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Which truck configuratiuon has the highest towing

Zach0645

By Zach0645
in Towing, Hauling & Hitches

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Zach0645 New Member

Zach0645

Posted
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Hello, im going to be looing to buy a used truck in the near future. What im going to be looking for is Chevy/GMC 1/2 ton, 5.3L, 4X4, crew cab, with a short box. Most likley im going to be looking at trucks about 10 years old. I understand that when figuring towing capacity a lot of things are factored in, including wheel base, axel ratio, suspension package, towing package, ect... But iv looked all over the internet and im having a hard time finding answers to my questions.

 

1) if the truck came with a factory tow packag, what dose it have that a non-tow package truck dosnt

 

2) for the truck i outlined above, what shoud i be looking for when it comes to gear ratios that will give me the higest tow rating.

 

3) what other things should i be looking for on a truck that will increase my tow rating.

 

4) I have also found that GM offered an open diif, posi, and a locking diff. I know what and open rear end is, and i know what posi is, but im not sure i know what a locking diff is

 

 

In my (online) resurch, i find that Chevy/GMC trucks tow ratings vary alot. So basically, i just want to know what combination of options will get me the highest tow rating. I dont plan on towing a lot, but i will be, on occasion, towing small cars and possibly something as big as a mini van. I dont want to go with 3/4 ton because im not going to be doing all the time, and im not super long distance. Maybe only 50-75 miles. What im going to be doing, i know i can get away with a 1/2 ton, i just want to try to make sure i get the right one. I know about RPO codes, and i will be ablt to check the codes, but what im looking for in a truck first. Any help you guys can give me would be great. And if anybody has any experiance with towing cars behind your 1/2 ton, let me know what you have and how well it worked for you!!! Thanks

Nathan79 Enthusiast

Nathan79

Posted
Posted

Can you get a little newer and get one with the 6 speed instead of the 4 speed? That will make a big difference.

Zach0645 New Member

Zach0645

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When did they start putting in the six speed. Unfortunately I have a budget I have stick to and I might have a hard time finding something much newer.

  • 2 weeks later...
Green_Monster Enthusiast

Green_Monster

Posted
Posted

I have a 2006 CC with 5.3 and 4x4 with the Z85 towing/handling package. It comes with 4.10 gears, trans cooler, and "handling/trailering" suspension. The suspension upgrades I believe are limited to different shocks and an extra leaf spring. I tow both a 20' Lund fishing boat and a 24' pontoon without any issues. And I'm pushing 225,000 miles. I think the actual increase in tow rating was MAYBE 1000-2000 lbs. However that isn't really the goal of this package. The goal is to make the towing you do, much EASIER on you and your truck. If I can find my build sheet, I can clarify later.

gmckenzie Enthusiast

gmckenzie

Posted
Posted

Don't have an answer, but try looking online for brochures for the various years.

 

Here is one for 2008 MY. Sorry it's Canadian :)

 

https://www.gm.ca/media/vehicles/current/gmc/sierra/gmc_sierra_brochure_en_CA.pdf

 

Looks like you want to find one with an NHT RPO code. They don't list rear end ratios.

 

A locking diff locks both axles together and doesn't allow any slip between them. GM's locking diff (RPO code G80) is really just a very tight posi and isn't actually a locker. Unless you are doing serious offroad, the G80 is a decent unit.

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