A friend bought a '16 Silverado 1500 a year ago - 5.3/auto, double cab, 4x4 - and has been pulling a 33' camper with it extensively since then. (To the tune of about 10K a year, total mileage is more like 25K a year. Camper and cargo total about 7,500 lbs.) He's generally happy with the truck and it's required no undue work before this point, but now at 95k the torque converter has left the scene and, after replacing it, the transmission is on its last legs as well.
If he can do a few upgrades to the truck - especially the trans. - to prevent more major component failures, he'd keep the truck. Fixing its current issues and selling it in favor of a machine less prone to trouble is also an option, but choosing *what* that would be is also a struggle. Doesn't want the higher maintenance/repair liability of a diesel. One of my top recommendations for an alternative would be a clean, low-mileage 6.0/4L80 or 8.1-powered GMT800.
In a nutshell - is there any upgraded (aftermarket, I'm sure) transmissions for this truck that has some of its chronic weak points addressed, that would hold up to this use for quite some time? Any other chronic weak points in the engine, etc. that will rear their heads soon, given the way he's using the truck? TIA.
If he can do a few upgrades to the truck - especially the trans. - to prevent more major component failures, he'd keep the truck. Fixing its current issues and selling it in favor of a machine less prone to trouble is also an option, but choosing *what* that would be is also a struggle. Doesn't want the higher maintenance/repair liability of a diesel. One of my top recommendations for an alternative would be a clean, low-mileage 6.0/4L80 or 8.1-powered GMT800.
In a nutshell - is there any upgraded (aftermarket, I'm sure) transmissions for this truck that has some of its chronic weak points addressed, that would hold up to this use for quite some time? Any other chronic weak points in the engine, etc. that will rear their heads soon, given the way he's using the truck? TIA.