Hi there, new to GMTs, new to 5.3L engines, but not new to towing.
My towing plan always involves a loaded trailer that is ~75% of towing capacity or less to allow for some safety factor. My plan includes also adding a plate style trans cooler.
Reading items on the net and also reading the Owners Manual I have a couple of questions:
The manual indicates that with the 5.3L 5 passenger 4x4 w/3.42 gears the towing capacity is 6,000lbs - which conflicts with some other on-line things I have read. Can I trust the manual?
The manual indicates that towing in OD is ok unless the trans is shifting a lot. Can I trust the manual? Some on-line sources say yes, some say tow in 3rd gear only.
If I tow in OD will the DOD be kicking on and off or does it "know" to stay off?
If I tow in 3rd the DOD is automatically disabled, correct? I don't care too much about fuel economy while towing, but don't want to throw away economy needlessly. Trans health is of course more important.
Has anyone had an electric brake controller installed by the dealer? Recommended or overpriced? I want a quality unit with the built in gyros for load sensing/proportional braking.
Adding an electric brake controller - I scanned a number of posts here but what I am looking for is the wiring connection points under the dash- diagram and pictures. Perhaps I missed this post, so a link is appreciated.
How does the auto leveling suspension work with load distribution hitches? Do they play well together? What do I need to know? Again, apologies if I missed this post - link appreciated.
Sorry for the long list. Any/all answers appreciated.
My towing plan always involves a loaded trailer that is ~75% of towing capacity or less to allow for some safety factor. My plan includes also adding a plate style trans cooler.
Reading items on the net and also reading the Owners Manual I have a couple of questions:
The manual indicates that with the 5.3L 5 passenger 4x4 w/3.42 gears the towing capacity is 6,000lbs - which conflicts with some other on-line things I have read. Can I trust the manual?
The manual indicates that towing in OD is ok unless the trans is shifting a lot. Can I trust the manual? Some on-line sources say yes, some say tow in 3rd gear only.
If I tow in OD will the DOD be kicking on and off or does it "know" to stay off?
If I tow in 3rd the DOD is automatically disabled, correct? I don't care too much about fuel economy while towing, but don't want to throw away economy needlessly. Trans health is of course more important.
Has anyone had an electric brake controller installed by the dealer? Recommended or overpriced? I want a quality unit with the built in gyros for load sensing/proportional braking.
Adding an electric brake controller - I scanned a number of posts here but what I am looking for is the wiring connection points under the dash- diagram and pictures. Perhaps I missed this post, so a link is appreciated.
How does the auto leveling suspension work with load distribution hitches? Do they play well together? What do I need to know? Again, apologies if I missed this post - link appreciated.
Sorry for the long list. Any/all answers appreciated.