George Moore

I have same yr truck and same set up with tires cold air intake and have issues with downshifting when it comes to hills. when I’m driving down the road I got plenty of power . the truck is slow I’m down shifting

First of all what size trailer are you pulling ? That’s right there is what we need to know first. I can honesty tell you that will make a difference on if you want a 1500 or a 2500 and gear ratio will play a big factor also. I have a 2011 1500 5.3 with 6 inch lift and 35 inch tires . Now that truck will haul the mail down the road empty but as soon as I put my camper behind it , it is a dog. Yes I know tires are part of my problem but 3:42 gears are also problem it mainly for looks and highway driving but I’m going to take it somewhere have 3:73 gears put in which should help me. They make these new trucks like a car comfortable with all the nice do dads but lack the power to do the work EPA regulations but I truly believe if you buy a 1500 with the 5.3 get something that’s going to do the job ask if you can up grade gears to 3:73 I hope I’m putting the numbers down right if someone wants to correct me that’s fine also I’m not a mechanic of any sort but I have talked with several gm mechanics and this is their advice to me I know with the 3:42 when I hit a hill I lose all momentum and it kicks down hard and still has trouble making it up hills and with the 3:73 it will help with that I just waiting till after this COVID-19 to spend the money to do so . The dealership will sell you a 1500 at a blink of an eye and tell you sure it will pull no problems but it it’s a big trailer or camper go with 2500 you will be happier if you don’t you will be disappointed and if you take it back and want something bigger you will lose your butt. I know a lot of people worry about fuel mileage but if I wanted fuel mileage I would buy a Honda

I have a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 5.3 has same issue. I understand the deal with octane from 87 to 93 octane but I question it with the rattling and pinging the truck almost seems as if it should downshift sooner. Just like driving a standard if you don’t downshift on a hill or what not it starts to rattle and ping same exact noise. Like I said a paragraph before seems like the truck needs to downshift sooner