Is anyone towing with a new GMC 1500, 3.23 axle ratio

[DeeBee]

Hi, we are still looking for a new truck. We have a 2015 GMC Sierra, 5.3L with 3.42 axle ratio. We pull a Jayco travel trailer, around 5400 lbs. Our present truck has done a great job pulling this trailer all over, even through the mountains. We are looking at new trucks. The new ones with the 5.3L come with the 3.23 axle ratio but they have a 10 speed (where I believe our 2015 is a 6 speed.) I realize I could order a new one with the max trailering package but was hoping to buy one off the lot at a local dealer or from Car Max. Has anyone bought one of the new 5.3L with the 3.23 axle ratio? Does the 10 speed make up for it not being a 3.42 or is that not possible? Our local dealers all have 2.7L with 3.42 or 5.3L with 3.23 in stock. Thanks for any info you can provide.

[Jeff4310]

Hi we tow with a 2021 GMC Sierra "Bought new" 5.3L with 323 2wd 8 speed and tows a 742o empty fifth wheel. well

[Scott]

I had a 2014 with the 5.3L and the 3.23 tranny. It towed our trailer ok in the Midwest, but if it climbed a hill or towed into the wind, the engine really had to get the RPMs up to keep us moving. I'll grant you that was a 6 speed and you are talking a 10 speed, but I don't think I'd do it.

I opted for the 3.73 (max trailering package) on my current truck and it almost never hits 2k RPMs even in the hills. I also went from a gas to a diesel so that has a positive effect too.

[USCcruisecrazy]

Originally Posted by DeeBee

Hi, we are still looking for a new truck. We have a 2015 GMC Sierra, 5.3L with 3.42 axle ratio. We pull a Jayco travel trailer, around 5400 lbs. Our present truck has done a great job pulling this trailer all over, even through the mountains. We are looking at new trucks. The new ones with the 5.3L come with the 3.23 axle ratio but they have a 10 speed (where I believe our 2015 is a 6 speed.) I realize I could order a new one with the max trailering package but was hoping to buy one off the lot at a local dealer or from Car Max. Has anyone bought one of the new 5.3L with the 3.23 axle ratio? Does the 10 speed make up for it not being a 3.42 or is that not possible? Our local dealers all have 2.7L with 3.42 or 5.3L with 3.23 in stock. Thanks for any info you can provide.

I have a 2022 GMC 1500 5.3L, 3.23 w/10 speed...I also have the max trailering package, though. I just purchased a Jayco 27BHB and pulled it 350 miles from Heflin AL to Shaw AFB SC and i hardly knew it was back there. The trailer weight was about 6200 lbs (I hit a CAT scale as soon as I hooked up). My rpm's stayed around 1800 on flat or downhill grade and got to about 3000rpm's on the steady grade up. I have a Blue Ox WDH and never had any sway, even with semi's passing on the left. I basically went 65 with the cruise control on. I'm sure the trailering package made a difference. It allowed me to set the trailer breaks and used the dimensions/weight of the trailer to calculate the breaking. Worked great!!

[DeeBee]

Hi USCcruisecrazy...just curious...if you have the max trailering package, wouldn't you have the 3.73 axle ratio? I was under the impression if you order the max trailering, you can pull more weight and get the 3.73. I am looking at a 2022 Sierra SLE right now that has a trailering package...but not the max trailering package. Salesmen don't really know that much and I am trying to learn all about this so I am happy with my purchase and there are no surprises!

[goducks]

Per GMC

All Features Included With Max Trailering Package:
Trailering Package1
Increased towing and GCWR
Automatic locking rear differential
Handling/Trailering2 Suspension Package
Enhanced cooling radiator
Revised shock tuning
Heavier duty rear springs and increased RGAWR
9.76" rear axle
3.42 axle ratio (gas engine), 3.73 axle ratio (diesel engine)
Trailer brake controller
May require additional optional equipment

https://www.gmc.com/trucks/sierra/15...price/packages

[DeeBee]

Thank you. Very interesting.

[USCcruisecrazy]

Originally Posted by DeeBee

Hi USCcruisecrazy...just curious...if you have the max trailering package, wouldn't you have the 3.73 axle ratio? I was under the impression if you order the max trailering, you can pull more weight and get the 3.73. I am looking at a 2022 Sierra SLE right now that has a trailering package...but not the max trailering package. Salesmen don't really know that much and I am trying to learn all about this so I am happy with my purchase and there are no surprises!

Hey DeeBee, as shown from the chart above, the 3.73 is for diesel. Truth is, I didn't realize there were two types of packages. So, I went and confirmed what was listed for my truck and it just says Tow Package and brake control system...nothing said Max. That being said, I entered all the trailer data into the trailering display, set the brake tension using the GMC suggested process and then drove 350 miles (give or take) with absolutely no issues. I would say if you have a TT the same size or smaller and purchase a good Weight Distribution Hitch, you'll be good to go with your Sierra.

[DocBrown]

You'll be fine. That 10 speed makes all the difference in the world. My last truck was a 2016 Silverado with 5.3 and 8 speed with 3.42 rear. It replaced an '08 Sierra with 5.3 and 4 speed with 3.73 rear. Night and day. The 2016 towed my trailer effortlessly. Enjoy your new truck.

[JaycoLovers]

I'm a big fan of the 2.7L Turbo. Albeit the MPG is not the best when towing (about 10 mpg) I've been getting 24 mpg around town/highway when not towing.

The low-end torque is very impressive. This 2022 Sierra out tows our previous TV - a 2011 Yukon Denali XL with a 6.2L.

JMHO of course.

[sirrealone]

Originally Posted by JaycoLovers

I'm a big fan of the 2.7L Turbo. Albeit the MPG is not the best when towing (about 10 mpg) I've been getting 24 mpg around town/highway when not towing.

The low-end torque is very impressive. This 2022 Sierra out tows our previous TV - a 2011 Yukon Denali XL with a 6.2L.

JMHO of course.

The only lease deals I can find on trucks are with the 2.7L. I'm pretty leary. I just haven't seen enough people say they're up for the task.

We stay in Michigan, and tow between 4-5 hours from home at max.

Did you have to add in your own brake controller? None of the spec sheets I've seen include one that's factory installed.

[JaycoLovers]

Originally Posted by sirrealone

The only lease deals I can find on trucks are with the 2.7L. I'm pretty leary. I just haven't seen enough people say they're up for the task.

We stay in Michigan, and tow between 4-5 hours from home at max.

Did you have to add in your own brake controller? None of the spec sheets I've seen include one that's factory installed.

We have ours on a lease. When we were shopping last March, couldn't find a V8 anywhere. Was very disappointed as I had my heart set on the V8.
Someone in our circle said to research the 2.7L...so I did. Found a wealth of information...most of it positive. Check out Youtube towing reviews. The ONLY complaint I have is that it sounds like a 4-cylinder. Imagine that?

We had the dealership install the brake controller, running boards and bed liner as part of their asking price for the 3-year lease. I was surprised to learn you can negotiate things like this on a lease. Just remind the dealer that they get the value back at the end of the lease.

Everyone has their opinions...and I'm sure there are forum members shaking their heads at me right now...but I love it. Walks up the hills without gear hunting, accelerates smoothly and evenly and gets good gas mileage (I've noticed a big difference in MPG when towing by using higher octane fuel). It really does pull better than our Yukon did with a 6.2L.

[goducks]

Unless you can right off the lease why would anyone lease a vehicle? Seems like all you're doing is renting it. You have nothing to show for after 3 years.

[Jerry713]

Originally Posted by sirrealone

The only lease deals I can find on trucks are with the 2.7L. I'm pretty leary. I just haven't seen enough people say they're up for the task.

We stay in Michigan, and tow between 4-5 hours from home at max.

Did you have to add in your own brake controller? None of the spec sheets I've seen include one that's factory installed.

What JaycoLovers says mirrors what I've heard from a friend who tows a 6,000 lb boat with his new 2.7L. If you are looking at a lease I'm guessing you're not planning on keeping the truck long term. If that's the case I think you'll be happy with the overall performance of that engine. For those who want to put 200k or more miles on it yeah I'd be leery too. Sure 4 cylinder engines last a long time in cars but show me a truck that pulls decent loads and overall works harder (than a car) with a 4 cylinder (turbo) with that many miles. Hard to do for that reason long term I'm skeptical long term.

[JaycoLovers]

Originally Posted by goducks

Unless you can right off the lease why would anyone lease a vehicle? Seems like all you're doing is renting it. You have nothing to show for after 3 years.

Personal choice I guess. I've never considered a vehicle an investment. They're consumable items to me...no different than the cup of coffee I get from Dunkin or the Carhart coat I wear. I pay to use and enjoy them. It's about the value you get for the money you pay.

I get value out of my lease and end up with a new vehicle every three years. With a lease, I never have to pay for tires, brakes or other wear items. Never have to service the coolant system, transmission or other linkage components. New upholstery, new paint, new features and new updated tech every three years. All these things bring me value. It's possible I could by it and save a few bucks over the total ownership cost, but I doubt the cost savings I'd realize would really be that much $$.

I'm not against ownership...but I'd still never consider a vehicle an investment.

[JaycoLovers]

Originally Posted by Jerry713

What JaycoLovers says mirrors what I've heard from a friend who tows a 6,000 lb boat with his new 2.7L. If you are looking at a lease I'm guessing you're not planning on keeping the truck long term. If that's the case I think you'll be happy with the overall performance of that engine. For those who want to put 200k or more miles on it yeah I'd be leery too. Sure 4 cylinder engines last a long time in cars but show me a truck that pulls decent loads and overall works harder (than a car) with a 4 cylinder (turbo) with that many miles. Hard to do for that reason long term I'm skeptical long term.

Yep...another silent vote for leasing...!

[videoarizona]

To answer your questions:
Yes the trannie makes up for the rear end ratio.
Yes you will get better mpgs when not towing with that rear end.
Yes the 2.7l is an excellent tow motor. That's what's it's designed to do. The torque specs prove it.
Go buy your new truck and enjoy.

[SkyBound]

Originally Posted by Jerry713

What JaycoLovers says mirrors what I've heard from a friend who tows a 6,000 lb boat with his new 2.7L. If you are looking at a lease I'm guessing you're not planning on keeping the truck long term. If that's the case I think you'll be happy with the overall performance of that engine. For those who want to put 200k or more miles on it yeah I'd be leery too. Sure 4 cylinder engines last a long time in cars but show me a truck that pulls decent loads and overall works harder (than a car) with a 4 cylinder (turbo) with that many miles. Hard to do for that reason long term I'm skeptical long term.

Just want to clarify that the 2.7L EcoBoost is a V6.

There are some 4cyl workhorse engines out there that go for a long time, such as the 4BT from Cummins (granted it's a diesel).

Overall I agree that if the primary purpose of the truck is to tow, the 3.5L is the better option.

[Jerry713]

Originally Posted by SkyBound

Just want to clarify that the 2.7L EcoBoost is a V6.

The thread is on GMC 1500 trucks. I was referring to the 2.7L 4 cylinder GM has.

[SkyBound]

LOL so it is. Goes to show how serious I take GM in the towing world! Jokes aside, I still think going with the bigger engine/higher power output option is the way to go.