Modifications & Towing

[SMW]

Currently have a 15 Silverado with 2" level and Nitto Terra Grapplers 275/60/20. I get 17.5-18 mpg empty. I tow my golf cart on aluminum trailer and get 11.5-13.5 depending on driving area. Wind drag kills you. Now on to my question.....

 

I'm wanting to get a 4" lift with 33x12.5 tires (10 ply). I fully accept that my MPG will be in the 14-15 range unloaded. My question concerns pulling my golf cart. Will I lose 4 mpg there dropping me to single digits? Or will lift / height of truck cause less wind drag of my cart? Wanting to be fully aware going in before I make the mods.

[Aboogie808]

I am running 33x12.5x20 with a level on my truck. I tow my street bikes and still keep my gas in the teens. It really comes down to, how heavy you are on your pedal. I am about to put a 6.5 lift on, but keeping the 33's. I have taking advantage of the tow package system feature on my truck. It helps allows the better gas mileage. GL

[SMW]

I am running 33x12.5x20 with a level on my truck. I tow my street bikes and still keep my gas in the teens. It really comes down to, how heavy you are on your pedal. I am about to put a 6.5 lift on, but keeping the 33's. I have taking advantage of the tow package system feature on my truck. It helps allows the better gas mileage. GL

What is the tow package? I'm unsure if I have it.

[Aboogie808]

If you look on right side of your steering wheel, it is where you put your truck into gear. There is a emblem that looks likes tow feature.

[SMW]

If you look on right side of your steering wheel, it is where you put your truck into gear. There is a emblem that looks likes tow feature.

OH yes I have that. My truck is the 5.3 with 3.42 rear end. Just trying to keep the truck from dropping into the single digits when pulling my golf cart.

[Aboogie808]

Here are some photos.

[Aboogie808]

 

[Aboogie808]

OH yes I have that. My truck is the 5.3 with 3.42 rear end. Just trying to keep the truck from dropping into the single digits when pulling my golf cart.

I got you. Cool, if you have it, use it. I have the same setup. Great feature.

[LongrangeLauber]

They all have the tow/haul feature on these trucks, nothing special about it. There is an actual "tow package" that comes from the factory, adds the class 3 or 4 hitch and the 7 way plug in the back of the truck, not sure if it includes the factory trailer brake option or not.

 

Tow/haul mode just keeps you in a lower gear longer and kills 6th gear until 60mph. Not sure if it's true but I've heard it does something with the fluid to help cycle it better, butthese trucks have a trans thermostat regardless.

 

To answer your question, you'll probably be able to stay in the very low teens with your future setup. My old 02 Silvy had 10" of lift, setting on 37's with 4.88 gears. I got about 9mpg towing my dad's boat, which the total package was around 3500lb. or so

[Lgetz]

SMW your mileage will probably drop down into high single digits while towing with the 4 inch lift and 33's. Be mindful of tire tread type All Terrain versus Rugged/Mud Terrain and tire weights as this will also negatively impact your fuel mileage.