2016 GMC Sierra

[Atsushi]

Hi,

We are an inch from signing paper for 2016 GMC Sierra 4WD 5.3L gear ratio 3.42.

We haven't bought the trailer yet, but it is very likely to be FC23 or 25.

I think the vehicle is adequate for FC23 or FC25, but I would feel better if someone can share their experience with the vehicle.

Thanks in advance,

Atsushi

[Countryboy59]

Originally Posted by Atsushi

Hi,

We are an inch from signing paper for 2016 GMC Sierra 4WD 5.3L gear ratio 3.42.

We haven't bought the trailer yet, but it is very likely to be FC23 or 25.

I think the vehicle is adequate for FC23 or FC25, but I would feel better if someone can share their experience with the vehicle.

Thanks in advance,

Atsushi

Sounds awesome. My old one has 321,000 miles on it, still going. I towed lots of heavy stuff with it, on my dual axle car trailer, including a one- ton Ford I bought in Illinois one day.

[slowmover]

I believe Andrew Thomson of Can AM RV has praise for the Ford F-150. I don't know if he does for the competition. I'd give him a call. And cover the whole of your pair of vehicles, not just one.

I'd drive or fly to Toronto to "do it right", were I you. I'm sure an agreement about in depth consultation satisfactory to both parties could be arranged. Especially given the value of the combined transactions.

No one else can provide the same depth of experience and knowledge.


1990 35' Silver Streak
2004 555 Cummins

[RandyNH]

I have a 2013 and love it, trailer weight is 6500lbs. I would say make sure you have the max tow package, this should have the Z82 package. Make sure you are aware if it has the Z71 package, this is the off road setup and is a softer suspension and not as good for towing/trailer control stability.
Good luck

[lsbrodsky]

You won't have any problem with a 25. I have the equivalent Silverado and have no problems, ProPride hitch.
Larry

[jim6090]

I have driven them all. I went Dodge. I would opt for the 6.2L over the 5.3. You will be glad you have it in the mountains out west at some point. Not much worse mileage. Way better power.

[Isuzusweet]

It is always the conundrum with TV's; do I pick a vehicle that will pull an AS up Everest, just in case I decide to go to Nepal, or buy a vehicle that I can live with everyday, empty.

I think your vehicle is just fine, although the 2wd will have a higher payload and towing ratings I think; but if you feel that 4wd is necessary, go for it. As a previous poster stated, getting an off road package will hurt towing, especially with bigger softer tires.

Make sure it has an oil and transmission cooler; also be prepared to replace the transmission fluid and rear differential fluid with say an Amsoil synthetic, Royal Purple or fluid of that ilk, that is rated to take more punishment than OEM fluid. Replace the fluid at say 10,000 miles after break-in. The better fluids will make your transmission and gears last a lot longer.

For even more protection for your transmission add a filter inline between the transmission and the cooler. It's a simple cut line, flare, attach filter housing and you're done. This will allow you to change transmission filters without having to take the transmission pan off.

Cheers
Tony

[Bgibbs]

Do not short cut the trans service. There is a magnet on the inside of the pan that needs to be cleaned. It also indicates failure if there is too much gunk stuck to it. If you are going to do a job, do it right!

[Isuzusweet]

Originally Posted by Bgibbs

Do not short cut the trans service. There is a magnet on the inside of the pan that needs to be cleaned. It also indicates failure if there is too much gunk stuck to it. If you are going to do a job, do it right!

If you use a high quality transmission fluid that can accept punishment and have an auxiliary transmission filter before the fluid enters the cooler it will mitigate having to worry about over heated clutch packs and slipping bands. I prefer to do preventative maintenance BEFORE the transmission gets filled with metal particles that stick to a magnet to indicate that damage has been done.
Having an auxiliary small micron filter takes the metal out and the dirt that will form sludge. Very cheap insurance as the filter is changed easily yearly.

http://www.jegs.com/i/B-M/130/80277/10002/-1

or this one

https://www.amazon.com/58964-Magneti.../dp/B0014BCFC0

Cheers
Tony

[Jeff K.]

It's not so much the qualify as long as it's SAE rated. Watch your trans temp gauge and don't run in overdrive when towing. If you tow more than 20,000 miles a year change the fluid every 60,000 miles. If you run up the temperature like I did coming out of Walla Walla WA change it as soon as possible. The magnet recommendation is a good one too. Place a couple ceramic magnetically on the transmission pan. It will trap any metal that comes off plates, bands, and planetary gears. I don't know what the trannies cost but servicing is far cheaper.

[gandttimes]

Originally Posted by Atsushi

Hi,

We are an inch from signing paper for 2016 GMC Sierra 4WD 5.3L gear ratio 3.42.

We haven't bought the trailer yet, but it is very likely to be FC23 or 25.

I think the vehicle is adequate for FC23 or FC25, but I would feel better if someone can share their experience with the vehicle.

Thanks in advance,

Atsushi

If it were me, I would go the Max Tow if you go the 5.3 route which would give you the 3.73 rear and 7600 lb GVW. There is virtually no difference in mileage between the 3.42 and 3.73 but much better towing and with the 7600lb GVW, better payload.