Heavy Towing

[GM GIMP]

I frequently use my 1500HD for towing a car trailer weighing

about #9,000 loaded. The only mods are 410 gear, Hypertech Program,

Michelin 265 series E tires. I would like to have more torque

for this rather demanding tow weight but can't afford a

supercharger. Any suggestions other than trading trucks (I love

mine and want to keep it).

[BlackSilver]

You're dragging about 16,000 GCWR with that small block V8. That's hard work, and you'll need a new truck sooner than later. Step up to a 2500HD with a big-block or DMax.

[Hogs]

Get a Duramax!!

[silverado3500]

Only other thing I can think of would to go back down to a 245/75R16E. A shorter tire will lower your rear end ratio. Example, a 4.10 might go to 4.18 ... That or get a 4.56 rear end. My 3500 with a 454 and stock 4.56 pulls great.

[Shaners]

If your truck is a 2WD then the cheapest option would be to change the rear gears. A 4.56 gear would help out tremendously, and probably wouldn't hurt your MPG's too much as long as you keep your speed down on the highway...

[PaulSter]

My answer is the same as the others-- re-gear. That will get you back to stock performance with 245s, and definitely more. Beyond that, I think you know the answer-- if you're gonna have that # load for the forseeable future; you''ll want a more stout truck (3/4 ton) and drivetrain (diesel).

 

PaulS

[1BADHD]

If he cant afford a supercharger........sure the hell cant afford a MAX!! That option is ridiculously priced if you ask me! In aggreement with the others, gears will be the cheapest easiest way to get the power you need. Other than that, you have to do engine mods. Long tube headers, better tuning, etc....

[JimWilson]

I would reason a guess that the Hypertech gave you back all that was "lost" due to the larger tires. At this, I would say you broke even.

 

Changing gears would make a difference, but it won't be night and day. Neither would getting a better programmer, like the Westers. AAMOF, other then a blower I can't think of anything that would make a huge difference.

 

The gears or the Westers tune would help, but I don't know if you'll think the difference was worth the money (although the Westers is a lot cheaper, and can be returned in 30 days if you don't think it was worth the $$, something you can't do with the gears). That is pretty much the limit for what you can safely tow, so I'm afraid you're really in need of a bigger truck in order to move that load around the way you most likely want to.