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Old 11-12-2010, 12:23 PM   #1
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Will It Tow Or Won't It Tow, That Is The Question

2011 GMC 1500 4x4 Crew Cab, 5.3L, 342 Gear -- Our AS: 1969 Tradewind

We are in the process of changing TV's. My DH has long believed that the best gear for towing is a 373. He doesn't want to go larger than a 1/2-ton because of fuel economy. The 342 gear is the best gear for towing that we can get on the 1500, 4x4, crew cab (which has automatic 6-speed), the next step would be to go to a 3/4-ton or drop down to a 2-wheel drive 6.0L with a 410 gear (way worse mileage, and we need 4-wheel drive).

Bumping up to the 342 gear we added around 2500 more lbs. of towing capacity than if we went with the 308 (which is what the dealership originally thought would be fine). I think with the 342 gear we are supposed to be able to tow 9500lbs.

Our problem is we aren't all that familiar with the auto 6-speed transmission. The dealer is saying that the 6-speed with the 342 gear will tow our TW fine, even in the mountains. We are asking our friends and experts here on the AS Forum -- what do you all think on this?

Our old TV we bought new in 2002 (has 112,000+ miles on it now), it is 2-wheel drive with a 373 gear. It is totally worn out, plus with where we live, 4-wheel drive is necessary.

Thanks.

Deb
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Old 11-12-2010, 12:40 PM   #2
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I just looked on the Chevy site...3:73 is available as one of the options...for sure, you do NOT want less in a 1/2 ton small block...
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Old 11-12-2010, 01:06 PM   #3
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3.73 w/6 speed will work fine. I'm pulling an 8500# Classic right now with an Avalanche with that setup. It's fine even in rolling hills. Mountains will not be at 65MPH. Mileage with 8500 pounds is 10.5mpg at 63MPH.

I am sure you won't weigh nearly as much. I had the bed full too. Ran over the scales at exactly 15,000 GCW. (I know! I was overspec in several departments.)
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Old 11-12-2010, 02:27 PM   #4
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I trhink the 342 with the 6 speed is about the same as the 373 with the old 4 speed. zz
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Old 11-12-2010, 04:08 PM   #5
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It is, in 1st - 4th (roughly)and similar in 5th to the old 4 speed 4th gear. With Deb's tow weight, she'd be fine with a 3.42, and probably would rune in 6th quite a bit on the flats, however, if she ever traded up in weight, she'd probably have to run in 4th quite a bit unless she got the 3.73.

Yeah, there's a small mileage penalty, but I'd get the 3.73.
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Old 11-12-2010, 04:33 PM   #6
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I have had the 6 speed with the 3.42 and we recently down graded to get away from it no power in the hills...
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Old 11-12-2010, 07:20 PM   #7
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If it were me, I'd get the 3.73 gears. I think the 3.42 gears and the six speed will do it, but think you'll be happier with the 3.73's.
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Old 11-12-2010, 11:38 PM   #8
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Thanks everyone for your responses, I knew the great folks here would have our answers.

Shermantic and SteveH -- That's just what we were afraid of -- not enough "umph" on the hills.

Well, now we have to start over again with the search.............

Thanks again.

Deb
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Old 11-13-2010, 02:29 AM   #9
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A vote for a Diesel

With respect to fuel economy, it might be worthwhile to consider a 2002-2006 Dodge Ram 2500 with the 5.9L Cummins. This rig can tow and still produce excellent fuel economy with the weight of your trailer. You can expect 12-13mpg towing with a well-cared for 5.9L.

Avoid Ford or GM diesels and the Cummins 6.7L if you are interested in fuel economy.

Also, much more pulling power uphills.
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Old 11-13-2010, 08:55 AM   #10
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Fuel Economy

Quote:
Originally Posted by Secguru View Post
With respect to fuel economy, it might be worthwhile to consider a 2002-2006 Dodge Ram 2500 with the 5.9L Cummins. This rig can tow and still produce excellent fuel economy with the weight of your trailer. You can expect 12-13mpg towing with a well-cared for 5.9L.

Avoid Ford or GM diesels and the Cummins 6.7L if you are interested in fuel economy.

Also, much more pulling power uphills.
We can attest to great fuel economy on the 5.9L Cummins (not 6.7L). 16 mpg towing here, not to mention that it would easiy tow any sized Airstream.
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Old 11-13-2010, 05:57 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Secguru View Post
Avoid Ford or GM diesels and the Cummins 6.7L if you are interested in fuel economy.
Why?
(Excluding 6.ol furd of course...)
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Old 11-14-2010, 08:42 AM   #12
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Why not Ford, GM or newer Cummins engines?

Ford and GM engines are V-8s and do not get the fuel economy of the inline 6 cylinder Cummins engines.

In mid-year 2007, Dodge discontinued the reliable and fuel-efficient 5.9 liter Cummins engines and replaced them with a 6.7 liter version of the same engine. They compensated (so they thought) for the greater fuel usage of the 6.7, by coupling it with a new 5-speed transmission. The 6.7 also uses catalytic converter fuel regeneration (a process by which diesel fuel is literally injected directly into and burned within the catalytic converter) in order to reduce result exhaust emissions (the regeneration keeps the converter clean). This uses ginormous quantities of fuel and fuel economy slipped from low to mid twenties for unhitched highway driving to mid teens, just like the Ford and GM V-8s.

Extremely well cared for 5.9L engines get stunning fuel economy. Mine has registered up to 30.3mpg on a trip from Wisconsin to Texas (total trip mpg). Mine also gets 16mpg towing a 1998 34' Airstream when carefully driven (55-60 miles per hour). Your mileage may vary.
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