cheap tow rig? 5.3?

**fullforce** · 01-28-2018, 05:27 PM

Looking to buy a truck soon to pull our camper maybe 5 or 6 times out of the year. Weight is around 8000lbs loaded plus whatever we put in the tow vehicle so just say 8500lbs.

As much as I would LOVE to get a 3/4 ton with a 6.0 4l80e combo I just cant seem to find any in my price range (under $5,000) that are not beat to death.

So basically Im wondering what everyone else is using to tow with or if there are any other suggestions, prefer to keep it chevy because its gonna be old and there cheapest to repair lol.

Also I will probably swap in a set of 4.10 or 4.56 gears if I get a 5.3

**Sahara54** · 01-29-2018, 04:17 AM

I've pulled my neighbors steel decked dual axle car trailer (4K empty) with a New Edge Cobra on it and I'll tell you the def. truck felt every bit of it but it was manageable. Still had the balls to accelerate into traffic without an issue and tongue weight was just right so no floatiness in the front end. This is on my 2012 Sierra Crew Cab 5.3/6L80.

**AL 9C1** · 01-29-2018, 05:18 AM

Honestly the Chevy SUVs are set up better for towing. Tahoe or even an Avalanche. They have the coil spring set up and are usually pretty stable towing. I have a 05 1500 5.3 crew and I'm telling you it can't tow for shyt. Weak and unstable towing. The newer platform trucks are somewhat better but I've towed with our suburban and it's much more bearable. The avalanche shares the Tahoe suspension. The 20in wheels help also over the 17s.

**fullforce** · 01-29-2018, 06:16 AM

Wow, I was actually thinking the Coil springs would be to soft for towing? I was REALLY wanting a 3/4 ton suburban (leaf springs) but there like finding a needle in a haystack around here for a decent price.
I might borrow a tahoe or suburban and just see how it does towing it around.
I wont be in any hurry my main concern is just melting the 4l60e on hills.

What have you towed with your 1500 cc that was unstable?

**AL 9C1** · 01-29-2018, 12:12 PM

I've really only towed my 18ft bay boat with it but even that gave me hell. Not really unstable but weak and yes the trans catches hell. Those coil springs can always be beefed up unless you find one with the load leveling system.

**Sahara54** · 01-29-2018, 08:44 PM

I'll agree on the Burb's towing. My friend has a 03 2500 Burb with a 8.1/4L80 and it's a monster. It towed the same trailer with my neighbors 6.5 diesel Silverado like it wasn't there. Silverado and trailer weighed close to 12K per the grain truck scale by my house.

**fullforce** · 01-30-2018, 08:11 AM

yea wish I could find one of those!

***popo8*** · 01-30-2018, 10:39 AM

U ever think of an yukon or escalade with the 6.0 (since thats the motor u really want)?

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**fullforce** · 01-30-2018, 11:05 AM

I have and for the price I think that might be my best option.
The only thing that bothers me is the AWD and 4l65e But I will just have to budget in a decent rebuild I suppose.
With AWD I will need to regear the front and rear axle obviously.
Unless I can find a 2wd or swap in a manual Tcase

**tazman71** · 01-31-2018, 05:16 PM

Biggest issue you are going to have is weight. If you are starting with an 8000lb trailer empty, you are already overloading a 1/2 ton truck. My new 14 Sierra is rated at 9k with the 6 speed trans. It is much better than my old 99 Silverado(rated at 7k).

I would also bet that you are putting in more than 500lb of gear in there also. If you don't already have it, a weight distribution system is a must.

I pull a 3200lb enclosed trailer plus cargo/car. Sure I am just exceeding 7k loaded, and I know it is there, but is not bad though if I am not in the hills.