<-- Educate the newb...looking for new truck.

Broken_Wankel · March 5, 2007

Hi,

I recently sold my '03 danger Ranger and I am looking for either a Silverado or Sierra that can actually tow my stuff. I have never owned a GM truck before, so I am pretty dim whitted when it comes to the different packages and what not. I have a LS1 powered RX7, so I am very familiar with GM Gen III-IV V8's. I was leaning towards the 5.3L. Now, for the newb questions:

As far as towing is concerned, what kind of suspension package would I want to look for?

Are there "towing packages"? If so, how do I know the truck has it?

I'll be looking for a used truck, are there any years that I would want to avoid?

Are there any particular "problem areas" I would want to give a closer look at when looking for a used Silverado/Sierra?

Thanks for any help you guys can provide.

Burbman · March 5, 2007

What is "your stuff"? If you're towing anything heavier than 6000 lbs or so and that has a high profile like an RV, then you should probably be looking at 2500's with a bigger motor.

The factory towing package consists of the hitch receiver, 7-pin trailer electrical connector, pre-wiring for installation of an electric trailer brake controller, and a transamission cooler. Some models like the 8.1L also have an engine oil cooler also. Pay attention to the rear axle ratio also. The 5.3L with the 3.42 axle is a good hiway truck but won't tow much. If you're going to be towing anything over a couple thousand pounds, and/or driving in hilly terrain, then the 3.73's or 4.10's would be a better choice. You can tell what axle the truck has by the RPO codes in the glovebox, I believe there's a link to the list off of this page.

Post back with more details.

brainpause · March 5, 2007

I agree that the 3.42 with 5.3L motor is a little bit of a dog. That's what I have. It is rated to tow 7100#, and I thought the 5000# hybrid travel trailer would be a great match. Well, the hills of east Tennessee, on the interstate, were quite a challenge. Spent a lot of time in 2nd gear. Wish I had the 3.73's, maybe even 4.10's.

On the other hand, it has given me a good reason to get a custom tune.

Larry