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Posts: 153
| I'm looking to buy a Suburban/Yukon XL and I have several questions for those GM owners out there with a GM product with the 5.3 liter engine and 4 speed auto trans.
My boat/motor/trailer is around 4,000 lbs would the above mentioned engine/trans combo be sufficient?
Any problems?
Can you tow in overdrive?
Can you run with the cruise on without the trans constantly shifting?
Thanks for your input. |
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Posts: 717
Location: Grand Rapids, MI | You got me stumped... When did they make a 4 speed tranny??? |
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Posts: 566
Location: Elgin, IL | 2T, I would get a 6.0 and go with a 3/4 ton chassis. You will hear different ideas.
Better brakes....heavier frame, will pull your rig with ease and keep you in total control at all times.
I tow a 3000 lb rig now, and my extended cab pickup (2500 Sierra) doesn't even flinch. And my trips are mostly 5-6 hours away. I'm not a diesel fan, but they certainly have their place in the towing world too. |
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Posts: 153
| 4speed automatic or a 6 speed automatic trans are available. |
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| Towing in overdrive depends on several things, what rear end ratio does it have, how windy, how hilly, etc. If the truck keeps up and down shifting at highway speeds, you will need to run it in 3rd gear, which is most likley direct drive ( one to one ratio), it has been my experience with many 4 speed trannys, you will not be able to tow in OD. That will keep the fluid cooler and won't hurt your tranny. |
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Posts: 1247
Location: On the Niagara River in Buffalo, NY | Along with a towing rearend gears,also important is the towing option with the tranny,when engaged tranny shifts at higher rpms.If the 1/2 ton has the towing package you will have no problems towing 4000 lbs.I burn't up two different tranny's in 1500 Silverado's that did not have the towing package.I'm going on 10 years now with my Silverado 2500HD 6.0 liter with towing package,but don't expect to get good gas millage,12 mpg up hill or down hill,boat or no boat! |
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Posts: 1184
Location: Iowa Great Lakes | I have no issues towing with my 01 5.3 and tow in OD unless shifting exessivly...Mine does have to tow package wont own a truck without it... |
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Posts: 555
Location: Tennessee | I'd get the 2500 if you can. The 4.8 and 5.3 smallblocks run like a scalded dog when empty. Hook a 'glass boat to the back and you know they are there. If on flat ground it aint bad but any hilly areas and it'll shift a decent bit. Not horrible but it will. I do usually run 70-80mph with cruise control on when on the highway pulling an 18ft bassboat but I wish I had the 6.0. It works but if you can afford to feed it get the L92 6.0 liter. It's a beast. |
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Posts: 202
Location: Angola, IN | In all honestly, there are many things to consider....
1.) How often do you fish?
2.) How far are you pulling your boat typically?
3.) What is the terrain like (hilly vs. flat)?
If you are the "typical" musky guy who fishes 3-6 weekends a year, and you haul your boat 30-60 miles to the lake, who cares how much it is shifting or if you can feel the boat behind you?
If you are the kind of guy who needs the 5.3 to keep your truck into a budget, you don't really have any other options, do you?
If you are the kind of guy who could care less about a $10k difference in the purchasing price of a 5.3L 1/2 ton vs. a larger 3/4 ton truck with 6.0 or 6.2L, then get yourself the bigger truck. You'll like it.
I pull a VERY heavy 18' glass boat with a 23 year old truck that BRAND NEW the V8 had 190 HP. I pull it 3.5 hours going 75MPH one way several times a year. Not because I want to, but because I'm stuck with the boat and truck I have. It works fine. Truck does great actually. But even if it didn't, there is nothing I can do about it.
You never mentioned if you were looking at new or used trucks. But honestly, if you can afford to buy new, get the 6.0 or 6.2L motor.....the discounts right now for 2012's are ridiculous.
If you can't afford a new truck with that kind of engine, buy a good used truck. The old Vortec 454's (7.4L) from 1992-1999 are workhorses in Suburbans and pickups. And the 8.1L 496cu beast from I like 2001-2004 sit at the top of mountain.
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Posts: 1906
Location: Oconto Falls, WI | With the 5.3L you are going to want to pull with the OD off. Why risk a little extra mileage at risk of needing a new tranny? Although like others mentioned if you are on a flat road then you could get away with pulling in OD. As soon as it starts shifting in and out of OD it is time to just turn it off and run it in 3rd gear.
If you are looking for a new truck I have heard nothing but high praise for the new Ford F150 ecoboost engine. I personally do not own one, but several of my in-laws do. They claim it pulls awesome, and the mileage doesn’t drop while pulling either.
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Posts: 142
| I have had the luxury of using 3/4 ton pickups for the majority of my adult life. In 2005 we got a new one with the 6.0, as of 2012 it has 200,000 extremely hard miles on it. I got a new 2500 this year, I do not like the six speed much, other than that, those trucks are beasts. I also have a nice gmc 2500 duramax w/ denali package if I really need a workhorse. One of the perks of my job is having access to pretty solid trucks. |
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Posts: 1220
| I am now driving the 4th Yukon Denali in a row. I think it is the best vehicle that I have ever owned. It pulls my Ranger 620 for a lot of miles besides being the regular vehicle I use for work and all else. On the second of those four trucks (just for I don't know why??) I never engaged the trailer towing feature. This was the only one where I was told there was likely to be undue wear and tear on the tranny that resulted in a slightly less trade-in value. All other times, including now and in the future, I simply push the button, engage the towing mode when towing, and believe that I have made the correct choice. |
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Posts: 19
| I have a 07 Avalanche which is basically a suburban frame I think. I pull a 1725 Lund Explorer and it never really bogs down unless it's a big hill. I never tow in overdrive. |
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Posts: 719
| FWIW I've been and independant dealer for 25 years and have handled many thousands of GM trucks and have also been driving suv's personally for the past 20 years ( All the big Ford/Lincoln, Tahoe, Suburban variations including 5.4's 5.3's, 6.0, 6.2 etc ) here's my take:
A 4000lb rig is easily towed by any of them, plenty of suspension, brakes and engine. It's best to use the tow setting or disengage overdrive for longer trips or in hilly terrain with that weight and the 5.3. Stepping up to the 6.0 or 6.2 gives a noticable increase in power...usually these are in the Denali or Escalade with self leveling suspension so that has it's benefits as well. The 5.4 ford in the Expedition (I know you didn't ask but it has come up) is a better puller than the 5.3...more low end grunt. The 5.4 in the Navigator is a fair amount stronger and pulls more like the 6.0 or 6.2.
When I moved up to the heavier walleye style hulls (620-621) there was significant benefit to the larger engines...the 5.3 will get it done but the better suspension and additional power of the Denali or Escalade set-ups are a nice step up with the biggest rigs. Those and the Navigator are my choices with the heavy 621.
There are very few 6.0 or 6.2 Suburban half ton's out there...but a nice option if you find one.
In short 4000lb is an easy load for a Sub or Tahoe with the 5.3... you'll know its there but it will handle it very well. There is no way you need a 3/4 ton or the bigger engine...will they handle it better sure but your well below needing that. Plus you won't get hammer'd in day to day driving like you would in a 3/4 ton...both your butt and your wallet.
Edited by bturg 12/27/2012 5:13 PM
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Posts: 734
Location: Watertown, MN | Another big think is the rear end gear will have a big impact on the tranny, would recommend the 6 speed. Had a 5.3 Avalanche and has 3 trannys on transfer, had high gear and dealer said no problem, after 3rd tranny, dealer was like it was not a good pulling gear. Look for 3.43 or lower is what I remeber is the gearing you would like for pulling. I agree with bob though the Ford engine much more low torque and more snapping, the 5.3 was a dog and did not have passing power, believe was 3.73 for meeting GM CAFE requirements.
troy |
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Posts: 906
Location: Warroad, Mn | I have a 5.3 with a 4 speed with a towing package. I've towed my 205 Triton from Warroad, Mn to Oak Ridge, Tennessee and back six times and never had any problems. With a good tail wind I get around 14 MPG at 65 MPH. Does some shifting in the Kentucky and Tennessee hills, but not much in the flatlands of Illinois and Indiana. Great truck! Doug Johnson |
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| I would highly recommend not getting the 5.3, unless it does not have the active fuel management. My last pickup had the 5.3 afm, I traded it in with 33,000 miles on it and by 3000 miles on an oil change it would burn off 1 1/2 quarts of oil. Most people I've talked to have had the same experiment. So I would recommend either the 4.8 or 6.2. I went with the 6.2, cant go wrong with 400 horse. |
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Posts: 153
| Thanks to all for the input. |
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Posts: 118
Location: Minnesota | Guest, the 2008-2010 5.3 with AFM had some issues with oil consumption due to piston and ring choices GM made. I own a 2011 with the 5.3 - 6 speed and using tow haul mode the truck stays in 5th gear at highway speeds. I have found in most cases I am averaging 14.5 mpg and oil consumption is about a 1/2 quart for every 3000-3500 miles. Pretty normal if you ask me. My boat is only an 18' bass style boat, so it may differ if the boat is much larger. The only thing I don't like about my truck is the LTZ package with the 3.08 gears. If I was going to buy another truck today, I would buy the 6.2 ltr. with the 3.73 gears, the 6 speed will improve the gas milage enough. |
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Posts: 118
Location: Minnesota | 2T Critter, I had an 08 Tahoe with the 5.3, 3.73 gears, and I believe 4 speed. She pulled like a monster, but gas milage was 12 at best pulling, 15-16 not pulling. |
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Location: Contrarian Island | I'm on my 4th Tahoe in a row, love em... current is 2011 LTZ, I believe i have the 6 speed tranny, Plenty of power to pull my Ranger, I tow it in the tow/haul mode and rarely if ever put it in cruise... as stated above I might get 13 mpg if i'm going north w a strong south wind.... I can get up to 19 mph on the highway tho...
Edited by BNelson 12/28/2012 9:09 AM
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Posts: 566
Location: Elgin, IL | Always remember....there is no substitution for horsepower....and stopping your rig is more important than pulling it. |
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Posts: 333
Location: menasha wi 54952 | I have a 2007 GMC Yukon XL with the 5.3L engine. I pull a Ranger 692. I would not recommend this engine to pull this much load. Its pulls it but not very well. Like the above posts there are more to your questions that need to be answered but here goes:
Any problems? Yes. This engine does and will burn oil. I had mine documented at the GMC garage from day one. It took years of documented GM testing and factory fixes but I did get a new engine out of it. I had many other problems with this vehicle but after all the new product bugs were worked out it seems to be problem free now at 75K miles. I would make sure you run a car fax report before buying. I would not recommend this vehicle for towing. I have pulled my rig with the larger GM engine and the Ford Ecoboost without any trans shifting. The Fords are better as they generate their horsepower at much lower rpms.
Can you tow in overdrive? No you cannot. GM does not recommend this at all. Your truck will shift differently from stop to highway speeds but will actually drive at "Overdrive" rpm when it can.
Can you run with the cruise on without the trans constantly shifting? No. The trans will constantly shift, at highway or interstate speeds, with this much load. If you are pulling at 55 - 60mph, it trailer mode, it will not shift as much. If you were to travel from Green Bay WI to International Falls MN with the cruise control on, you will end up taking the cruise off due to all the trans downshifting going on. It will kick up to max rpm with hills and winds encountered.
Hope this helps and good luck.
MR
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Posts: 238
Location: Rhinelander | I currently own (2) vehicles with the 5.3 and pull a Ranger 690 with them on WI roads no problems.
Do not pull in overdrive and make sure the tow/haul button is engaged.
Rear end gears make a diffrence.....would not suggest the 3.08....... 3.42 and 3.73 better choices. (your gas mileage will be down)
The 5.3 and active fuel management (AFM) problems were corrected in '09 or '10 can't remember which.....I have an '08 and have the oil burning issues....so far have the rebuilt top end and working on a new motor. Was caught it in 90,000 mile range and was under the 100,000 mile power train warranty. Now have 135,000+/- on the '08.
My '02 with the 5.3 has 272,000+/- and still driving her. Original engine and tranny. Very few problems and quite staisfied with this truck.
Previous truck was a '99 3/4 ton P/U with the 6.0L and 3.73 gears ....was a nice setup and would have kept it but she was in a rollover and just not the same after. I live in northern WI and towing boat and/or atv/snowmobiles weekly but 100 mile trips one way are not the norm.
I was the original owner on all (3) trucks and looking for another GM truck with the 5.3 soon to semi retire towing duties on the '02. The 6.0L was nice but just couldn't justify with my current needs.....maybe you would if hauling extreme distances.
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Posts: 8
| My first post. I pull 3 boats with a 2005 GMC Sierra Ext. cab 4x4 with 5.3 aluminum block. It has factory 4.10 gears with 4 spd auto. I always pull in overdrive and it rarely unlocks the torque-converter, and has only downshifted 1 or 2 times on extreme grades with high headwinds. I regularly pull from Kansas to Wisconsin. In headwinds 13.5-12.2mpg, tailwinds 15-16.6mpg. 1 Ford, 1 Chevy, and 4 GMC's since 1969 and only 1 tranny failure with 3.08 gears. All the rest have been 3.73s and 4.10 gears. Lesson learned, too tall gearing great for no load mpg's, bad for pulling and tranny life. The Ford had the smallest engine 240 inline-six, but would haul any load and trailer with 4 spd. granny and the 4.10 gear. I prefer manaul trannys but they're no longer available in 1/2 ton pickups. My father owned Dodges 3/4 ton 318 with 3-speed torque-flite, pulled cab-over campers and boats to Manitoba and never a problem, but there again with low geared rearends. I'll take the smallest motor with 4.10 gears over the largest motor with 3.08's. That's close to a million miles with only 1 tranny failure and that was the 350turbo 3-spd GM tranny on a 79 GMC. |
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Posts: 5874
| I'm not a GM guy, but is there now a separate OD and Tow/Haul on them? I thought the Tow/Haul mode allowed the tranny to alter the shift points for better towing performance on the GM's much like it does on the F150's. Spent time with a buddy and his 5.3 in a Suburban. He always towed with the O/D off. He didn't have Tow/Haul mode on that one. Maybe it didn't have the towing package?
I have a 2010 F150 with the 5.4L, 6speed, 3.55 gears, and towing package(Tranny and Oil coolers). I pulled my 1890 Tuffy in Tow/Haul mode and used cruise all the time. 2 trips to NW Angle and back and it didn't do a lot of shifting on the highways except up grades. The converter does lock up a good amount of time. I averaged 15 with it on those trips. I ran 55 and 65. Makes a difference in fuel mileage.
My brother has a new F150 with the EcoBoost, same tranny, 3.73 gears. That truck is a towing monster. A LOT of torque, and power. Gets about 14-15 with it towing a 24 foot enclosed trailer, and 18-19 no load. I'd consdier it for my next truck, but in 10 years, they'll have somethiong better yet, I assume.
The previous best towing truck I had was my 83 F150. 300 6cyl, 4 speed OD manual, and 3.55 gears. Put that thing in 3rd on the highway, and that is where it stayed, no matter the load. Only on the steepest grades did I have to downshift. I could not kill that motor. Low oil pressure with egg shaped rod bearings at 200K, I rebuilt it with a mild cam, 390 spreadbore, and headers. Awesome. Surprised a lot of 350 GM owners with that one. |
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