Chevy 5.3L V8 / 6 Speed Automatic towing opinions *DELETED*

Post deleted by Randy K

I’m sure you’ll still shift on the larger hills while pulling. Mine even does it when I’m not pulling sometimes. I like mine in my Suburban though.18-19 on the hgy not pulling.

Not going to pull any punches here- -My new 2010 Chev Silverado LT (5.3-6 sp-3.42 gears) is probably the poorest quality toy I’ve ever had. Not a day goes by I don’t wish I still had my old 6.5 turbo back. Economy is in the dumper (12mpg loaded), power is waay overrated, fit and finish is abominable. Other than that, it’s not too bad a toy, notice I didn’t say truck jerr

2001 Chevy 1500HD with a 6.0L and 3.73 gears.

I averaged the last 43 tanks of gas over the last 4 months.

11.68 MPG overall average (Range 9.33 – 16.75)

10.25 MPG city average (Range 9.33 – 12.5)

12.94 MPG highway average (Range 11.467 – 16.75)

10.34 MPG towing average (Range 9.33 – 11.10)

I used to hate the downshifting as well. However after doing these calculations you’ll notice it really didn’t affect the MPG all that much. The downshifting is just irritating to listen to, but doesn’t affect the pocket book that much.

My boat fully loaded weighs in at about 3000#. Obviously you’ll see more downshifting when running 75 MPH vs. 55 MPH. Also not using cruise helps with less downshifting. Of course looking at the numbers, you’ll see cruise or no and 55 MPH vs. 75 MPH doesn’t affect MPG that much. The question comes down to what is your time worth.

I would bet the six speed is better than my 4. From what I have read, get the big V8.

It sounds like I’ve got a similar package to you. Crew cab 1500 with a 5.3. I put on thousands of miles towing every year and I’m not happy with this setup. The truck is a little light for a big glass boat and it shifts a lot. I am seriously looking at the 3/4 ton and bigger engine upgrade.

I purchased a 2010 chevy silverado with this same set up this spring and and am very happy with the overall performance,I get on average 16 miles per gallon towing or straight driving around the metro. One thing about this transmission is you can set your shift points for each gear.

If I am not mistaken, the 6 speed trans was not offered untill 2008 models. Not sure if we are comparing apples to apples ? It has been my experience that 3.42 gears are not your best rear axle option for towing, 3.73 in a 1/2 ton used to be the preferred towing ratio. I am not up to speed on GM standards or options these days.

Don’t worry about all the down shifting. It all gets better when you are sitting on the side of the road by the Bluffs and then get back to Rochester and for $2400 you get a brand new tranny.