Can I tow it? GMC Sierra 5.3

[TylerWilcox]

Just for a reference point, I use my 2014 w/ 5.3 w/ 3.73 gear to pull up two fairly steep grades near my home. One is 6% for 3 miles and the other is 6% for 6 miles with several turns. These are known as the Old Fort and Saluda grades near Asheville, NC. ( I think I got those specs right but you might want to check to make sure my numbers are right)

My truck has no problem keeping the speed limit (55) I have been up the Old Fort Grade at 60mph also with no troubles.

Maybe in Idaho you have longer and steeper grades but no issues for me hauling my rig over Monarch pass in Colorado either. My dad has the 6.2 and yes it pulls better and has a little more payload but due to premium fuel, I think I would make the same choice again.

I'm not trying to advocate a 1/2 ton over 3/4 ton as the 3/4 is obviously better in every measure for towing. I think for the O.P.'s sake it is important for him to know that his current truck can adequately do the job he is asking of it if he wants to keep that truck in my personal opinion. If you want to upgrade to a 3/4 ton than by all means. Hook it up and forget it. The new HD trucks are beautiful!

My experience only. Yours may vary. Safe travels and enjoy your Airstream!!

[larryglarson]

I pulled a 30' Classic with my Chevy 5.3 and it did fine. I pulled it over 20,000 miles.

[JCWDCW]

Originally Posted by GMFL

You will be fine. There are people on this forum that would pull that trailer over the continental divide with a VW Bettle rebuilt by CanAM, running on E85 fuel, rolling on GYM tires without a TPMS

Right On! and uphill both ways in the snow

5.3 might be a bit light on the upside of the hill. Has about the same HP/torque as my 4.7 Mitsubishi engine
JCW

[Alluminati]

Considering that your towing limit is 11K, compared to your carrying capacity of 2.1K, that means your truck can pull 5 times more cargo than it can carry.

Keep that in mind when loading excess freight. It would be easier on your truck if you packed it all in the trailer.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

If you are comparing towing over the Rockies at > 11,000 feet to running over the same grade at 1,000 feet back east .... that's not a fair comparison. You likely have 20% less power at the higher altitude. Yes, it's a "that depends" sort of thing so it's only a rough number. Been there and done that both places a number of times. The thin air has an effect.

Bob

[rustyoldman]

You will be just fine. I have pulled a similar rig with my 2014 Silverado, crew cab, short bed, 5.3 engine with no problems. I did put in rear air-lift air bags and a rear anti-sway bar. I replaced the wrangled radicals with Michelin LTE 265/60R 20 tires....big improvement (e rated tire). I use a Blue-ox hitch an it all seems good.

[HaulinOats]

This is exactly the setup we are about to take off with for a year.
My question for you is this: Did you upgrade to towing mirrors?

I'm thinking about getting some of these.

Any thoughts?

Originally Posted by TylerWilcox

Thats what I tow my 2016 27fb with. No troubles and no lack of power. Like others have said grade braking works great and it always feels very controlled. I use a blue ox wd hitch and it works as advertised.