3.42 gear ratio

[CrazyCain]

I tow a Hideout 177LHS (dry 3310/Gross 4300 #) with a 2011 Silverado 2wd extended cab 5.3L engine and always in tow/haul mode. HD tow package and stuff. I have no problem at all pulling the trailer, but was just wondering if that gear ration is a good one for my set up. Average around 15mph on the flat highway....Never plan on mountain driving. Not really sure why i am asking this, but great minds want to know..
And so it begins...........................................
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[Gegrad]

That's what I have in mine and I don't have any problems with it at all. That is more than adequate for your compact trailer and a good ratio to help you keep decent mileage when not towing.

[sourdough]

Cain, with the weight of that trailer I would think the 3.42 would be OK. I don't ever remember towing with ratios that low and lower (high)....since I became aware of "weights" per se. I did however, in my younger years, tow most anything, with anything. From this vantage point I would say you are OK.:)

[notanlines]

CC, I don't see any problem with your setup. Pulling up to 4k with the Silverado with that gear ratio also is not a problem. Keep in mind that just because you might go to a rear-end with gearing in the 3:90's or so, that isn't going to affect your mileage on a direct proportion. Fuel mileage is generally affected more by wind resistance than engine RPM. Ever notice how your vehicle will pull one direction or another with a low tire? Sometimes towing into a strong headwind (Think I-90, South Dakota) you want to cry when you see the mileage. All these items affect the mileage.
By the way, why is there always a headwind on I90 whether you are headed east or west....

[HitFactor]

Sometimes towing into a strong headwind (Think I-90, South Dakota) you want to cry when you see the mileage. All these items affect the mileage.

By the way, why is there always a headwind on I90 whether you are headed east or west....

Headwind both ways and extra strong crosswind. I held onto the steering wheel tightly.

[CrazyCain]

All great anwers and comments.....
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[sourdough]

CC, I don't see any problem with your setup. Pulling up to 4k with the Silverado with that gear ratio also is not a problem. Keep in mind that just because you might go to a rear-end with gearing in the 3:90's or so, that isn't going to affect your mileage on a direct proportion. Fuel mileage is generally affected more by wind resistance than engine RPM. Ever notice how your vehicle will pull one direction or another with a low tire? Sometimes towing into a strong headwind (Think I-90, South Dakota) you want to cry when you see the mileage. All these items affect the mileage.
By the way, why is there always a headwind on I90 whether you are headed east or west....


LOL!! Just don't be traveling with us any time we go anywhere. DW swears that when I hitch up the trailer the wind gods know I'm towing and makes sure that I have a headwind no matter what direction I'm going. I've analyzed it pretty closely and I've now determined that there is "something" that is watching my auto gas mileage reading on the dash and refuses to let it get above 8mpg!:eek::lol:

[CrazyCain]

😂 too funny

[CrazyCain]

:eek: I did have the pleasure of pulling it across the Mackinac Bridge with wind watches in effect.

[waltheraustin]

I towed with a 3.08 and then a 3.73 later on. Really didn't notice a difference. Both were the 5.3 2012