2014 Sierra 1500 Axlle Ratios 3.42 vs 4.73

[Panik]

On the SLE's I believe hill descent control is an option with the All Terrain and Z71 package. Honestly I had not figured a hard max load. I had kind of figured that 5-8K would cover everything I could conceivably need to haul in the reasonable future:

tractor + implements
Landscaping materials (RR ties, gravel, etc)
Family vehicles
Trips to the dump
RTV/Toro Workman (possible future purchase)

 

[ruffdog]

When the neighbor bought his F150 EB, I asked him what gears he got because I knew he would pull a 2 horse trailer once in a while. He said a 3.31 ratio because that was what the salesman said would pull good. Well, that's what you get for listening to a salesman! If you are a farmer making short trips pulling wagons all the time, get the 3.73 gears. If you haul a load of firewood or pull a boat several times a year, the 3.42 gears will be fine. In the old days, farmers would get 4.11 or 4.56 gears, but they also had 3 speed autos or a stick.

 

[jejeosborne]

Towing capacity of 11,000# is a myth created by the marketing people. It is based upon the receiver capacity of 1,100# or 10% of the trailer gross weight. In reality, most trailers run in the 12 to 13% tongue weight. That limits the actual trailer weight in the 8,500 to 9,000# weight before exceeding hitch capacity. Secondly, if you load it to the 1,100# tongue weight, it will probably only have 500# of cargo capacity in the truck before exceeding the GVWR of the truck. Add a driver, your wife, a couple of kids and some stuff in the bed and now you are overweight.

Check the yellow sticker on the door jamb for actual cargo capacity for the actual truck you are looking at. Most will be in the 1,500 to 1,700# range. Subtract the 1,100# and that is what you can carry including passengers and cargo.

Almost all half tons will exceed truck GVWR long before they reach towing capacity.

Towing capacity and hitch capacity are two separate ratings. The lower of the two is your limit. The marketing department doesn't set these limits.

I agree with everything else you mention especially with the payload calculations. The advertised towing limit is often limited to just a driver due to payload limits.

I can legally haul an 11,300 lb trailer and my family of 4 and still be under my 1835 yellow door sticker so it is possible if properly ordered. I see th OP won't be trying to haul those loads and neither do I but it is possible.

 

[jejeosborne]

Thankfully I have no real interest in actually towing 11K+. My original thoughts on the max towing package and 3.73 were to get those options with the idea that it would improve towing performance at more realistic loads (5-8K).

You and Jesjeosbone just had to stir the pot didn't you? :laughing: Honestly, I say that because I respect a lot of the opinions and info you have put forth in the forum. I'm gonna have to give this one some more thought

Thankfully I am beyond my go fast, accelerate hard phase in life. I suspect the pedal resistance will take some getting used to, but I think I can live with that

That's who I ordered from. Every time I have ordered and or spoke with someone there it has been an awesome experience. So far they have been all around good people to deal with.

I was planning on getting this option. I like my P3 controller but having an integrated brake controller is a no brainer. In fact I think at least half of the trucks on my local dealer lot had this feature. We live near a couple of large lakes so there is a lot of towing going on around town.

Not stirring any pot because you are purchasing an appropriate vehicle to meet your requirements and making the effort to spec it to your needs. Now if everyone did this, they wouldn't end up with the wrong configuration like previously mentioned. I might have thrown a grenade if you were looking at the previous version truck but I am hearing good things about the 2014 and the 5.3 liter now shows respectable numbers on paper.

 

[arnoldziffel]

I went with 3.42 gears. I tow my 4400lb. Bobcat CT230 about 4 times per year. Usually within 35 miles of home.

For me, most of my truck time is basic transportation and light duty home remodeling parts delivery. MPG was my highest priority with reasonable hauling capability in second place.

No regrets in 80,000 miles.

 

[Panik]

Not stirring any pot because you are purchasing an appropriate vehicle to meet your requirements and making the effort to spec it to your needs.

Oh, man please don't take me seriously about stirring the pot. I only meant that jokingly and in a good way in regards to this thread and your responses making me think hard about my wants vs my needs! I truly do appreciate all the input and the help with the thought process. :thumbsup:

One of the reasons I asked for advice from everyone is that I dealt with such an emotional roller coaster with my wife and the last two vehicles we purchased for her that I am trying to avoid getting putting myself in the same state over my own purchase.

 

[lutt]

I'm in the 3.73 club myself. Fuel mileage concerns are mute to me between the two. But I tow a lot. So fuel mileage goes out the window. I also like the better get up and go with lower gears. I've only had one truck with 3.42 ratio and hated the higher ratio from day one till it got replaced! LUTT

 

[Diamondpilot]

I'm in the 3.73 club myself. Fuel mileage concerns are mute to me between the two. But I tow a lot. So fuel mileage goes out the window. I also like the better get up and go with lower gears. I've only had one truck with 3.42 ratio and hated the higher ratio from day one till it got replaced! LUTT

I'm with you. I just bought my 15th truck and one had 3.55 gears. I regretted it also. Every other one has had 3.73 gears except one with 3.92 and a few with 4.10's.

Chris

 

[arnoldziffel]

I rarely drive my truck over 65 - 70 MPH.

Seems like I've got plenty of get up and go.

 

[jejeosborne]

Oh, man please don't take me seriously about stirring the pot. I only meant that jokingly and in a good way in regards to this thread and your responses making me think hard about my wants vs my needs! I truly do appreciate all the input and the help with the thought process. :thumbsup:

One of the reasons I asked for advice from everyone is that I dealt with such an emotional roller coaster with my wife and the last two vehicles we purchased for her that I am trying to avoid getting putting myself in the same state over my own purchase.

I didn't take you serious. No worries. I will admit I enjoy a good debate but like I said, not debate to be had here.