Suburban 5.3L

[Jkline398]

Thoughts on the new suburban (2015 & up) with 5.3 v8, is this enough engine for 3 adults, 4 kids, luggage, pulling a 31' vintage sovereign? I'm even more skeptical of the rear end holding up after a dozen trips or so.

[dmusca]

Did you ever find an answer to this question? I'm wondering the same thing about the Surburban.

[airdreamers]

Regarding Suburban 5.3. I just traded my 2005 Suburban 5,3 toward a 2014 Silverado 5.3. I have been towing my 1985 25 foot Sovereign weighing in at gross 6800 lbs with the Suburban and was satisfied with the results. With the new technology and all I am hoping to get the same pulling results I got with the Suburban if not better. As for rear end ratios I am not sure at this point, I will know when we pick up the truck. Rear ends are changeable for best results.

[VernDiesel]

OP has probably long made his decision but it wouldn't be the optimum IMO. 5.3 doesn't have a lot a low end torque and a 1500 burb probably does not have the best gearing for towing. Maybe ok with a 31' in the flats not so much on the grades. Yes you can swap gearing but especially on a 4wd it gets cost prohibitive. Better to buy a better tool for the job in the first place. But at least the burb has a nice long wheelbase.

[A W Warn]

Regarding the capability of the 5.3L; It's all about gear ratios, and the type of transmission. I have the 6 speed auto and 3:73 gears.

I tow my 34' occasionally with my 5.3L. (about 9,000lb loaded trailer) The longest trips I've towed it have been from NC to FL and back a few times. It does OK.

The 5.3L can accelerate towing my 25' up a 8% grade and hold 55mph all the way up without a problem. (about 6,000 lb loaded trailer) I've towed across the US without any problems.

[VernDiesel]

Hi Alan, Have you had a chance to drive or tow with the 6.2 8 speed yet? I bet that especially with tow package would move that 34 comfortably. It may even use less fuel doing it. Well covering the same distance in the same time. If you are like me you don't for fear you will end up buying another new truck.

[airdreamers]

Well referring back to my post #3 on this thread. I am on a short road trip with my, new to me, 2014 1500 Silverado with a 3.42 rear end, WOW! What a difference. My 2005 Suburban 1500 (I don't know the read end ratio) was OK, the Silverado is WOW! The technology and improvements in the engine and torque for me is GREAT. I am happy!

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by VernDiesel

Hi Alan, Have you had a chance to drive or tow with the 6.2 8 speed yet? I bet that especially with tow package would move that 34 comfortably. It may even use less fuel doing it. Well covering the same distance in the same time. If you are like me you don't for fear you will end up buying another new truck.

Have not tried the 8 speed. Thought I should wait a few years to see how they hold up. A few years ago I had a 6.2L with a six speed with the max trailering package. An awesome truck. It had plenty of torque, would spin the tires occasionally, when I towed the 99 30' I had at the time. I'm happy with the 5.3.
My wife tries to put blinders on me when we drive by the Chevy dealer .
I keep telling her my truck is worn out, 45k and three years old.

[VernDiesel]

I assume it is the same well established german made ZF 8 speed that they put in the Ram trucks. (Mercedes BMWs etc) I have a 2014 Ecodiesel with a tow tune ie about 475 foot pound of torque that I have 217,000 on towing new Airstreams from the manufacturer to dealerships around the country. Most I have towed with it is 8,500 pounds. Never a problem with it. It always has you in the right gear, never has to hunt, and Ram backed it for 100,000. Now the new joint venture GM/Ford 10 speed mmm yea I would wait and see.

[Jkline398]

Well guys after a lot of research, and with my experience in the trucking industry, we have decided something a bit unconventional. I don't think a 5.3 would do, and a 6.0 will be horrible on fuel mileage so diesel is the best option... so we decided on a duramax van and have explorer van fit it with seats and stuff. It might look like a handicap van but it sure beats cramming the kids in the back of a $60k crew cab pickup for 10 hour drives. We heard the suburban was going to be offered in HD for fleet but 1) it's for government only and 2) it's not built for towing, only 6000 lb towing capacity. It's designed for armor and heavy gvwr but not towing. Bummer

Just in the planning stages but this is like the final draft decision we are looking into.