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A Few Questions About Towing.

cghbuilder86

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cghbuilder86 Enthusiast

cghbuilder86

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Posted

I have an '04 Chevy 1500 5.3. I have just started towing my bumper pull two horse trailer with it.My question is mainly about understanding RPMs. I want to drive it to take good care of it and not damage my truck. My total trailer weight should be around 4,500 lbs. So I shouldn't be in any danger of overloading it. My RPM gauge does not have a red zone though. So first of all, where do the RPMs get too high? Usually when I am in tow mode and accelerating from a stop they will get to about 3000. Is this okay? If I'm cruising on the highway between 50-55 mph they will stay on 2500 RPM. And if I get it up to 60 MPH they will hit the next gear and drop down to 1500 RPM. One person said it was better to keep the RPMs high, but I always though it was easier on the motor when RPMs were low? I would appreciate any info on the subject.

nickvrebel Senior Enthusiast

nickvrebel

Posted
Posted

you don't need to have a concern about your RPMs. In stock form the factory has electronic limiters in place.

From performance applications I can tell you that a stock motor can spin up to 5,500 rpms on a regular basis and never have an issue. The stock motor can spin up to ~6,000 rpms occasionally and never have a problem.... it's when you start spinning it to 6,000 and above on a regular basis that problems start (namely tossing the #7 connecting rod out the side of the block, I've learned this one a couple times lol).

music Senior Enthusiast

music

Posted
Posted

When towing, it's generally easier on the power-train to run at higher rpms... especially the transmission. It *may* cost a little more fuel, but you won't be shifting up/down too much, and thereby keeping transmission fluid temps lower. For the weight you have, the standard T/H shift logic should serve you well (i.e., using 4th above ~55 mph), except in hilly terrain or headwinds. Use 3rd when you see a lot of shifting or feel it "lugging", it will perform much better. You are *not* going to hurt the engine or transmission due to rpm. I purposely slow down and force a downshift to 2nd on longer/steeper hwy climbs to get the rpms into the power-band at a comfortable speed (~3500 rpm @55 mph). I'm pulling a 7k lb camper (wind sail), and there's not a (loaded) tractor trailer alive that can pass me :sick:

Westlotorn Enthusiast

Westlotorn

Posted
Posted

If you are an anything but flat ground I would choose 3rd gear. Tranny guys have told me overdrive and towing are not good for each other. When traveling flat highways I always use 4th and so far no issues.

Max Torque on the 5.3L is 4000 to 4300 RPM depending on your year model. Max Horse Power is at 5200 RPM so you are not working it hard at all.

Chris Senior Enthusiast

Chris

Posted
Posted

what are the capacities for the gmt-800

Westlotorn Enthusiast

Westlotorn

Posted
Posted

GVWR should be listed on the Drivers Door. It will vary based on Engine, Cooling system, Rear end ratio, brakes and suspension package ordered.

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