Towing Options

[Matt1212]

In the market for a new tow vehicle (Z520). I tow in somewhat hilly country currently w/ 08 Chevy Tahoe. I can't stand the constant downshifting. Is diesel my only option for cure? Have never owned one, but would love to hit cruise on the interstate and go. I would like to hear pro's and con's on your tow vehicle and wonder if any gassers would cure my problem. Have never driven a Tundra or Titan. Thanks in advance

[KevinP]

Engine size of Chevy? Also forget about Cruise control, unless you are towing in flat lands.

[481VSangler]

What engine/tranny/gears are you running now? I second the no cruise comment too. A diesel would tow it no problem, but the '07+ models aren't as fuel efficient as the older models because of emissions. The new 6.2L gasser from Ford and Chevy are towing machines and gets about the same fuel economy as the 5.3L from what I've heard/read. For gears I'd want a 3.73 or 4.10 in the rear. I like the 6 speed too, but am not sure if it would be shifting constantly as I've never towed with one. Maybe someone can shed some light onto that.

[Matt1212]

I don't pull in cruise w/ the tahoe, but have w/ a buddies duramax. Still shifting even though I control it better by never pulling in cruise. Just would like to on the interstate is why I'm thinking diesel

[transamz9]

You will not tow the 520 with a gas and not gear down. A diesel won't gear down at highway speeds. I tow with cruise on as soon as I get up to speed to set it. I have an 05 cummins and get 18 towing the boat.

[cedarcreekflash]

I tow my TR21 with a 2010 Tahoe. It has the 5.3. I don't know when Chevy came out with it, buy my Tahoe has a setting on the gear shift to where you can set the trans to stay in whatever gear you want it to. It is a 6 speed, and depending on the conditions I normally tow so that it will not change into either 5th or 6th gears. It also has a setting that will adjust the suspension for towing. I haven't had any problems with it except I don't think my gas mileage is too great. Couldn't tell what I'm getting because I don't want to look.

[billius]

My 2010 Sierra has the 5.3/6speed auto. It will shift a lot on the road, but then it's made to do that. Mine also has the setting where I can set the highest gear I want it to go into. That helps as most of the shifting results from it going into and out of overdrive. Of course, if you do that you lower your mileage too. A diesel wouldn't shift as much, but will sure cost you more money to keep on the road than a gasser.

[transamz9]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by billius &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">My 2010 Sierra has the 5.3/6speed auto. It will shift a lot on the road, but then it's made to do that. Mine also has the setting where I can set the highest gear I want it to go into. That helps as most of the shifting results from it going into and out of overdrive. Of course, if you do that you lower your mileage too. A diesel wouldn't shift as much, but will sure cost you more money to keep on the road than a gasser. </td></tr></table>

Don't know where you get your figures from to say that. Diesel may cost more up front but cheaper in the long run.

[TRCM]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by transamz9 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

Don't know where you get your figures from to say that. Diesel may cost more up front but cheaper in the long run. </td></tr></table>

Maybe if the long run is more than 5 yrs.

My diesel cost me more to drive than my gasser, to the tune of about $250 bucks a year.

[Hardhead1]

I have a 2004 Yukon XL 4x4 and when pulling my Z520, I use the Tow Mode, never noticed it shifting any different, except it takes longer for the transmission to shift between gears.

[Matt1212]

Prolly gonna go w/ diesel. Just really want to be able to set cruise on the HWY and go. Buddy of mine getting 14mpg w/ F250. That would be a big upgrade from about 8 that I'm getting. Thanks for the replies

[KevinP]

Keep in mind the price of Diesel. I paid 3.69 today. Will hit $4 by the end of Fe.

[stu924]

I have a 2003 Z71 Suburban that I use as my lake truck with a 5.3. If there is no wind and I am in flat country its fine. If its windy or hilly, then it downshifts all of the time. I use the tow button also. I just traded a 2007 Suburban with the 5.3, which did better on the downshifting, but still seemed to be excessive. I now have the Tundra and its amazing the difference in towing. I still will use my 2003, but, the Tundra out pulls my Suburbans by far. By the way, the Tundra has the 5.7.

[KevinP]

I too tow with Tundra 5.7. Traded in my F250 for 5.7 Dbl Cab. I get better mpg and love the ride. I drive a diesel truck for my job.