Optimizing towing vehicle

[dodge man]

Yes I have towed.

Red line in the 1/4 mile is almost never an issue.

Comparing it to drag racing may have been a bad idea but we said the same thing.

All I can say is here we go again. The guy comes looking for advice and we are trying to talk him into a 1 ton diesel.

The truck he has is within the tow ratings. Why should he get a new truck? He is just looking to do some minor upgrades to improve it.

 

[LD1]

The truck he has is within the tow ratings. Why should he get a new truck? He is just looking to do some minor upgrades to improve it.

While I agree, I am still suggesting a 3/4 ton based on the mods he wants to do.

IF it was mine, and I was within the limits, I wouldnt do anything. Maybe just airbags cause they are cheap and keeps headlights pointed right.

But since he is wanting to go full bore talking gearswaps, etc etc. While I am not suggesting buying a new truck for his needs cause he is fine with what he has.....I am saying I would upgrade trucks before dumping 3-4 grand in what will still be a 1/2-ton with the same tow ratings and likely the same re-sell value.

 

[MikePA]

View attachment 403724 I have a 2006 chevy k1500, regular cab, long bed with only 23k miles on it. Has the 5.3 l and 3.42 end gear. Use it mostly in winter for 4-wheel in snow but since I got the trailer, a 5 ton eager beaver with pintle hitch, I have been getting close to the max towing capacity and at times exceeding it. I know that getting a 3/4 or 1 ton truck would be a solution, but I like my truck and want to keep it. Here are some things that I have done to improve the towing. Replaced the hitch with a cat 5 hitch rated at 16k capacity. Replaced tires with LT load E ratings. Considering now to change the endgear to a 4.10 (both front and rear) to increase towing capacity from 7900 to 8900 lbs. and to replace rear shocks with ranchos 9000 adjustable shocks to help with vehicle height in back. Any other suggestions to help the towing vehicle perform as good as possible near the max towing capacity are welcome. Thanks

I looked up the stats for my 2004 Z71, 4wd, Reg cab, long bed and by just adding a weight dist hitch, my towing capacity goes up to 12,000 pounds. Mine has 3.73 gears, but even with the 3.42s and in tow mode, you should be fine. I would get the dash with a trans temp gauge or add a gauge and keep an eye on it while towing.

IMO, there's no need to change the gears.

If you want to get air bags or the Timbrens that's all I'd do.

Yes, I changed my mind.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Anyone who has drag raced can tell you changing the rear gears will make a vehicle a lot quicker. But who really pulls out with a trailer and floor boards the gas pedal? My guess is that your truck has adequate power to tow your load as is. A lot of the reason a higher numbered gearset ups the tow rating is it takes shock and strain off the drive line. For real world towing, I'm not sure you need it.

Gears do and don't. We had a 12 second car with 3.55 gears. Switched to 4.10 gears and still,a 12 second car. It find change it .1 second. Now yes, it got off the line quicker and through the 1/8th quicker but petered out on the big end.

4.10 gears will get his load moving quicker and help on the grades but overall performance will not change much except for daily fuel economy in the opposite direction.

As you mentioned, the best case for him is a little more get up and less stress on the drive line but truth is he really needs a different truck.

Chris

 

[Diamondpilot]

I looked up the stats for my 2004 Z71, 4wd, Reg cab, long bed and by just adding a weight dist hitch, my towing capacity goes up to 12,000 pounds. Mine has 3.73 gears, but even with the 3.42s and in tow mode, you should be fine. I would get the dash with a trans temp gauge or add a gauge and keep an eye on it while towing. IMO, there's no need to change the gears. If you want to get air bags or the Timbrens that's all I'd do. Yes, I changed my mind.

1/2 ton or 3/4 ton?

Chris

 

[vince2]

Ok, will check into the trans temp gauge and helper springs or airbags. When I tow, I'm never in a hurry and stay on highways below 65. My mechanic had no experience swapping gears so I hold off on that. I think I want to add a tire pressure monitor system for truck and trailer tires so I can catch a blow out before it happens. I have had no problems with the pintle hitch. Easier to hook up and less worry about someone stealing the trailer or having the coupler disconnected while driving a rough driveway. I realized that I can always go in low gear under extreme conditions like steep hills to ease the load on the gear.

 

[MikePA]

1/2 ton or 3/4 ton?

1/2 ton

 

[tcartwri]

The stiffer shocks will actually help control the front end of the truck, and prevent porpoising and sway.

 

[Diamondpilot]

1/2 ton

1/2 ton with 12K tow rating, I don't think so. The hitch may be rated at 12K with WD but the truck is somewhere around 9,000# max with 4.10 gears. 3.73's are 8,000# according to my 2004 GM guide.

This is for LB trucks. Add 200# for SB trucks.

Chris

 

[Dan Hunter]

I tow up to 8500 pounds behind my 1994 6.5 TD that I believe was rated to 6000 pounds If you follow engine technology, this motor is crap. It's seen a chip, gauges, a gutted intake and a 4" exhaust straight pipe, an enhanced oil AND transmission cooler (a must with an 4L60 with a low planetary gear count), new rotors and pads along with fresh lines, Firestone airbags on the rear end, and a flat bed welded to the frame that's good to 13000#. Out of curiousity, I hooked the same load to a friend's one ton. It couldn't match my modified half ton on braking , acceleration, and stability.