I just bought an 04 tahoe which will only haul 5700 lbs. If I add a transmission cooler will this increase my ability to haul more? Or do I need more mods to do this? Thanks for any help you can give. Also it is running 3.42 gears on a 2wd model
Newbie with a tow question
- Thread starter kg_shadow
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cmc76
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trans cooling helps preserve the transmission, but your towing capacity is largely based on your braking ability.
cmc76
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trans cooling helps preserve the transmission, but your towing capacity is largely based on your braking ability.
The trailer i am hauling has its own brakes. Does this in effect mean I can haul more with the addition of a transmission cooler?
Legally, you can't change your tow ratings from what the factory says they are.
When you get a shorter rear gear (3.73 for example) your tow rating will go up.
Here's the 2014 Silverado 4x4 crew cab for example:
7,100 lbs. / 3,221 kg. – 4.3L (3.42 axle)
6,200 lbs. / 2,812 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,200 lbs. / 4,173 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)
Adding the max tow package will increase it a little bit more.
How much higher do you need to go? You might want to add some airbags in the rear to help with the sag but you don't want to go over the towing limit on a regular basis.
When you get a shorter rear gear (3.73 for example) your tow rating will go up.
Here's the 2014 Silverado 4x4 crew cab for example:
7,100 lbs. / 3,221 kg. – 4.3L (3.42 axle)
6,200 lbs. / 2,812 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,200 lbs. / 4,173 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)
Adding the max tow package will increase it a little bit more.
How much higher do you need to go? You might want to add some airbags in the rear to help with the sag but you don't want to go over the towing limit on a regular basis.
cmc76
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I mention the braking because that's one of the biggest factors with towing. Even with trailer brakes, what happens when they fail? which they often do depending if they are electric or surge brakes. you will still need to be able to control what you are towing. In my opinion, tow ratings are often conservative. and your vehicle will likely be able to physically move a heavier load. but that doesn't necessarily fall inside what is considered a "safe" limit.
Short answer, NO. your transmission cooling does not effect the limits set by the manufacturer.
Short answer, NO. your transmission cooling does not effect the limits set by the manufacturer.
With the camper im hauling and the gear we take I will be rt about the tow limit. I still have 4 months to consider my options. Transmission cooler is a no brainer to me just for longevity. Wondering if a gear swap to the 3.73 would gain me enough to justify the cost? And lastly do I beef up the brake system just in case the trailer brakes fail. Thank you guys for all the insight you are giving. much appreciated
I tow with a '01 5.3 Yukon. We have a small 2500 lb travel trailer. Braking is a non-issue for us but power is a huge issue. These rigs are NOT made for towing travel trailers. Maybe OK for taking a boat to the water but that is about it. Any sort of hill and she is screaming at 4,000 RPMs and I can barely get above 45MPH. If you are buying to tow and only to tow get a truck. That is where I am headed next.
