Towing

Loc-on · October 17, 2010

I own a 2007 GMC Yukon with a 5.3L. I am going to be towing a 7,000 lb camper about 700 miles in a couple of weeks and need some advice. I have sway bar and spring bars and the camper pulls fine but I took it on a 40 mile test pull yesterday and noticed that if I try to stay at 65 mph the transmission will shift with any grade change at all. The transmission never got over 178 degress during the test but would I be better off to pull the trailer in 3rd at about 2800 rpms or put it in drive and let the transmission shift alot? I know the milage will decrease with the increased RPM's but I am more concerned about transmission damage than gas milage as I only do this once a year.

Stevens03 · October 17, 2010

Heat is what kills, so if if never got above the 178 degrees mark, you'll be fine. Watch the temps and if you see it rising, shift to 3rd

Chevrolet1 · October 23, 2010

To be safe, use third (not overdrive). Frequent shifting in and out of OD can quickly overheat the trans. When towing, stay out of OD and take your time to help prevent unnecessary wear and tear.

dlstewart01 · October 23, 2010

from GM...

Mckenzie · October 23, 2010

like other people said, put her in 3rd, and keep it at a steady speed

dlstewart01 · October 24, 2010

Not me...I just finished my 6th year of towing my camper and always in drive...never an issue. But mine doesn't hunt for gears or down shift a lot. Thats when you should go to 3rd.

mxdirtrider56 · October 25, 2010

I usually tow in D. If I'm towing a real heavy load and hit a stretch of road where my transmission can't seem to make up it's mind I'll put it in 3rd for a little bit.

Chris03Silver · November 5, 2010

heres what i do when i tow a 3 horse slant load trailer with all the horse crap and the GF's crap, in town i lock her in 3 and on the hwy i put her into D no issues.. a transmission builder her in town recommended doing that, says it keeps the 5.3 "happy" in its powerband with the higher rpm...

jro909 · November 5, 2010

always towed in D with the button pushed, thats what its there for...more then likely the trans won't ever go into overdrive..mine never has with tow haul on

ken1mod · November 6, 2010

Gentlemen,

The term is "soft pedaling". Drive easy and don't try to climb hills at 80 mph. Realize that towing a trailer is not a race and you will enjoy unlimited mechanical life. Push 300 hp through your drivetrain and you will reduce things to big, expensive pieces.

Ken

birdman7389 · November 29, 2010

Yep. Towing 7K with a 1/2 ton is getting up there with the limits. We do it, but you do need to take it easy....

Gentlemen,

The term is "soft pedaling". Drive easy and don't try to climb hills at 80 mph. Realize that towing a trailer is not a race and you will enjoy unlimited mechanical life. Push 300 hp through your drivetrain and you will reduce things to big, expensive pieces.

Ken

revrnd · December 19, 2010

I own a 2007 GMC Yukon with a 5.3L. I am going to be towing a 7,000 lb camper about 700 miles in a couple of weeks and need some advice. I have sway bar and spring bars and the camper pulls fine but I took it on a 40 mile test pull yesterday and noticed that if I try to stay at 65 mph the transmission will shift with any grade change at all. The transmission never got over 178 degress during the test but would I be better off to pull the trailer in 3rd at about 2800 rpms or put it in drive and let the transmission shift alot? I know the milage will decrease with the increased RPM's but I am more concerned about transmission damage than gas milage as I only do this once a year.

What is the axle ratio?

Snoringbear · January 6, 2016

Agree with comments that 7,000 lb's for a 2007 / 4 spd tranny is at the max for sure. I have a 25' camper that I towed for several years with a 2008 basically same as the posters 2007. Had the same issue; whenever went up an upgrade, even an interstate overpass, it would downshift to 3rd. Engine sweet spot seemed to be 67 ~68 mph for my 2008. But at that speed when truck dropped to 3rd rpm would jump to somewhere between 3,500 ~ 4,000 rpm as I recall. Was hard on both engine, tranny and my state of mind. So, finally solved the problem this past Memorial Day weekend. Bought a 2015 Silverado 1500 4x4 Crew with 6.2L / 8 spd tranny. Wow! What a difference! Rod tripping towing my camper is now a real pleasure. I can now set cruise on 70 mph and not be concerned about rpm's or what gear I'm in and enjoy the drive. Gotta say, I'm one happy camper now