Towing help

[gmcjohn]

I have a '01 Sierra w/3.73 posi ,5.3v8 and I was wondering how can I help it tow a 7300lb travel trailor.Chip,tuner,reprogram computer,etc.

 

 

Also,since there is no "red line" on tach how safe is it to run in the 4-6k range (On hills)?

[slowpokebanshee]

wow, like deja-vu, only I had a 4.8 V-8-this is what I did

before stepping up to a 2500 HD w/6.0 4x4

 

 

first- upgrade transmission cooler

JBA headers, and cat-back 3" exhaust

K&N FIPK/cold air intake

Superchips power programmer

4:10 rear end

245/75/16 E rated tires

 

I swear it towed just as good as my new HD w/6.0, and it got better mileage!

I have a toy hauler that is just under 10K lbs loaded

not towing I was able to get 23 MPG w/all mods before gear swap, gears dropped mileage to 19-20 freeway. but helped quite a bit in towing

 

and yes it liked to rev about 4500 RPM some hills

 

so does my 6.0

[C & A s Dad]

I hate to sound negeative, but you are on the borderline with this combo. I am towing a 6400 lb(Loaded) TT with a 02 Yukon XL 5.3 with a 4.10 gear. It doew well but I attribute this to the 4.10s. If you can make the gear change, do it. I cannot speak for the computer tuning because I have not done this and likely will not. However, I have upgraded my aux trans cooler to a stacked plate designed cooler about twice as large as the OE unit. Search this and you will find where I have posted concerning this on several occasions. I have also updated the trans fluid to Amsoil Syn and run Amsoil Syn in the motor as well. My only perf mod is a True Flow (real Cold Air Intake). I cannot promise how much it helped but it seemed to help me with some extra tq right where I needed it, from 2,000 RPMs on up.

 

What I am going to recommend now usually brings some debate but I belive it not only helped my power, but my MPG as well. I run 93 octane prem fuel and believe it really helps. You will not notice it on the first tank or two. It takes the computer some time to adjust but as it does so, it will help your HP and TQ. The way this works: As your engine runs on any fuel, the ECM will increase the timing (more HP)until it hears ping, once it does, it retards the timing (less HP) until the pinging goes away. It repeats this process over and over. With Prem fuel, it will allow the engine to run much higher timing, thus more HP and TQ. I read many posts on this but a few guys on this forum believe in this and I will have to agree with them.

 

I would also recommend Air Lift Air springs if you need some more support and stability.

 

Again, you are at the limit of your truck (some would say past the limit). Just remember to take your time while towing, tow in drive and not OD and don't push it.

[pm26]

I absolutely agree with the 93 octane: I run my truck even unloaded on 89 and I can feel the difference in response and MPG is better as well. If I towed a heavy trailer, it would be only brand name 93 octane. But it takes a while as you say for the computer to adjust. A lot of people who try higher octane do so for only one tank and when they see litlle or no improvement, they go back to the cheap stuff.

[rdnkcpa]

Remember not only do you have to pull 7300lbs, you have to be able to stop. Nowhere did I see a mention of brake upgrades.

[slowpokebanshee]

good point-have a good brake controller-I also use the highest quality (Chevron) highest available octane (91) in CA. seems to help, and I also added some airbags to the rear leaf springs. I still think the best improvements you can make are:

 

lower gears and the biggest transmission cooler you can find, and it is a good idea not to tow in OD.....good luck

[95Sierra2500]

Get a 1-ton dually with a manual. Best towing vehicle I've ever found. Plenty of traction, the chances of overheating are significantly reduced because there IS no transmission cooler to add heat to the engine bay, and much less power loss than an automatic. It also allows you to select what gear you're in easier than the automatic.

[gmcjohn]

Remember not only do you have to pull 7300lbs, you have to be able to stop. Nowhere did I see a mention of brake upgrades.

 

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Sorry,I do have a prodigy brake controller---I have towed it locally with no problems going or stopping, Its just pulling uphills the rpm is around 4500.I guess this is my biggest concern.

[C & A s Dad]

The Prodigy is a great controller.

 

What kind of weight distribution hitch are you using. I have an Equa l izer brand and really have liked it. It will elimintate almost all sway and I feel it is the next best thing to a Hensley Arrow. If you can afford the Hensley, it will certainly help make your entire rig safer.

 

I am not sure of the exact redline on your 5.3 but I believe it to be 5500. You are certainsly working it at 4500 but I would not say you are in any danger. All the more reason to look into a good syn oil.

 

Oh yea, the above post about stopping it. He is absolutely right and that is why I said in my earliere post, take it easy. You will not win any races with this combo, so why try?

[gmcjohn]

The Prodigy is a great controller.

 

What kind of weight distribution hitch are you using. I have an Equa l izer brand and really have liked it. It will elimintate almost all sway and I feel it is the next best thing to a Hensley Arrow. If you can afford the Hensley, it will certainly help make your entire rig safer.

 

I am not sure of the exact redline on your 5.3 but I believe it to be 5500. You are certainsly working it at 4500 but I would not say you are in any danger. All the more reason to look into a good syn oil.

 

Oh yea, the above post about stopping it. He is absolutely right and that is why I said in my earliere post, take it easy. You will not win any races with this combo, so why try?

 

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I am using amsoil synthetic oil-and I will be putting it in the tranny in the near future. I also have a K&N airfilter To be perfectly honest with you ,the brand of equilizer escapes me. I know the bars rest on a roller,and that this design helps with sway also,eliminating the sway brake

 

 

 

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR ALL YOUR INPUT

[C & A s Dad]

Sounds like you have a Reese Dual Cam set up but I cannot be sure. If you do, I understand it is an excellent set up and some say it is better than the Equal i zer. If you do the trans, Amsoil's website contains some excellent step by step instructions on how to flush the trans fluid at home allowing you to replace all the fluid instead of just a portion of it.

[gmcjohn]

Sounds like you have a Reese Dual Cam set up but I cannot be sure. If you do, I understand it is an excellent set up and some say it is better than the Equal i zer. If you do the trans, Amsoil's website contains some excellent step by step instructions on how to flush the trans fluid at home allowing you to replace all the fluid instead of just a portion of it.

 

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THATS IT !!!!!!!!! REESE DUAL CAM THE TRAILOR DOES TRAVEL GOOD WITH IT!

THANK YOU FOR THE TIP ON AMSOILS WEB.