5.3L TIRE SIZE TOWING ?

DEEZRACING · October 31, 2004

I WAS JUST CURIOUS IF ANYONE HAD SWITCHED FROM 35's TO 33's OR THE OTHER WAY AROUND. I HAVE A TOYHAULER THAT WAYS NEARLY 9000 POUNDS WHEN FULL LOADED, MY TRUCK HAS A 7 INCH LIFT WITH 35 INCH TIRES AND IT HAS 456 GEARS. IT STRUGGLES GOING UP HILLS AND I WAS CURIOUS AS TO WHAT KIND OF DIFFERENCE IT WOULD MAKE IF ANY IF I SWITCHED TO 33 INCH TIRES. I JUST NEED SOME MORE TOWING HELP OUT OF MY 5.3L.

GOT_NITRO? · October 31, 2004

GOING DOWN TO A 33" TIRE WOULD BE LIKE INSTALLING 4.88 GEARS. AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 200 RPM WHEN CRUSING.

Peter_C · October 31, 2004

If you read what the guys pulling those types of trailers use for tire size you will find that most of them run 265's at the largest. That way their brakes work better and the rigs are more stable. For something that heavy you should be using a 2500. You will wind up replacing the driveline in a short period of time with the 1/2 ton (especially being lifted) and are not nearly as safe as with a 3/4 ton.

If you want more power with that motor SUPER CHARGER and INTERCOOLER!!!

Blue-2001-Z71 · October 31, 2004

265's would look kinda goofy on a 7" lifted rig, but yes, they would stop better. Catch is, going down to a 265/75R16 would result in a 300 RPM increase at 65 MPH (2200 vs 1800 RPM @ 65 MPH). I'd say a set of 33s would be a good comprimise. Are you sure the rest of the truck's really up to this? I think my 1500 Z-71 is rated to pull 8K, so 9K+ might be a bit much if it's for too long or through mountains/hills.

DEEZRACING · October 31, 2004

Ya I realize that almost 9,000 pounds is a lot to ask for a 5.3L half ton. But with it being regeared it seems to do ok. I was just curious if anyone had tried the 33 vs 35 swap yet. I tow this trailer about 12 times per year and I am somewhat hesitant to travel anywhere that i have to encounter steep grades or even long uphill stretches. I have to drop it into 2ng gear and then I running about 3800 rpm at around 45 miles per hour. I hate having to run it so hard for any extended period of time.