I’m in the market for a used 2019-2020 Silverado 1500. I decided on the RST trim as I’m not really into lifted trucks and I think it provides a lot over the LT, also I like the color matched bumpers and bucket seats. This will be a 5.3L V8 truck as I don't want to spend the extra on a 6.2, buy premium gas, and really I don’t think I need it. I am just wondering what rear axle gear ratio you would recommend for my current situation. I tow a 19ft boat that loaded weighs around 4000lbs. I don’t currently, but want to start fishing lakes in other states so I want the ability to tow the boat all over the country on different terrain (hills ect…), which is the main reason I’m upgrading from a midsized truck (v6 tacoma). The trailer does not have brakes but I can install surge brakes if needed. I also will be occasionally towing a double axle hydraulic dump trailer that weighs around 3000lbs empty but with the skid loader on it weighs more in the 8000 range. I won’t be towing this often (less than 10 times per year) and it will only be at in town speeds. The trailer has electric brakes so stopping is not a problem.
Would I benefit from the 3.43 ratio max tow package versus the 3.23 ratio z71 package? I was set on getting the z71 but now I’m really leaning towards the max tow after researching topics on this forum. Ride quality isn't really important to me as I’m sure it will ride like a truck either way and both will be much smoother than a 2500. The savings in 1-2mpg is somewhat important but I feel the towing capacity would outweigh that since we can always take my wife's vehicle on longer trips (30mpg). The duel exhaust tips look great but isn’t a deal breaker for me.
I'm not apposed to buying new if I cant find exactly what I’m looking for but I only put 7-8K miles on a vehicle every year so saving some money by buying a used with 20k or so miles appeals to me.
Thanks in advance!