Anyone go from 6.0/6.2 down to a new 2014 5.3

high country · March 22, 2015

Yes, I had a 2008 NHT Vmax 6.0L 4.10 geared, 4 speed truck that I sold and I bought the 5.3L SLT/AT with 3.42 gears. The 5.3 is not quite the engine the 6.0L was, but the 6 speed helps.

As High Country pointed out; opinions are like ... well, everyone has one. But, I agree with him on the point about not getting a 1500 to pull a 9000 lb trailer. Everyone always talks about the engine, trans and gears when discussing trailer towing. You can get a 420 hp engine and 8 speed trans in a 1500 and probably the low gears, or low enough. For me, I would (did actually) buy a 2500 to tow a trailer in that weight range. It's about the frame, suspension, and brakes to me. The 2500 brakes have a hydro-boost to give much higher line pressures and the calipers are much larger.

Yes as I stated they are like assholes, I gave mine and didn't feel the need to explain it or try change anyone else s mind, I'll leave that to the guys who have done everything and know everything. You know the type, they feel the need to talk over everyone on every subject.

KARNUT · March 22, 2015

Yes as I stated they are like assholes, I gave mine and didn't feel the need to explain it or try change anyone else s mind, I'll leave that to the guys who have done everything and know everything. You know the type, they feel the need to talk over everyone on every subject.

Wow two threads your calling people assholes for giving people their experience as requested. May I suggest getting something to eat or maybe more sleep? Or climbing out of your basement and getting some sun.

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high country · March 22, 2015

Maybe I didn't make myself clear, I don't recall calling anyone a ****, I think I said opinions are like assholes everyone has one. Then I said I try not to force my opinion on anyone else. I guess your reading between the lines and then putting your words in my mouth.

KARNUT · March 22, 2015

Didn't notice anything forced, I think the meaning was obvious. It's been entertaining , have a nice day.

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bogeypro · March 22, 2015

I had a 2013 Chivey with 6.2L and 3.55 six speed. I traded it for 2014 GMC with 5.3 3.55 six speed. I thought they were very similar while towing my 5000 lb boat. 6.2 obviously had a little more grunt at highway speeds going up hill.

The 2014 had a terrible vibration that the 2013 didn't have. Dealer couldn't fix it so I traded it for 2014 F150 with 5.0 with 3.55 six speed. The 5.0 pulls as well as the 2014 5.3 GMC. Actually, I think the F150 actually seems to have more grunt down low and feels more solid while going down the highway.

Chris · March 22, 2015

I had a 2013 Chivey with 6.2L and 3.55 six speed. I traded it for 2014 GMC with 5.3 3.55 six speed. I thought they were very similar while towing my 5000 lb boat. 6.2 obviously had a little more grunt at highway speeds going up hill.

The 2014 had a terrible vibration that the 2013 didn't have. Dealer couldn't fix it so I traded it for 2014 F150 with 5.0 with 3.55 six speed. The 5.0 pulls as well as the 2014 5.3 GMC. Actually, I think the F150 actually seems to have more grunt down low and feels more solid while going down the highway.

That 5.0 is a decent engine. I'm surprised it took them that long to find something to compete with the LS/LT engines like the old 5.0 used to compete with the 350.

Jon A · March 22, 2015

I suppose 9k is no big deal for a 1/2 ton on the flats. But I was towing horses up and down mountains. Some of the grades were pretty steep. Some were long and steep. Even the 2500 brakes were taxed to their limits in some of my travels. The trailer brakes on my trailer were drums. When they got hot on the downhill grades, they just didn't work very well.

And yet, that's a perfect example of how today's 1500s are even more capable in some ways than the 2500s of yesteryear. In a 2014 1500, especially the 6.2, the grade braking works so well you basically don't even need to touch the brakes in situations like this. And when you do need to stop completely, the brakes are bigger and better than the 2500's had back in 2009.