Prep for a bigger trailer

leathermaneod · May 16, 2023

Hi all,

I’ve been lurking here since about last August when I purchased my first GM product, a black,2018, Silverado, 1500, double cab, standard bed, 4x4, 5.3. I didn’t know anything about them other than I love the way they look inside and out and I finally found a good deal on one. It had 132,****** at the time, but service records showed it had been very well taken care of. I bought it to tow my 16’ travel trailer, single axle weighing about 4k loaded. Well now my family is growing and my wife wants a larger camper, so I got the build sheet to confirm my max trailer weight. I have a 3.42 rear so my max tow is 9200 lbs according to my owners manual. Since buying the truck I’ve learned a lot about them. Already disabled the afm with a Diablo intune i3, as well as loading firm shift, and increasing drive idle speed by 50 rpm to smooth it. I also watched the trans temp like a hawk and so learned about the trans stat and updated to the new lower temp one, seems to have helped a lot. Yes, I know about the pill flip and all that, but I kinda like to keep things oem when possible. I’ve also changed all fluids in the truck at this point. All indications are that it was maintained as well as I believed. So all this to say, I’m trying to prep for towing a larger trailer, possibly as much as 7k loaded. I’ve read about a thermostat swap to keep temps lower, any recommendations on how necessary that is? I’m in southeastern PA and will be towing a max of ten times per year from April to October, no more than 3.5 hour trips, if that. I’ve definitely seen the temp creep to at least the next tick after 210, so that caught my attention. I also learned that I have the Z60 suspension package, not ideal I know, but I’m not sure if there is any pressing need to make changes? My current set up bounces the truck a bit, but I think that’s mostly due to the trailer being a single axle. Yes, I have a properly set up WD hitch with sway control. I’m thinking about adding Bilstien 5100’s, or 4600’s, as well as air bags or helper springs. I spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out exactly what is different from the z60 to the z85 trailer package, but with no luck. I’ve already been using tow/haul mode. I like it except for when it downshifts to 2nd. That shift is always a little harsh, but in tow/haul, it jars the truck like mad! I’ve since started using L mode to keep it in the gear I want, but also stop it from downshifting to 2nd. I also have the 20” chrome clad alloy wheels, which are not ideal, in my opinion. If anyone wants to trade, let me know! I’d love some black 18”s! Sorry for the long post. Please let me know what input you have for me! It’s all greatly appreciated!

CamGTP · May 17, 2023

No real prep is really required, it's kinda what you want it to feel like.

Better shocks is not a bad idea, they will surely help. The stock thermostat for the engine is totally fine, these trucks are designed to see temps between 210-230 degrees under heavy load. The normal running temps is already around 207-210.

You already have the WD Hitch so that is good. Run a slightly higher tire pressure around 38-40psi cold and have your tongue weight right and it'll handle it just fine.