Towing Differences???

[rahtreelimbs]

I have an '01 Silverado 1500 4X4 long bed extend cab with a 5300 V8, auto, and towing package with 3.73 gears. A good friend recently bought an '05 GMC 15600 with the 5300 V8, short bed and towing package with the 3.42 gear.

 

I drove his truck the other day towing an Interstate 6x10 enclosed trailer weighing in about 3000 lb. I also towed this same trailer with my 1500. What I can't understand is why this his GMC tows better than mine. His pulls stonger and accelerates noticeably quicker ( whether I use tow/haul or not).

 

 

Can this be because my 5300 is only rated at 285 hp and his is rated at 310?

 

 

I don't know the difference in the torque. There is absolutely nothing wrong with my truck, I just want to know why this is so.

[willfxp]

GMCs are better than Chevys! ;)

 

In all honesty, I think it's because his truck is just newer and has more power. Is his a short bed or long bed? Possible a weight difference there too (he might have better power/weight ratio).

[Shaners]

I would say his truck has a better power to weight ratio than yours... especially if you have gone larger than stock size on your tires.

[arens]

Is his 2wd or 4wd? If 2wd he is getting less inherit drivetrain loss than you.

Are you running oversize aftermarket wheels/tires? Is he? This could also explain a percieved power difference.

Is his a regular cab, extended cab, or crew cab? This could also give a hefty weight difference to your extended cab long bed.

[sjspor]

Hmmm... I dunno... Sounds like a new truck excuse... I would say with the higher HP and short box are key, the 3.73's should give you a better pull off the line. But he's haulin less weight to start. Also, is this the Alum. 5.3 or cast iron??

[Stefan]

HP has a lot less to do with towing capability than tourque. the 15 HP difference is not the difference.

 

You have the 3.73 which is a towing gear. Helps to pull a heavy trailer well in most conditions, BUT will give you a better start.

 

I agree with sjspor, the Trailer is light enough at 3000lbs that the 3.42's are not being taxed and once underway you will feel like it responds better.

 

Now try it again with a 5000 # Trailer and I guarantee you will be much happier with your set up and performance!

[rahtreelimbs]

My 1500 is a 4x4 extend cab 8 ft. bed. His is a 1500 4x4 short bed extend cab. The 5300 in his is the aluminum 5300.

 

 

I would like to get a brand new truck but just getting into 3 yrs. of a 6 yr. payment I can't and won't add on the extra 2 yrs. to get a new truck. I work too hard to pay for it!

 

My 1500 is totally stock down to the tires. I have 39k miles on it!