2013 Sierra 1500 towing

CPOWindle · March 23, 2017

I am thinking about getting my fathers truck for towing a travel trailer. It has the power tech package (?) on the build sheet. It includes 5.3vortec 6spd trans, locking rear diff, trailering package (?), heavy duty cooling, and other non trailering goodies. I am looking at travel trailers around 8k lbs. Can it do the job? I am anticipating a few long trips (7-10 days) a year and a few long weekends. Mainly to the coast and the like. 1000 mile trips I guess. Just want to know if anyone is using this setup to tow with and any info I can get. Thank you.

mj0528 · March 23, 2017

Gonna be a struggle most likely. Check the payload for the tounge weight and what you have left after the hitch. That's the biggest factor for 1/2 tons. What rear end do you have? That's also a factor by GMC manual. 3.08 is like 6700 and 3.42 is 9600 or so depending on config. I hear you want to have a 20% buffer but the payload usually runs out first

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Andy Seibel · March 23, 2017

8k lbs dry weight trailer is probably going to push you past the safe limits. Can you pull it? probably. And some people do.

But with that size trailer, the popular phrase seems to be "tail wagging the dog".

You need the truck to be in charge when you need to stop or quickly maneuver. looks like a HD truck is in your future if you need that size trailer.

arcasey · March 24, 2017

All of the trucks in that year model were rated at over 9,000 lbs towing capacity as long as you have the 5.3L coupled with the 3.42 rear end and the heavy duty cooling (which you said it did have so I would assume it probably has the 3.42 rear end also). At 8,000 lbs you are definitely going to know it's back there. I don't know if they have trailer brakes on travel trailers in that size or not but if you can find one that does you will definitely want one with brakes.

dasimmon · March 24, 2017

these guys are spot on, that sierra is gonna be puttin in some work. make sure you are keeping an eye on ur GVWR, 10-15% tongue weight + passengers + gear + fuel = pushing it. most guys on here pulling that kind of weight are in HD's for sure

CPOWindle · March 24, 2017

Thanks for the input. I kinda knew that I needed an HD but I just didn't want to buy one. I guess the next question is: Do I need the Diesel or can I go with a 6.0 or 6.2 gasoline engine? The diesel is much more expensive and the upkeep is a bit more expensive as well. Diesel fuel has been more per gallon for as long as I can remember, so can I use the gas engine as effectively to pull the trailer? I know the Plymouth diesel trucks are less but I can't handle the nausea while driving one or the embarrassment when seen driving it. Advice??

intheburbs · March 24, 2017

Engine power is important, but less so now with 6 speed transmissions.

I'd be more focused on your axles. The half-ton trucks use weak semi-floater axles that are only rated to about 4,000 lbs. The HD trucks use full floaters that can handle much more weight and dissipate heat better.

Bottom line - a trailer with an 8,000-lb dry weight is going to be more like 9500 fully loaded for a trip. IMHO, that's too much for a half-ton truck.

redvett · March 24, 2017

Diesel towing from the RV sites is 30000 miles to even come close to get any savings. 6.0L w/ 6speed will come very close on fuel economy under 30000 miles. Diesel is just not worth it for the occasional towing.

arcasey · March 25, 2017

While it's true that diesel fuel is typically higher per gallon these days, you have to factor in the fuel mileage for each type of truck. Unless you want to splurge for the newer model 1500's with the new 8 speed transmission, the diesels are going to get considerably better mileage while towing. And if you willing to spend the money for a newer 1500 with an 8 speed tranny you might as well spend a little bit more and get a truck that was made for towing. Just my two cents worth, but again it just really depends on what you are trying to do.

mj0528 · March 28, 2017

Whatever you choose, get the equalizer 4 PT WDH/sway hitch. I pull a 5800 lb travel trailer and wouldn't want anymore than that. I've pulled it with and without the WDH and it made a huge improvement. No "white knuckle" experience but getting up to speed with a 5.3 (3.73 rear ended) took some time. Once you get up to speed, no biggie with the equalizer. The one time I drove it without made me regret my decision to pull it but not now

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