Trailering Madness

[jeeperman]

OK, I don't get it.

 

I just purchased a 2009 Sierra 1500 Crew Cab with the 5.3L, 6 speed auto, 3.42 axle ratio, and heavy duty trailering package (K5L). The owner's manual says this configuration has a maximum trailer weight of 9500 lbs (GCWR of 15,000 lbs).

 

The owner's manual also says that the same truck with the 6.0L, 3.73 axle ratio, and max trailering package (NHT) has a maximum trailer weight of 10,400 lbs (GCWR of 16,000).

 

Is there really only 900 lbs difference here? Is my truck really capable of towing 9500 lbs? Is there a durability/longevity difference between the two configurations?

 

I guess I'm just surprised that my truck is rated so highly (towing wise), and that there's such a small difference between my truck and the maximum capability. I want to make sure that I'm correctly understanding the capabilities (and limitations) of my truck.

 

Thoughts?

[Zembonez]

OK, I don't get it.

 

I just purchased a 2009 Sierra 1500 Crew Cab with the 5.3L, 6 speed auto, 3.42 axle ratio, and heavy duty trailering package (K5L). The owner's manual says this configuration has a maximum trailer weight of 9500 lbs (GCWR of 15,000 lbs).

 

The owner's manual also says that the same truck with the 6.0L, 3.73 axle ratio, and max trailering package (NHT) has a maximum trailer weight of 10,400 lbs (GCWR of 16,000).

 

Is there really only 900 lbs difference here? Is my truck really capable of towing 9500 lbs? Is there a durability/longevity difference between the two configurations?

 

I guess I'm just surprised that my truck is rated so highly (towing wise), and that there's such a small difference between my truck and the maximum capability. I want to make sure that I'm correctly understanding the capabilities (and limitations) of my truck.

 

Thoughts?

The capability difference isn't huge but the long term survival is. The 6.0 3.73 will live a lot longer towing heavy than the 5.3 3.42 will. Yours is a very capable truck. It just isn;t made to tow heavy full time.

[bigredmariner]

Yeah what he said, and welcome aboard.

[sl33py24]

what if he changes the gears to 3.73 or 4.10 would that make any differences?

[66nova]

what if he changes the gears to 3.73 or 4.10 would that make any differences?

 

 

4.10s and the 6sp transmission would not be a fun combo. Well unless you want to do burn outs all the time. I believe the NHT towing package also gets a stronger rear end. Plus, you have a stronger motor.

 

3.42's and the 6sp is equivalent to about 4.56 gears and a 4 speed.

[sl33py24]

what does a 05 sierra 5.3 3.42 tow???? and would it be better to go with 3.73 or 4.10

[grayghost7]

what does a 05 sierra 5.3 3.42 tow???? and would it be better to go with 3.73 or 4.10

 

Mine's rated up to 8000 lbs [K15 rcsb] maximum trailer weight, but I'll probably never have more than 4500 on it. I was shocked to see that much, my 70 was rated for 6000.

[jeeperman]

Thanks for the answers, guys! This helps. I can't imagine towing much more than 6000 lbs or so, and probably only about 5% of the time - sounds like I should be good!

 

Scott