Tranny burn?

[tvrsq51]

I've been reading most of the threads with great interest and a question came up. I have a 2012 Sierra with 5.3 and 3:73 gears. Tow a 19' Chaparral 3 times a year no problem. This past Jan. I purchased a 26'TT with no slides. The GVWR is 7640. I feel with other things I carry in my bed and additional stuff in the trailer I'm close to maxing and I feel it when towing. Hello 6 miles per gallon. I haven't seen any high temps in my gauges to worry but the worry is there. My truck mileage is a tick over 73,000. This brings me to my question; How long can I go before my tranny says enough or what can I do to help it along. I installed a modular air tube to breath better. A level kit along with helper springs helps with no sag. Had a tranny flush about 10k ago. Or am I worrying for naut?

[O_J_Simpson]

Just drive it. If the flush did not kill it the trans is in good shape.

[SouthernSilveradoGuy85]

I hope I'm not the only one that thought something way different and off topic when I read "Tranny burn".

[Brian Long]

In case you did not catch what OJ is saying, flushing is BAD for transmissions. Your maintenance should be filter and fluid only, which will be about half of the total fluid (nothing from torque converter or cooling lines). If the puling is heavy, which it sounds like you are from now on, I would change the fluid every 15-20k.

 

Based on your gas mileage I don't think you are, but you should also not allow the transmission to lug. OD is fine if you are sure the load is being pulled very easily (super flat, slight tail wind type stuff), else keep it in 5th. When the load is heavy and the trans pressure is low, it will slip ever so slightly until it eats itself up.

 

Cooler trans temps are always better, beyond that, you are doing what you can.

[Nathan79]

I didn't know they had the 5.3L 3.73 gears in 2012. Are you sure? 6 speed auto?

[tvrsq51]

Good info. According to my VIN/RPO numbers I have the 3:73 with a 6sp. This gearing was only available in the max trailering package from GM. Also, I stand corrected on my tranny service. It wasn't a flush but a automatic transmission fluid change. I will take greater care in how my tranny is treated. Been thinking about bumping up to a 2500 but the 2016 1500's have a higher tow rating than my 2012. We'll see. Thank you.

[Nathan79]

Good info. According to my VIN/RPO numbers I have the 3:73 with a 6sp. This gearing was only available in the max trailering package from GM. Also, I stand corrected on my tranny service. It wasn't a flush but a automatic transmission fluid change. I will take greater care in how my tranny is treated. Been thinking about bumping up to a 2500 but the 2016 1500's have a higher tow rating than my 2012. We'll see. Thank you.

 

I would just double check in your glovebox. The 2012 GM trailering guide and owners manual doesn't list a 3.73 rear end for the 5.3L V8 (yes for 4.8 and 6.2 but not 5.3).

 

 

GQ1 -- AXLE REAR, STD RATIO

GT4 -- AXLE REAR, 3.73 RATIO

GT5 -- AXLE REAR, 4.10 RATIO

GU4 -- AXLE REAR, 3.08 RATIO

GU5 -- AXLE REAR, 3.23 RATIO

GU6 -- AXLE REAR, 3.42 RATIO

G80 -- AXLE REAR, HD locking differential

[tvrsq51]

You are right Nathan79. I missread the plate. I'm running a GU6 in the rear pumpkin. Now I'm depressed.

[barry G]

keep your air conditioning charged up...

an amazing little trick form the bottom half of ice cold condensor goes to oil pan and coolers.

 

 

the weight may not do your tanny in, the sheer size of the 26 feet in the wind will be the end killer.

3.73 is indeed very good, if you want to do swap.

 

on 6spd, the 3.42 might be right at home.

 

maybe keep overall speed down when hauling, a few miles per hour under limits etc.

[tvrsq51]

3:42 it is. I just verified with the the original window sticker. I guess it's time to listen to my gut and step up to a 2500 and tow with no worries. Gas or diesel? I'll go to another forum for that info. Thanks you guys.