Chev 4.8 verses 5.3 litre truck engines

[zuley]

I'm hoping I have the two engine sizes listed correctly. I had a conversation this morning with a friend who is looking for a pick up truck to tow a not yet purchased travel trailer. They are looking for a 21/22 foot tandem axle trailer to be used by two people only. He made mention he was looking at a 2011 GM quad 4x4 with a 4.8 litre engine in it. Trying to be somewhat diplomatic I tried to tell him I thought that engine would be a little light in a tow vehicle. Assuming the trailer they purchase scales in under 4200 pounds what are the thoughts on that engine/ combination? Can anyone chime in on the tow ratings using that 4.8 verses the 5.3 litre. I told him I would put the question out to the experts.
Thanks.

[BeerCan]

5.3 will have more torque and that is better for towing. The rear gear is also going to factor into the equation. What % of the time is the truck going to be used for towing? I personally would opt for the 5.3 but the 4.8 will probably get the job done.

[Ken / Claudia]

I had a 5.3 in a patrol truck 2001 model. It was great for power without towing. I towed a 4500 lb boat alot. On a grade I would floor and keep it floored to stay it at 50-55. We got abunch of 2003 ? models with tow haul mode. They burned up the transmission when driven on freeways towing in regular mode. The trooper for what ever reson would not use the tow mode with the same boat I used.

[TAZ23]

Originally Posted by zuley

I'm hoping I have the two engine sizes listed correctly. I had a conversation this morning with a friend who is looking for a pick up truck to tow a not yet purchased travel trailer. They are looking for a 21/22 foot tandem axle trailer to be used by two people only. He made mention he was looking at a 2011 GM quad 4x4 with a 4.8 litre engine in it. Trying to be somewhat diplomatic I tried to tell him I thought that engine would be a little light in a tow vehicle. Assuming the trailer they purchase scales in under 4200 pounds what are the thoughts on that engine/ combination? Can anyone chime in on the tow ratings using that 4.8 verses the 5.3 litre. I told him I would put the question out to the experts.
Thanks.

I have had a 2006 Silverado with the 4.8 and 3.42 gears and now have a 2012 Silverado 5.3 with 3.42 gears and towing package. The towing differance is night and day. The 4.8 comes with a 4 speed tranny and the 5.3 has a 6 speed. big differance. The milage I got with both trucks is the same. I can get a little over 20 MPG on the highway.
The towing capacity for the 2012 Silverado 4X4 with the 5.3/3.42 gears and towing package is 9500 to 9600 depending on if it is a extended cab or crew cab.
With the 4.8/3.42 gears it falls to 5500.(big differance)
Also the GCWR falls from 15000 to 11000.
All things considered I would suggest to your friend to keep looking for a truck with the 5.3 and towing package. He wont regret it.

[GMSIMS]

X2 on the above. I am towing a 238 ml with the 4.8 v8 and 4 speed tranny. It is a real fair weather tow vehicle. No sway issue but the least bit of grade or headwind and you'll slow to a crawl. Go the larger engine you'll actually enjoy towing.

[Essness]

Clearly ther isnt a real fuel economy benefit to the 4.8. And I've never heard anyone complain that htey have too much power. So, I vote for more power.

Good luck!

[ewkearns]

I had a 2010 Silverado with the 5.3L engine and 3.73 gears. Towing a 7500# boat or a 8000# trailer was no fun, at all.... and it involved a lot of full throttle hills.

I can only assume that a 4.8L would be a nightmare. I found the following figures online:
2WD Auto w/3.73 - 7,100
2WD Auto w/3.42 - 6,100
2WD Man w/3.73 - 5,100
2WD Man w/3.42 - 4,100

4WD Auto w/3.73 - 6,800
4WD Auto w/4.10 - 7,800
4WD Man w/3.73 - 4,800
4WD Man w/4.10 - 5,800

Personally, if a gasoline engine, I would vote for the 6.2L engine.... it is strong enough to pull that heavy a load. I have one in a 2013 Silverado and am quite pleased.

[SAABDOCTOR]

BIGGER BETTER FASTER MORE! AS the saying goes ain't no replacement for displacement! go the bigger engine with the tow package and your friend will be

[LittleJoe]

3.42 gears are too tall for a small displacement engine towing. Get at least 3.73 or even 4.10 if it is a 6spd auto. You will not be sorry.

[zuley]

Thank you all!! I will certainly address your responses with my friend.

Just found out this morning my new TV will arrive on 24 June 2013 at the dealership. Unfortunately, we head out two days prior to that for a weeks vacation. One more trip down the road with the Grand Cherokee I'm thinking.