Check the service parts Identifcation label for RPO codes… it will tell you the gear. As stated already it should be a GU_ .
Mine is just under 2000 lbs payload according to manual. Also use equalizer hitchI drive a half-ton Silverado. My trailer ready to camp is 5,000 pounds. My advice when the questions is asked on truck forums-"What trailer should I buy"?, I tell them not to exceed 4,500 pounds dry. And there are PLENTY of trailers one can choose from. Your trailer is heavier than I would want given all the information you have shared. Your payload is probably around 1,400 pounds-and your tongue weight is half that. NOT GREAT numbers. My Silverado's payload is 1,444 pounds-there isn't any way yours is greater.
And I tow over 8,000 foot mountain passes in the "Great West" on a regular basis.
You are better off to get a lighter trailer and keep the vehicle you have. I know it's not what you want to hear.
Well 2000 lb payload is pretty good , most 1/2 tons trucks are between 1350 and 1900 .Mine is just under 2000 lbs payload according to manual. Also use equalizer hitch
Trailer brakes did all my stopping work. No issues with brakes. I think I put less wear on the suburban brakes than without towing. To be honest, the 45 speed in the mountains was not so much of an issue. I just get concerned that the tranny was going to give out, and watching oil pressure climb, especially on a downshift was concerning, but that is probably my ignorance creating that concern. I was generally happy with the trip, and performance, and my family was comfortable for the whole trip, just don't want to ruin my Suburban if it is too much weight and stress. Right now, I plan to keep this camper, it works for us, just considering an alternate vehicle to possibly replace the Expedition and have ability to upgrade TT in future. Some of the older 2500 Suburbans have 12k towing capacity, not sure about the ride though and costs in this market make it hard not to consider new or newer. Specs on newer SUVs seem to be less than on older models.How much longer does it take to get to your destination going 45 on those steep grades vs in a normal car? An hour? How many times a year do you camp?
Are you willing to put up with feeding, registering, insuring, and maintaining a 3/4 ton daily driver to save this number of hours? I get it, it's embarrassing to be in the slow lane, but so are a bunch of other vehicles. Noone's going to pass you and say, oh, that's Fitz and his slow rig.
I assume the trailer has decent brakes that are up for the task-- as you say it goes fine.
You have to look on the yellow and white sticker inside the driver's door jam. The manual is meaningless.Mine is just under 2000 lbs payload according to manual. Also use equalizer hitch
You really don't understand the numbers. Towing capacity is meaningless. You have to look at PAYLOAD. And that figure is located on a yellow and white sticker inside your drivers door jam-along with the tire sizes and recommended inflation pressures. If your Suburban is full with passengers-and your trailer is 6,000 pounds-you are right up against payload. At the end of the day you bought too much trailer.Trailer brakes did all my stopping work. No issues with brakes. I think I put less wear on the suburban brakes than without towing. To be honest, the 45 speed in the mountains was not so much of an issue. I just get concerned that the tranny was going to give out, and watching oil pressure climb, especially on a downshift was concerning, but that is probably my ignorance creating that concern. I was generally happy with the trip, and performance, and my family was comfortable for the whole trip, just don't want to ruin my Suburban if it is too much weight and stress. Right now, I plan to keep this camper, it works for us, just considering an alternate vehicle to possibly replace the Expedition and have ability to upgrade TT in future. Some of the older 2500 Suburbans have 12k towing capacity, not sure about the ride though and costs in this market make it hard not to consider new or newer. Specs on newer SUVs seem to be less than on older models.
Trailer brakes did all my stopping work. No issues with brakes. I think I put less wear on the suburban brakes than without towing. To be honest, the 45 speed in the mountains was not so much of an issue. I just get concerned that the tranny was going to give out, and watching oil pressure climb, especially on a downshift was concerning, but that is probably my ignorance creating that concern. I was generally happy with the trip, and performance, and my family was comfortable for the whole trip, just don't want to ruin my Suburban if it is too much weight and stress. Right now, I plan to keep this camper, it works for us, just considering an alternate vehicle to possibly replace the Expedition and have ability to upgrade TT in future. Some of the older 2500 Suburbans have 12k towing capacity, not sure about the ride though and costs in this market make it hard not to consider new or newer. Specs on newer SUVs seem to be less than on older models.
And its super easy to do .GMT900 front brakes are a nice upgrade.
Agreed. Great engine, mediocre transmissions. Interior is incredibly hit or miss. Tyler on Hoovies Garage scored a really really clean 3rd Gen with almost a million miles on it, but that’s a one in a million find… it was religiously maintained by a hot shot trucker but even then it’s on its 4th trans and 4th ac compressor per the maintenance records he’s shared.Daimler/FCA Dodge Rams.....That's a tough one. The Cummins ISB 5.9L & 6.7L is a great engine....But all the Chrysler around it, Especially at higher miles is mediocre at best. Before everyone gets their feathers all ruffled.....These are going to be some pretty beat-up trucks at this price point!
THIS^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Your 4L60E isn't going to like towing that camper long term, At the very least you need a way to monitor trans temps (2500/2500HD/3500) 6.0L truck Clusters are a "Plug & Play" way to get a temp gauge.
A 5.3L can run at 4500 rpm all day if need be as long as Oil Temperatures are kept in check, A factory Oil Cooler is very easy to add as just about all aftermarket radiators have the cooler....You just need the lines, gasket, & bolts to bolt it to the engine.
Very few 5.3L equipped GMT800's had factory oil coolers, Tow package or not.
Heavy/Sustained Towing will result in broken exhaust manifold bolts, Install ARP bolts!!
A Tow Package will have 3.73:1 gears which is RPO code GT4.
GMT900 front brakes are a nice upgrade.
Max towing capacity can RARELY be achieved without exceeding payload capacity!!
I will add that if you buy a Cummins 6.7L make darn sure it has the Aisin behind it if you are going to do heaving towing. We know this from experience.The Cummins ISB 5.9L & 6.7L is a great engine....
4.10 is the most practical for towing and still have a vehicle that’s drivable - in fact a pleasure to drive. Gear swap ? you best find a local shop to get the price. I paid $1300 about 10 years back - so not current.Can anyone expand on what is involved in gearing upgrade and what I could expect to improve with regards to performance? To answer 1 question posed, I could maintain about 45 mph on steepest inclines, but if I wanted anything more, rpms went out to over 4k and oil pressure went up with rpms
Yeah, on vacation in North Dakota and he's from Florida.I say run what you've got until it blows.
Sure but it's tiring to listen to and be up on the wheel watching the gauges.A 5.3L can run at 4500 rpm all day if need be
OP gave a budget of $10k. Not going to have your cake and eat it too here, something has to give.Sure but it's tiring to listen to and be up on the wheel watching the gauges.
I went through this a year ago. Had a 2018 Titan, 395hp, 395 lb/ft torque, should pull a 6700# GVWR trailer no problem. Close on payload when scaled and as far as driving it was okay but I discovered after I brought the trailer home that the truck insisted on running at 3000 rpm at 65 on flat road. Any little grade or wind jumped to 3800, any decent grade and dropping to 55 went to 4500. Trans programming. If we were only doing local weekend trips or longer but short miles I probably would have kept it but we have long distance traveling in mind soon and no way I'm listening to a truck running high rpms days on end. Sucked it up and now have way more truck than trailer but planned for the next trailer. Bonus is wife likes to do her share of driving and this is rock solid steady.
I’m never quite sure how to view the 4L60. If the OP is not exceeding the rating given by the OEM for his truck, then this trans should take it, and its not abuse, right? assuming all the details are considered, GCWR and all. But then at this age any failure is hard to tell apart from normal wear and tear, right?Your 4L60E isn't going to like towing that camper long term,
BiL put 400k on one but did not tow. I always had good runs with them - but had coolers and drain plugs …I’m never quite sure how to view the 4L60. If the OP is not exceeding the rating given by the OEM for his truck, then this trans should take it, and its not abuse, right? assuming all the details are considered, GCWR and all. But then at this age any failure is hard to tell apart from normal wear and tear, right?
Half tons aren’t “meant” to do this work day in and day out, like a 3/4 ton. Yet OP is not doing this day in and out, just a few trips a year, so… its still light duty usage.
Although 6k trailer plus the usual stuff in the vehicle does strike me as at or beyond the limit of a half ton. Let alone any future upgrades to the trailer.
Sounds like you did the right thing for you.. what would you do for 10k is the question..I went through this a year ago. Had a 2018 Titan, 395hp, 395 lb/ft torque, should pull a 6700# GVWR trailer no problem. Close on payload when scaled and as far as driving it was okay but I discovered after I brought the trailer home that the truck insisted on running at 3000 rpm at 65 on flat road. Any little grade or wind jumped to 3800, any decent grade and dropping to 55 went to 4500. Trans programming. If we were only doing local weekend trips or longer but short miles I probably would have kept it but we have long distance traveling in mind soon and no way I'm listening to a truck running high rpms days on end. Sucked it up and now have way more truck than trailer but planned for the next trailer. Bonus is wife likes to do her share of driving and this is rock solid steady.