Towing Capacity SLT 6.2 with 3.42 gears

2016 Sierra Owner · September 22, 2013

Here is GMCs reference chart for the 6.2 with different ratios listed.

http://www.gmfleetorderguide.com/NASApp/domestic/proddesc.jsp?year=2014&regionID=1&divisionID=2&type=0&vehicleID=14683&section=trailer_specs&page=&butID=8

cs300823 · October 24, 2015

I tow a TT that weighs in at 6800 and my 6.2 tows it no problem !!

peejaykay · October 25, 2015

My TT weighs in at 9600. CAT scaled this summer. My GCWR was 16,680 and I'd do it again, no problem. Towed from Los Angeles to Charlotte in July, across the rocky mountains. This with a 5.3.

Tek74 · October 25, 2015

Many good comments here......

Max tow rating is with no Interior or Bed payload, which some forget to account for. I also factor in Grade......flat ground or mountains.

I went with a 5.3L with 3.42 rear end (9,200lb tow capability), as don't intend to tow more than 5k-6k with a total payload of 1k-2k

When I retire, I intend to buy a 20ft-ish travel trailer and haul a quad, so I'll probably upgrade to a 6.2L with a 3.73 rear end (max tow package)

OmahaBen · October 25, 2015

On my last 1500 (2004) about 5 years in I put on progressive helper springs. They really helped with my larger trailer especially when the stock springs started to sag. I moved over to air bags for smoother ride and so I could always keep the truck level no matter which trailer I was hooked to. It even had a in cab controller and air compressor to raise or lower the truck depending what was in the bed or hooked up to the back.

After that my 1500 could tow everything I needed. The limiting factor was the dog 5.3 and 4 speed transmission. That thing would rev to the moon going up hills on the interstate.

With the 6.2 and 3.73 and airbags I would totally max the truck out for a once or twice a year deal.

As long as truck doesn't ride wierd or feel squirrely I would stack on the weight. I would also mind the speed. If I was pushing the limits I wouldn't go over 60-65mph. On and don't forget excellent working trailer brakes on both axles.

jamin87ss · October 25, 2015

I pull my boat which weighs 10500 to 11000, 5.3 3.42's and it does it with ease, stops it easily as well,

jamin87ss · October 25, 2015

And yes I agree, boat us way more stable then pulling a camper, I wouldn't pull a camper that heavy because the areo and being top heavy, I've talked to guys pulling campers that are lighter, but they struggle pushing through the wind, and around 18 wheelers

bosro · October 25, 2015

After 2014 you probably wont ever see 3.73s with the 6.2L.

Couldn't get em in 2015 with 6.2L as far as I know.

I see it everyday in summer,guys pulling big loads with 1/2 tons.....then bragging they cant even tell it's back there....whatever

Crosswinds here,up n down elevations....it can get hairy .....

If I ever have a trailer 9k plus I'm buying a diesel.

jamin87ss · October 25, 2015

Bosro, its definitely back there, but the truck handles it very well, would a 3/4 ton be better, of course, but 90% of my towing is within 3 miles, but I do take a trip with the boat 2/3 times a year, we just did one a few weeks back and I was able to set the cruise @64 mph and relax down the Thruway, I really was shocked at how well it handle and for all the shortcommings of the tranny it was really impressive under tow.