Upgrade Tow Vehicle or Power Adders?

[stadt11]

We've had our 2016 Jayco 30ft travel trailer for about a month now and couldn't be happier (once we got the fridge replaced). The GVWR of the trailer is exactly what my truck will do, and it doesn't do too bad.

I'd like to be able to tow a little easier without it downshifting so much, so starting a conversation to get opinions what I can do about this in the near/distant future.

Cruising on the interstate about 65mph, with very little head/tail-wind I get about 8.5mpg. A full on head-wind I get about 6.

I keep the truck in 3rd gear, it will drop down to 2nd occasionally, with the BBP tune and corvette servo it's abrupt when it happens. Is it the lack of engine HP/Torque that's causing the tranny to downshift so often, or gears, or combo?

Truck currently has 118k miles w/ 3.42 gears.

I absolutely love my truck so would hate to upgrade if I don't have to. A reason why I don't think the 6.6L diesel is the best option: I work from home and with it being my DD, I either drive short trips somewhere in town or around the state for work when I have to; and I would only use it for towing a travel trailer on the weekends for about 20-25 times a year.

I also want it to be cost effective. I own my truck, so not having a payment is awesome! These are rough estimates of costs:

• Supercharger/headers/gears: $7000
• 2010-2012 1500: $350/mo/60mo's
• 2010-2012 2500HD: $575/mo/60mo's

What do you guys see as the best options below?

Options:

1. Boost
   • Supercharger, or
   • Turbo
2. Headers
3. Change 3.42 gears in front/rear to 3.73
4. Upgrade truck to a 2010-2012 1500
   • 5.3L (I know the newer 5.3L have more HP/Torque) or
   • 6.2L
5. 2010-2012 6.x 2500HD
6. 2010-2012 6.6L diesel
7. Wait for the GM light-duty diesel (whenever that comes out)

 

[1BADSS396]

I'd start with changing to 3.73's or even 4.10's. I'd bet that will do it alone.

 

[Black02Silverado]

I would go with a gear upgrade first. How much towing are you doing with this? Every month? If you don't tow that much, then I wouldn't put the $$$ into it. Might want to contact BB and see if they can offer a different tune to help with towing.

 

[drperry]

Gears will make a huge difference... Followed by a turbo. Unless you get long tube headers, you're not going to see any gains, and it will hurt your towing... You want your power gains in the mid to low power band... Headers are more suited to higher RPM power. If you supercharge it, though, definitely want the headers.

But a 3/4 ton Duramax, either pre emissions, or with a delete will get comparable fuel mileage to a half ton with 3.73s (if it has the 4 speed) while empty.

With the trailer, it'll definitely do better, on top of the truck itself being happier, because you won't be at the limit of your GVW... I've been there... It's a hell of a difference.

 

[1BADSS396]

I'd buy a 1-ton duallie.

 

[stadt11]

Might want to contact BB and see if they can offer a different tune to help with towing.

I did before I bought the TT and Justin said my current tune should work great for me.

 

[stadt11]

Gears will make a huge difference... Followed by a turbo. Unless you get long tube headers, you're not going to see any gains, and it will hurt your towing... You want your power gains in the mid to low power band... Headers are more suited to higher RPM power. If you supercharge it, though, definitely want the headers.

But a 3/4 ton Duramax, either pre emissions, or with a delete will get comparable fuel mileage to a half ton with 3.73s (if it has the 4 speed) while empty.

With the trailer, it'll definitely do better, on top of the truck itself being happier, because you won't be at the limit of your GVW... I've been there... It's a hell of a difference.

What years are the pre-emissions?

 

[drperry]

06 - 07 is what you're looking for, in that respect, all they have is a catalytic converter and EGR (can be turned on and off with a tune) . 2007.5 - 2010 have the DPF/EGR to remove... Not hard to do, unless you have emissions testing.

 

[daddy]

Start with gears (4.10 IMO,) then, if that doesn't do it, upgrade the truck. Gears are a relatively cheap stab at a solution. Remember though, it's always going to be a half-ton pickup.

Slapping a turbo or supercharger on a 120K engine and tranny would just be asking for other problems and with being $7K-ish deep already, repairs are going to get old real quick.

If you plan to haul something at max weight every other weekend all year round, you're going to want reliability.

 

[Bigredmariner]

My advice is get a heavier duty truck if you plan to tow frequently and for longer distances. Hard to beat the torque of a diesel, brand is up to you but have an open mind and drive different brands during your shopping experience.

If you do go boosted please upgrade the stock valve springs. Ask me how I know.