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What are you pulling your trailer with?


bdenson

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This is my first post, so let me start by thanking you guys for all of your tips and advice.

I bought my Malibu this summer and am not real happy with the way my truck pulls it. Here is my setup:

2009 GMC Sierra 1/2 ton 4X4

5.3 with the 6 speed automatic

3.42 rear end

2004 21 XTI

Tandem axle Dorsey trailer

<5000lbs loaded and with fuel

I can maintain highway speeds, but I spend quite a bit of time in 3rd gear at 3900 RPM. Average about 9 MPG.

Questions:

Is this comparable to what you guys (with 1/2 tons) are seeing? Is it just something you learn to live with?

How would a 3/4 ton gas handle this same situation? MPG?

Would the added expense of a diesel, both upfront and at the pump, average out in the end because of the better mileage?

I'm looking at the 2013 Ram 3/4 tons. Really like the Cummins.

Thanks ahead of time for any thoughts.

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I would suspect it's your rear end that's causing your issues. I would think your truck would tug that thing just fine. I run a 2011 F150 XLT Supercrew Ecoboost with a 3.73 rear end. No issues whatsoever. My boat is a little lighter than yours, though.

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2012 Tahoe same drive train. 2 words, gutless and uninspiring. If I didn't only tow 3/4 mile yothe ramp I would of bought a 2500 diesel. Towed 1900 miles to pick it up on a 2500 didnt know it was back there. JMO

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Unless you keep a diesel a long time, you probably won't recoup the 10k or so price difference in fuel savings. But, it will pull better for sure. I have a 2013 sierra 1500. Does fine but the fuel economy does stink.

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We have a 09 tahoe 5.3 and it is painful hauling the vlx with that!! We also have 07 cummins and it is night and day!! Once you pull with a diesel you will never go back.

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I tow with an 08 tundra 5.7, barely know my boat is back there, if my trailer brakes worked better, i wouldnt know it was there at all...usually around 2000rpms at 65 mph. Mpg towing around 12 or 13.

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2012 Ford Platinum F-150 . Ecoboost Crew 6.5' bed , 3:73's. 6" RCX lift on Toyo 35's. Pulls 2012 Malibu 247 just fine. Diesel's stink, Literally.

Gear swap is in order for you.........Or a new :ford: .

I would go 4:10's. If you decide to do a gear swap, trust someone that has been through many. The change from 3:42's to 3:80 is not much of noticeable change in tow category.

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4.10 rear end? At 60ph he would be burning 3300 or so?

I didn't do the math, but remember my K5 Blazer had high ratios.

On a 4x4, do the ratios in the front and rear ends need to match?

Edited by Bozboat
  • Like 3
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I had a 2011 Silverado with 5.3L, but traded after only 1.5 years because that engine was gutless. I got a 2011 Silverado with 6.2L. This truck is baaaad - 6.2 is a beast. Best truck I have owned. It pulled the LSV with ease - pulls the X2 even easier (obviously).

IMAG0048_zpscd61838f.jpg

Edited by bamabonners
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2008 Chevy Silverado LMM DuraMax. This thing pulls anything you put behind it, with ease, while the ac is blasting in the AZ heat!

IMG_20130629_184953_792_zps935ddb36.jpg

watch out when she's in heat though...

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Unless you keep a diesel a long time, you probably won't recoup the 10k or so price difference in fuel savings. But, it will pull better for sure. I have a 2013 sierra 1500. Does fine but the fuel economy does stink.

You get around 8k back on resale. Used diesels are always priced much higher than the same model gasser.

To the OP, that 6.7 Cummins is an amazing engine. Tons of tourque. Also the '13 and up interiors are really nice. I would go for that if you can swing it.

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I tow my G23, 8500lbs or so, with a 2011 5.7L Tundra.

I'd give it an A- up to 65-70mph, I see 8-9mpg avg.

It would tow your boat with ease. I don't think you need a diesel for a 5k tow unless you are just feeling froggy for one.

If you are looking for a more apt tow rig, look at the larger V8s or the Eco.

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I tow my G23, 8500lbs or so, with a 2011 5.7L Tundra.

I'd give it an A- up to 65-70mph, I see 8-9mpg avg.

It would tow your boat with ease. I don't think you need a diesel for a 5k tow unless you are just feeling froggy for one.

If you are looking for a more apt tow rig, look at the larger V8s or the Eco.

You don't tow with many hills I assume?

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