Urgent Towing Advice Needed

[Lynkage]

I really should not be as anti gasser as I am for the plain fact that transmissions have changed alot even in 7 years since I have owned one.

That said, due diligence is your best approach. Be aware of what you are getting and check it out thoroughly.

Happy camping!!

[wyo700]

Originally Posted by joelek

All the manufactures play the numbers game. And under ideal conditions, the truck will do what the numbers say. However, if you are towing at 3/4 to full rating of truck all the time, poor truck is going to break down early. Tow at 1/2 to 3/4 of it's max capacity and it will last A LOT longer.

That chevy 8.1 is a bored out 454 big block to 502 inches. It's been the gasser workhorse for many years and is a great engine. But when towing heavy loads, you need bigger suspension, brakes, frame rails, etc. Stopping, swerving to avoid hitting something, and going around curves is were the bigger trucks handle the load.

Hell, a Tundra can tow a space shuttle.

Why a Tundra can't be setup with 5th wheel or Goosneck hitch.....frame rails are C channel instead of fully boxed channel. Frame and bed flex waaaay too much.

Not sure how everybody got the assumption the 8.1 was a 502 but its not. It's a 496 ci engine. I had a argument with a guy when i worked at a lube shop and he said they specially made his to be a 502. I guess me being a ex mechanic these kind of things bug me. Not sure how the 502 thing got started but its not. Ya it's only 6 cubic inches but the Chevy 502 is a different engine.

[rlocicero]

You really need to reconsider your choices. If your mind is set on that 5er; you will have to step up to the pump on a tow vehicle. There are many lighter options available in 5ers. Flagstaff makes some very nice ones. And- you could keep the thundra. You should tour the Rockwood/Flagstaff signature light plant. It may change your mind about your 5er choices. Wehave a Flagstaff 829fks tt and love it. Would have definitely gotten the FW but my wife doesn't like the extra stairs.

[MillerTime]

Originally Posted by wyo700

Not sure how everybody got the assumption the 8.1 was a 502 but its not. It's a 496 ci engine. I had a argument with a guy when i worked at a lube shop and he said they specially made his to be a 502. I guess me being a ex mechanic these kind of things bug me. Not sure how the 502 thing got started but its not. Ya it's only 6 cubic inches but the Chevy 502 is a different engine.

X2
As a curent gm tech I can count on my fingers and toes the # of 8.1 I have seen- they are rare. I have 1 buddy that has one in an avalanche and loves it.

I believe the setup you are looking at will have a curb weight around 6500-7000 lb depending on the cab and bed size. If the gvwr is 9200lb like the diesels then you would really be pushing the limits with that 5er. A dually wood be ideal but the actual tongue weight may be less that advertized also.

[JFM-jr]

I see them everyday by the dozens lol. I work for Verizon and the GMC 3500 HD bucket trucks have them.



They LOVE gas i'm glad I dont have to pay for it.

[johnemt]

Joe, I couldn,t agree more, I towed 5 campers with my three dodge gassers over the years, but this year i got the cummins to tow my 365 we did 800 miles towing this year and i will never go back to a gasser again

[RalphieAdie]

Thanks for this post. After having picked up our new 5th wheel two weeks ago, it has become painfully apparent that we are now in the market for a new tow vehicle. Luckily our new 5er is the smallest Rockwood, an 8244ws, with a max of 8400 lbs, so after doing all of the math, it appears as if a 3/4 ton will work for us. So now, let the search begin!

[Timex]

I used to leap tall buildings on a single bound!

Now I use the elevater.

Tow ratings are made when trucks are new, out of the factory.

A 2002 is a 13 year old truck.

Trailers never lose their weight after they are made.

[joelek]

Originally Posted by wyo700

Not sure how everybody got the assumption the 8.1 was a 502 but its not. It's a 496 ci engine. I had a argument with a guy when i worked at a lube shop and he said they specially made his to be a 502. I guess me being a ex mechanic these kind of things bug me. Not sure how the 502 thing got started but its not. Ya it's only 6 cubic inches but the Chevy 502 is a different engine.

8.1 liters = 494.2923. My bad.



The 502 is referred to as 8.2L
Assuming different bores from the good ol 454 or did they stroke them also?

I was looking up up old dually trucks. IF you could find one not all rusted and worn out, It would be fun to make one of those into a retro 5th wheel hauler with stacks. Old pickup trucks and cab-over semis are makeing a comeback and look great at the car/truck shows. 1966 Dodge below.

[wyo700]

Originally Posted by joelek

8.1 liters = 494.2923. My bad.

The 502 is referred to as 8.2L
Assuming different bores from the good ol 454 or did they stroke them also?

I was looking up up old dually trucks. IF you could find one not all rusted and worn out, It would be fun to make one of those into a retro 5th wheel hauler with stacks. Old pickup trucks and cab-over semis are makeing a comeback and look great at the car/truck shows. 1966 Dodge below.

I wasn't upset or anything just have heard over and over that the 8.1 is a 502. And when I would politely try to explain that is wasn't people would get pissed. Even how you just did the calculations and would show them that GM says its a 496ci they would still say well mine is a 502.

[EdJunior]

Originally Posted by Timex

I used to leap tall buildings on a single bound!

Now I use the elevater.

Tow ratings are made when trucks are new, out of the factory.

A 2002 is a 13 year old truck.

Trailers never lose their weight after they are made.

Uhmmm, interesting. Leap tall buildings?? 2012 - 2002 = 10. Elevater??

[Timex]

Puhleese excuse my arithmetic! I was thinking at the time(dangerous) that the 2013's are already out. Got my numbers mixed up. You are correct sir == 11 years old.

My elevater still does not go all the way to the top!

[Heldapay]

Well, it's done! Picking up a 2001 3500 8.1L with 81,000 miles tomorrow. Truck runs great, the price was right and it already had the fifth wheel rails installed so it was the perfect situation for us. We inspected our new fifth wheel yesterday and it is awesome! We take delivery this weekend so I'll keep you posted on how the 3500 performs. Thanks for all of your great input!

[MillerTime]

Congrats! Happy camping!!! That thing should pull great!!

[wyo700]

Originally Posted by jwebb6262

Well, it's done! Picking up a 2001 3500 8.1L with 81,000 miles tomorrow. Truck runs great, the price was right and it already had the fifth wheel rails installed so it was the perfect situation for us. We inspected our new fifth wheel yesterday and it is awesome! We take delivery this weekend so I'll keep you posted on how the 3500 performs. Thanks for all of your great input!

Congrats! 81000 on an 01 is great. Have fun camping.

[joelek]

No proplem Wyo
Besides 6 cubes, what's the difference between the 496 and 502 internally?

[wyo700]

Originally Posted by joelek

No proplem Wyo
Besides 6 cubes, what's the difference between the 496 and 502 internally?

That I can't answer.

[MillerTime]

8.1 has longer stroke
502 has bigger bore

8.1 newer gen. Block

502 is a big block- last of them I'm told
8.1 is basically a bigger 6.0 not really a big block

Just what I've seen never measured one myself

[JFM-jr]

If your referring to the 6.0 in the 2000+ model year trucks the 8.1 being spoke of is a far cry from it. That 8.1 is a big block make no mistake about it the heads on that motor are W.I.D.E. The 6.0 is a smallblock from the LS series motors Chevy has used since 1997 (Corvette).

[MillerTime]

We are a little off from the op but as I stated I have not put a tape on either one but if size is from stroke, as a quick google search states, I don't really know why head size would matter. I will ask my buddy at work tomarrow he does the heavy line stuff (@ our gm dealership) and would know for sure. My oppologies if I'm wrong