Max tailer package ride

3215thomasj · February 24, 2015

What is the m.p.g difference between the 3.08, 3.42 and 3.73 axle ratios- all other things equal?

nards444 · February 24, 2015

What is the m.p.g difference between the 3.08, 3.42 and 3.73 axle ratios- all other things equal?

look on chevy.com

SMiller · February 24, 2015

What is the m.p.g difference between the 3.08, 3.42 and 3.73 axle ratios- all other things equal?

Depends on your driving, mixed driving I would say they all get the same. The 3.73's pull like a champ though.

OmahaBen · February 26, 2015

I have the max tow on my GMC 2014 and the rear rides firm and smooth. While the rear springs are more stiff than my old stock 2004 1500 springs they are no 2500 by any means. I put on my bumper hitch 3500lb or 6000lb trailer and they lower the rear end more than I like. (once the springs are 1-2 years old I can see they won't be enough) My last truck I tried helper springs which made it more of a 2500 feel but rode like a brick and sucked to drive (because you felt every bump hard). I switched to airbags with the in cab controller. I plan to put the airbag system on my 2014 in the next year. Really keeps the ride nice and allows you to be completely level while trailering.

The front suspension seems delayed on my 2014. For speed bumps in my 2004 1500 I would slow down but could still be going 10-15 mph over them. The 2014 I have to go really slow over them or the front suspension returns really hard. I have noticed this while coming off a curb a bit too fast or any type of uneven or offroad surface. Not sure if this is on all 2014s or just with the max tow.

I don't care for this so I just slow down a lot more than I used to.

If ride is a major concern if ride quality I would probably get the regular 1500 and do airbags. (I am however a huge advocate of the 3.73 gears, they are awesome) 3.08 shouldn't even be an option in my opinion with the 6 speed.

If you are getting the 8 Speed with the 6.2 you will be getting the 3.42 gears max tow. With the 8 speed that should be lower geared than my 6 speed and the 3.73s.

OmahaBen · February 26, 2015

What is the m.p.g difference between the 3.08, 3.42 and 3.73 axle ratios- all other things equal?

There are too many variables to figure exact mileage. I think the biggest one is how heavy is your foot. If you stay out of the gas and coast to lights and don't do hard starts my 6.2 with 3.73s does awesome.

For most 3.42 is the perfect ratio. Like I said 3.08 is probably just too high. It isn't worth 1-2mpg to have it be gutless off the line or unable to pull when necessary. I guess a lot of people don't tow if they are offering a 3.08.

Savagecanuck1 · February 27, 2015

I tried out a new 15 1lt with 5.3 and max tow today. Truck was brand new had 5 kms on it.I drove it about 50 km in varied terrain. Ride is a tad stiffer than my 14 but that could be just because it's new.3.73 gears help it to feel less doggy off the line,also a little less gear hunting. Fuel economy seems just as good as I averaged 14.8 l/100km over my route.I did a similar route in a 15 f150 with the 5.0 3.73 and got 14.6l/100km. I love the tow mirrors on the max tow and the 3.73,s if I don't go for the new 15 F150 I'll be getting max tow for sure.

lorepod · March 28, 2015

I have a 2014 GMC Sierra with crew cab and the max tow package. I have no complaints with the ride and my 30 year old son riding in the back commented how good the ride was. As for mileage with the 3.73 rear end, we did an extended trip the Pacific Northwest and got 20 miles to the gal. This was figured the old fashioned way and using the truck's computer with most speeds at 70 to 75 mph. Setting the cruse control at 60, it was common to see 24 to 27 mph showing on the computer. We are going back this September to pick up a new Escape travel trailer which will weigh about 4500 pounds loaded. I have not towed with this vehicle yet, so the handling and gas mileage are going to be interesting.