Towing with a Chevy 6.0L gas - Montana Owners Club

youngrvr · 12-06-2006, 03:39 AM

We've been looking at a 2002 2955RL Montana and I'm wondering if my 2004 2500HD Chevy with a 6.0L gas engine will handle the trailer. Some guys tell me that 9030lb trailer will be to much when we get it loaded. This will be our first travel trailer so have no experience. Thoughts??? Thanks

315RLS · 12-06-2006, 04:24 AM

youngrvr
This page provides the tow ratings for your truck as an 06 under the trailering tab
http://www.chevrolet.com/silveradocl...pecifications/

We have a 3500 with a 6.0 and 4.10 rear which is more than adequate with our Mountaineer 315RLS but I don't know the FW you're looking at.

richfaa · 12-06-2006, 05:18 AM

We pulled a @ 7500/8000 lb TT with a 5.7l chevy motor,not much different than the 6.0l..It pulled ok but was border line and lugged on steep grades...IMO not enough motor for your load.. and the 2955 is a 5th wheel.. I would go with the 8.1 gas or the diesel.

LonnieB · 12-06-2006, 05:29 AM

I agree with Rich. You'll find the 6.0 lacking, especially on hills and against headwinds.

Mudchief · 12-06-2006, 06:31 AM

I agree with Rich and Lonnie. The hills and head winds is what will get you. On short weekend trips you can get by but you won't be happy.

Cat320 · 12-06-2006, 06:37 AM

Agree with the previous posters. Also, check your weights, the GCWR for the 6.0L gasser is 16,000...the truck's GVWR is 9,200 and the trailer's GVWR is 12,000.

SlickWillie · 12-06-2006, 06:38 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by richfaa

We pulled a @ 7500/8000 lb TT with a 5.7l chevy motor,not much different than the 6.0l..It pulled ok but was border line and lugged on steep grades...IMO not enough motor for your load.. and the 2955 is a 5th wheel.. I would go with the 8.1 gas or the diesel.

Good advice! I had a 2003 Silverado 2500 HD with the 6.0 Auto with 4:10 gears. I pulled a 16' cargo trailer to Colorado, and when we came back (loaded)down I25 to Raton, I didn't think it was going to make the top of the grade. I started shopping for a Duramax when I got back to East Texas. If you are going to stay in relatively flat country, it might do very well, but the long grades will pull it down.

SAndreasen · 12-06-2006, 10:19 AM

I have a 325 FKBS TT that has a GVR of 11500 and I pull it with a 2002 2500HD Chevy with the 8.1 liter gaser and a 3.73 rear end. I love it! We've been all over with it and the 8.1 with the allison works great.

Emmel · 12-06-2006, 11:27 AM

youngrvr, from experience, the 6.0 WILL pull the 2955 anywhere you want to go. Also from experience you will NOT be able to use OD and you will not like the 7/8mpg. I pulled a 3255 thru the eastern mountains and had no trouble doing so. I went to the diesel so I could use od and the mpg is really, really better. I would not tow the 2955 very far if you keep the 2500hd. Like everyone else, I recommend the 8.1 or if you want better mpg go with the diesel. I didn't read this, it is real life!

gitrdun · 12-06-2006, 12:20 PM

I had a 6.0 HD and it will not handle a 2955. First of all you will be over weight. I pulled a 2980 Springdale weight at 6930 and it give it all it wanted.

kdeiss · 12-06-2006, 12:22 PM

It will pull but you will not be happy.I pulled a lighter Jayco with a Dodge 360 it was always down shifting I get much better gas millage with my 8.1 GMC pulling the much heaver 2955 Montana.I recommend the 8.1 or deisel with the Allison it is sweet

daneboy · 12-06-2006, 03:27 PM

YOUNGRVR,
We have a 2955RL and love the 5er. As was said before, your looking at 12,000 lbs. of trailer. My F250 6.0 PSD and trailer weighed in at 19,200 lbs. I think you'd be better off with a larger engine. Enjoy your trailer and welcome to MOC.
Jerry

Fordzilla · 12-06-2006, 08:29 PM

Youngrvr, I think you will be OK pulling locally. but the hills and head winds are going to be a struggle. I have a friend who has a 6.0 gas and 4.10 gears and he does fine around here in NW Iowa. But I don't think he will ever take off for a long trip thru the mountains. If you are looking to weekend camp or just stay in the Midwest I think you will be OK. But you will be a bit overweight and may need to allow a little extra time to get somewhere safely.

sectres · 12-07-2006, 01:35 AM

I was pulling my 318bhs Mountaineer with the same combination that you have. I did not have any problems but when you start going up hills you will know that you have got something back there. Also you will notice that your truck will also run hot on the long steep grades. That is why I traded my 01 GMC for the 06 GMC with a Duramax.

sectres · 12-07-2006, 01:38 AM

I was pulling my 318bhs Mountaineer with the same combination that you have. I did not have any problems but when you start going up hills you will know that you have got something back there. Also you will notice that your truck will also run hot on the long steep grades and you will only get between 7 and 8 MPG if your lucky. That is why I traded my 01 GMC for the 06 GMC with a Duramax.

sreigle · 12-07-2006, 04:21 AM

I was thinking the same as Fordzilla when I read his post. For local weekend campouts it's probably doable. For longer trips you'll probably not be happy with the performance. You may chose to accept that fact and do it anyhow. But keep in mind you'll be straining the engine and probably shortening its life if you do very much of this. If getting another truck is not an option and I was not planning a lot of long trips I'd probably go with the situation with a goal of replacing the truck when feasible and before doing long trips. Since you have a 3/4 ton, the rest of the drivetrain, frame, axle, tires should be ok.

Mac · 12-07-2006, 01:06 PM

I towed my 2955 with that same truck for a year, primarily on weekends but did take it for a short trip to SD. It will tow fine but it takes a little to get up to speed and the hills are tough as well. I did pull it over one pass in CO here but I avoided it on the return trip. I think you'll be fine for the short term but might want to consider a diesel or a larger engine if you're going to be a longtimer or full timer.

The funny thing is, I always got better mileage pulling the heavier Montana than I ever did our old Dutchmen.

mac

Okie Guy · 12-07-2006, 04:07 PM

Cy,
I have an older model 90's Chevy 3500 with a 6.0 engine. I only take in-state trips on weekends. The truck has a harder time pulling the tana than it does a loaded horse trailer but its to be expected. Hills are tough and slow. On open roads I have to be careful not to speed. It all boils down to...
How far are you going?
Are you planning on getting there really fast or can you take your time?
Are you comfortable pulling with the truck?

I hope this helps
Phil

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