Is the 5.3 really okay for towing

[John H Daniel]

Finally letting my 2011 Denali reach its potential; dead. Bought a high mileage unit for a sleep pad and tow vehicle. Had the trans rebuilt when it started stuttering. Now, 13,000 miles later its doing it again.
Looking to go to a 2-3 year old Tahoe; don't really need the Denali features.
Other than being the winter daily, it will be used to tow a car hauler; ~8,000#. I was a little surprised to see GM gives the GCWR for both the 5.3 and 6.2 at 14,500# with max trailer package (14,000# without).
The question for you folks is how does the 5.3 really handle it?
I live in Illinois, so not many mountains to deal with. I think I can handle going a little slower up a few hills now and then and save the $ and concerns over the 6.2.
One question is how hard is it to find a Tahoe with Max Trailering package?

Other thoughts?

 

[ReaperHWK]

14k pounds?! Where do you get that number. 5.3 and 6.2 are around 8k pounds for towing.

That trailer is too heavy for any Tahoe; I’d get a diesel.

A Tahoe CAN tow 8k pounds but it’s not going to do it easily and wear it out fast, especially the trans. I personally only go up to 6k with mine. 2026 Tahoe 6.2 with max tow.


If you were towing that with your old Tahoe no surprise your tranny went twice…..

Look for a used 2500 sierra diesel.