Towing with my 5.3

jBlaze3000 · June 17, 2014

Question for those that are familiar with the tow capabilities of the 5.3. I have a 2000 Suburban LT that runs like a top and has never done much in the way of towing. I am considering buying a boat that weighs 2450# (not including trailer).

My question is would my suburban be capable of handling a boat this size as is? Pretty much everything is stock (no tranny cooler or anything).

For the most part I will be trailering within 50 miles, but once a year I'll be trailering about 350 miles one way from Minnesota to Michigan.

Curious to hear about what others think of the 5.3 as a tow vehicle for a load this size. Thanks in advance.

KMGZ400 · June 17, 2014

It will handle the load fine.. I would recommend a trans cooler.. The 4l60 needs every bit of help it can get

GmPartsDirect.com · June 17, 2014

GM Accessory transmission cooler 12497071 2000 Chevrolet Sububan 1500 manufactured with the 4L60E transmssion, option code M30.

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm?addtocart=1&addpartnumber=12497071&singlepart=1&partnumber=12497071

jBlaze3000 · June 17, 2014

Tranny cooler it is. Thanks!

white1500 · June 17, 2014

Don't get the GM cooler, there are more effective and efficient options out there. In on my phone otherwise I would post up some links for you...

00Silverado4x4 · June 17, 2014

I personally think he will be fine with the OEM cooler. I hauled 2 to 3 times that weight one way 6300 miles from Alaska to Georgia with my truck. Trans is good to go.

jBlaze3000 · June 17, 2014

I personally think he will be fine with the OEM cooler. I hauled 2 to 3 times that weight one way 6300 miles from Alaska to Georgia with my truck. Trans is good to go.

Was it a 5.3 with the OEM cooler?

00Silverado4x4 · June 17, 2014

Was it a 5.3 with the OEM cooler?

Yes indeed.

jBlaze3000 · June 17, 2014

Good to know.

kstruckcountry · June 17, 2014

I think you will be golden, boats are fun to pull.

nfisherman · June 17, 2014

I have a 2008 Yukon XL with the 5.3. I added the tranny cooler from GM Parts Direct when I bought the car. I tow a boat and a camper that each weigh about 3,000#. I tow probably 5,000 miles per year, including an annual 650-mile trip from St. Louis to northern Michigan. I've never had a problem. I've never even seen my tranny temp exceed 190 degrees.

intheburbs · June 17, 2014

I towed a 6,000-lb trailer with my 01 Burb about 15,000 miles around the country, through both the Appalachians and the Rockies. Stock transmission cooler, never had any issues.

Truck has 190k miles with the original engine and transmission. Transmission still works perfectly.

jBlaze3000 · June 17, 2014

This is why gm-trucks is the best forum out there. Thanks for all the replies.

Mckenzie · June 17, 2014

It will tow that like a champ. I had a flat bed trailer with a 94 extended cab Z71 on it (AKA it was pretty heavy!). Put her in tow haul mode and took my time and she pulled like a champ, never missed a beat.