Towing Perfomance

jduncum · August 3, 2009

I have a 2006, 4.8L, V-8, GMC Sierra. I recently purchased a travel trailer and the truck really has a hard time pulling it. I run approx. 2300 RPM to maintain a 60 mph speed. I have already added a transmission cooler to help protect that, but what is the best power / chip mod. for the money to help out the engine??? I have been looking at the flashpack (spelling??) by superchip. Any Advice? Thanks!!

66nova · August 3, 2009

I have a 2006, 4.8L, V-8, GMC Sierra. I recently purchased a travel trailer and the truck really has a hard time pulling it. I run approx. 2300 RPM to maintain a 60 mph speed. I have already added a transmission cooler to help protect that, but what is the best power / chip mod. for the money to help out the engine??? I have been looking at the flashpack (spelling??) by superchip. Any Advice? Thanks!!

Don't waste your money with a hand held tuner!!!!!!

Go to this website... www.blackbearperformance.com

and then email Justin. You will be glad you did.

Or he constantly has live tunes going on. Check in the Black Bear section on this site and see if he is going to be near you.

nbscanuck · August 4, 2009

I'm happy with my DiabloSport programmer. I'm just wondering, what's the gear ratio on your truck and how big a trailer are you pulling (lbs.) becuase I run about 2800 rpm at 60 mph. You might look at a gear change. That would help you more than any programming, handheld or BB.

Stevens03 · August 4, 2009

The 4.8 is a good engine but lacks low end torque. I've heard really good things about superchips towing tune, but thats on a 6.0. I do like the superchips product but a custom tune would give you more than the handheld.

I have diablo and like it too, but I've not put it to the test towing. Depending on the gears you have, gears could be good money spent as well.

Good luck.

txab · August 4, 2009

What's you rear end ratio?

jduncum · August 4, 2009

Not sure what the rear end ratio is, what is the best way to find out??

jduncum · August 4, 2009

PS the trailer is 9000 lbs, per dealer and registration.

66nova · August 5, 2009

PS the trailer is 9000 lbs, per dealer and registration.

WOW! 9000lbs...Is that dry weight or loaded? If it's truly 9000lbs, I recommend doing a lot more than a Black Bear Tune and gears. You need more truck to haul that much on a regular basis.

nbscanuck · August 5, 2009

HOLY CRAP 9000lbs. Your truck isn't even rated to pull that much. I think the highest a 4.8l is rated for is 7800lbs (depending on equipment) and if you have 3.42 gears (which your low rpm would indicate) your lucky to move that thing.

Look on the driver door pillar for GVWR rating. Take VIN to the dealer and ask your rear gear.

And what he said ^^^^^^

Another question, who told you that truck could pull that trailer?

txab · August 5, 2009

PS the trailer is 9000 lbs, per dealer and registration.

HOLY OVERLOAD BATMAN! 9000#'s. That's empty weight with none of your crap in there. You need more truck!

RPO codes in the glovebox should give you ratio

Stevens03 · August 5, 2009

GU6 - 3.42

GT4 - 3.73

GT5 - 4.10

RPO codes in the glove box.

jduncum · August 5, 2009

I called the dealer on the rear end ratio it has a 3.23. I also called the county the trailer was titled in to make sure the dealer was correct on the weight of the trailer which they were not. Empty weight of the trailer is 4100.... So now that we have the correct info, what would be my best bet for increasing the towing performace of my truck?? Thanks,

Stevens03 · August 5, 2009

Gears hands down!

txab · August 5, 2009

Gears hands down!

+1

nbscanuck · August 5, 2009

what they said ^^^^^

tune (whatever type) would help some, but you got gears for mileage not towing. I've got 4.10 and it pulls easy. Gears are gonna be best investment for you.