silverbill

I have a 2009 silverado with the 4.3. In the manual it states it can tow up to 4900 lbs. My trailer weighs 1000 lbs. and my car around 2500 lbs. I know this is under the max weight and if I go by the book I'm alright, but was wondering if anyone out there has any input on real life towing with the v-6.

I was thinking of stepping up to a 4.8 4x4 but really dont want to spend the money right now. I will only be towing the car about 4-5 times locally (10 miles each way).

My truck is the 4.3 2wd with the 3.23 rear. I dont want to mess it up, it only has 12500 miles on it and my 5 year old has already claimed it.
I sold my 95 f-250 earlyier this year, thats why I would be using my silverado

Thanks Bill

Fishinfooleric10@aol.com

Well I believe you will do okay, I wouldn't underestimate those v-6 they are good little motors. Now will it tow good probably not, but I don't believe you are going to ruin your truck by towing that car. All in all those v-6 are stout little motors and it might not pull that fast or anything but I believe your truck is more than capable of handling that load for a long time.

silverbill

Well made the maiden voyage and was very impressed. Second trip it seamed we sruggled a little. I am using the tow/haul mode in 3rd gear only and rpms are hanging around the 2500 range. Any comments would be appreiciated. Thanks Bill

pdrayton

I have the 2003 4.3l Express 1500. I've towed at least 4000lb (probably closer to 5000lb) with about 1500lb in the back, from Florida to New York twice in the last year, doing up to 75mpg in 3rd with Tow/haul.

I did add a tranny cooler and new tranny oil.

Sure, it doesn't like the hills too much, but it did fine.