Tow Capacity of 4x4 2007 Chevy Silverado Classic with 5.3L and Transmission Cooler Recommendation
Question:
I have a 2007 Chevy Silverado LTZ, AWD/4WD Crew Cab, 5.8 ft box, 5.3 liter engine, with a 3.73 gear ratio. I just upgraded to a new travel trailer which weighs 7800 lbs with water and propane on board. My old travel trailer was 5000 lbs and was no problem for the truck. Once I load the Truck gear and people and load the Trailer for 2 weeks of camping I am most likely adding another 1000 - 1200 lbs. My truck does have the button that I push for towing. On a recent trip while towing the trailer the Transmission temp reached 97 degrees Celsius C but I am not sure what the dangerous temperature might be. I found that the transmission temp didnt go above 92 degrees C if I towed in 3rd gear rather than in Drive with the towing button engaged? Can my truck tow my new trailer? Most of the trip will be of less than 4 hours traveling time. Do I need to get an additional transmission cooler installed or get a new truck? Also when the trailer is connected to the truck the back of the truck and trailer are not level with the trailer slopping down to the truck and back of the truck sloping down to the trailer. If my truck can tow this trailer should I get an additional leaf added to my rear springs or could that affect the AWD mechanism of my truck? I did up the tire pressure on all 4 tires on the truck from the recommended 30psi to 40 psi for towing my trailer. I love my 2007 Silverado LTZ truck but since I just purchased my new trailer down sizing the trailer wont be an option. I would appreciate your advice on my concerns stated above.
asked by: Dale P
Expert Reply:
You will want to first consult your vehicle owners manual but based on my research your truck has a standard towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and max towing capacity of 10,500 pounds. The max is usually either with the truck properly equipped or when using weight distribution. Your owners manual should be able to shed some light on this.
Even with the truck properly equipped, and/or using weight distribution you will still be near the maximum of the truck. If a more capable truck is available to you (or you need an excuse to tell the wife to get a new truck) I would go that route. How does a nice diesel sound?
I would go with a 3/4 or 1-ton, diesel, with factory tow package if available.
In regards to transmissions and coolers, generally you want to keep the transmission temperature below 200 degrees F. Adding a supplemental transmission cooler is a good idea since transmission fluid cannot be overcooled. We recommend getting the largest cooler that will fit in the space you have available, see FAQ link.
For your 2007 Chevy Silverado Classic the largest recommended cooler is # D13504 and you would also use fitting # D13035 to avoid cutting and flaring lines.
The issue with the truck and trailer sagging can be relieved by using weight distribution. To recommend a system I would need to know the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow plus the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.
You could add suspension enhancement but you would not want to use that and weight distribution together because they tend to work against each other. Weight distribution works better to level a trailer and take out the sag on the truck. I have linked an FAQ article on weight distribution for you as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Derale Snap-In Radiator Adapter Fitting for GM
- Accessories and Parts
- Transmission Coolers
- Radiator Adapters
- Derale
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Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class IV - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Full-Size Truck
- SUV
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 12T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Mid-Size Truck
- SUV
- Van
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 7-1/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
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