My Express is a 2006 3500 with a 4.8. It has the tow button.... which means it can do anything right?

We are moving across the country, I wanted to get a car trailer and pull my Landcruiser to our new home 1000 miles away. Any real world experience towing with the 4.8? Thx.

 

Not sure, but the "tow button" might keep the two cylinders from deacivating. Essentially, the 4.8L (292 ci) is a destroked 5.3L (327ci) V8. I dont think you'll have any problems towing with it at all. For maxium power you might use premium gasoline, when towing for a long distance with uphills, otherwise 87 octane gasoline should be fine, if thast what GM calls for.

Edit:

A quick press and release puts it tow mode which optimizes the shift points for towing. It also prevents the trans from upshifting and downshifting all the time which is what is hard on a transmission.

A press and hold for a couple secondsputs the transmission in overdrive lockout. All this mode does is prevent the trans from shifting into overdrive.

 

I'd check to see if you have the limited slip differential. It will have the RPO code "G30" on the RPO sticker on the passenger door. If you don't have this, you have one wheel drive. This is key in slippery conditions(like a boat ramp).

 

 

Most pickups, have it as an option, but its not often seen even since I was a lad. You can install a Posi-traction unit or a rear axle locker, but it'll need to be shimmed to specs. have to add a special additive to the gear oil on the posi, whereas the lockers dont normally need that.

Frankly I dont see the point in adding it unless you will really need a two-wheel drive axle. I added one to a 2x4 pickup years ago, and it simply wont make the vehicle a better hauler. I backed my old fishing boat into many boat launches with an open axle pickup, Water right up to the top of the rear brakes (with a hose to keep the water out of the axle).. Better to go four-wheel drive then convert to a lockup/posi axle, IMO.

 

Some newer lockers don't require special lubes

 

the gm rear ends do not require limited slip additive...only synthetic fluid.
the tow haul buttom changes the shift strategy...delays the upshift and may lock out overdrive.
the suspension will handle it but the 4.8 for towing...as long as your in no hurry...no power.

 

> the "tow button" might keep the two cylinders from deacivating. Essentially, the 4.8L (292 ci) ...
His engine (RPO LR4, 293ci) does not have this feature. No Vortec 4.8's do. Did any van?

> For maxium power you might use premium gasoline
I doubt that would do anything.

> limited slip differential. It will have the RPO code "G30" ... If you don't have this, you have one wheel drive ...
G80 and YMMV

>but the 4.8 for towing...as long as your in no hurry...no power.
My thoughts exactly. Smallest V8... under 300 hp and lb-ft torque...

 

Didn't we all at some point tow with a 1981 suburban with a crappy 195 hp 350 and 3 spd auto no overdrive. At least I remember my parents had one and it towed the boat and hauled all 6 of us for 6 hours to the lake....no problem.
Our dependence on 300 plus hp has spoiled us.

 

Perhaps not, but in theory, a higher octane gasoline might keep the knock sensor from retarding the timing, thus increasing power and fuel mileage, on a long, hot uphill stretch of road, pulling extra weight. Whether the increased cost of premium octane gasoline would offset the savings, should this be proven true, is the real question.

I am not very familiar with vans, and I dont like the tight spaces the engine is crammed into. Kinda reminds me of the old days, when Cab Over Enigine (COE) semi-trucks were popular back before the 1990's, when they switched to stub-nosed or conventional cab rigs. Like we used to say: with a COE, you are the first one to a crash!