Towing a 5450lb HTT with a 1/2 ton Silverado

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by amabee

snip......So it seems to me, even at max GVWR for the trailer and 15% TW, this should work?

Sounds doable to me, and the fact that you are taking the time to weigh your TV will add some confidence in your TV/TT loaded weight planning.

Originally Posted by amabee

snip......I know that itself does not necessarily make it ok, but I would have to think a vehicle rated at 9500lbs max towing could handle 5400lbs?

I agree, one would think that with a TV tow rating of 9,500lbs a TV could handle a good size TT, but to often the TV's actual payload capacity my prove otherwise.

Great work at the CAT scale!

Bob

[bbrown]

I agree with everyone saying that trans temps are good at the 185-200 range when towing. Another way to control trans temps better, other than dropping in a bigger cooler (I did this and it makes a huge difference) is to switch you trans fluid to a good synthetic like Amsoil. Synthetic lubricants in general lubricate better and handle higher temps better because they don't break down as quickly as dino lubes (conventional oils/fluids). I switched mine to Amsoil this year and noticed better shifting and overall trans performance right away. Amsoil is more expensive but you always get what you pay for and it is definitely a good investment.
Oh for those of you who are upgrading trans coolers...stick with the stacked plate type heat exchanger design; its better than the tube fine type.

[amabee]

I may try switching to a different fluid, it is due for a tranny fluid change. After talking to several GM service techs, it does seem normal to be in the 185-200 range when towing. I did notice, after cleaning the heck out of the radiator and every other cooler, that the transmission is running much cooler. I pulled our Troops scout trailer this weekend, which is not heavy by any means, roughly 2500lbs in a 6x12 cargo trailer in 95 degree temps and the highest temp from the tranny was 185. I have in the past pulled this same trailer and have seen the tranny hit close to 200 in cooler weather, I really do think the cleaning has helped tremendously. I won't really know for sure, until I have this 5000lb, almost 26' ft long trailer behind me.

[amabee]

Well, we made our 200mile trip(one way) to pick up the new Starcraft and it went well. The 5.3 has plenty to pull this, granted we still have to load all our "stuff" in it, but it did great. We got about the same gas mileage pulling the 229TB as we did pulling the X17Z. The truck handled fine, driving with one hand most of the way home. I think this combo will work out fine.