rpm and I can tow all day in the hills in that gear add a few large ones and it might drop into 5th or I make it go if I need the egt`s to stay in check

[Cajun Po-Boy]

Originally Posted by 11XLITE28BH

My 8.1 produces max torque at a lower 3200 rpm instead of the normal gas engine of 4200 to 4500 rpm. The 8.1 doesn't have to wind up to get its torque. I wish GM still installed that engine. I would get it again on the new generation.

X2...wish they still offered this engine, so much better than the current GM gas engine ( 6.0 is such a disappointment for the HD truck line).

[Dennis and Julie]

Originally Posted by Oakman

X2!

Gas engines are designed to produce the maximum horsepower and torque at high RPM’s, usually around 4500 to 5700 RPM’s. Many drivers find the sound of the engine a bit unnerving when running this high and tend to drive slower than they have to going up hills. The 6.0 Vortec engine produces maximum HP at 5400 RPM’s and maximum torque at 4200 RPM’s. When you’re climbing hills, don’t be afraid to run at high RPM’s with the gas engine.

X2 that's what I have and normally run between 60 and 65 with absolutely no issues.

[11XLITE28BH]

Originally Posted by Ragin Cajun

X2...wish they still offered this engine, so much better than the current GM gas engine ( 6.0 is such a disappointment for the HD truck line).

I agree with the 6.0 being such a disappointment. That is the main reason why I haven't upgraded my tow vehicle. I'm hoping GM reviews their gas engine lines on the HD series and gets their act together. Dodge has stepped it up, Ford has as well.