92nsx

Any newer(say like 2012 and newer) 5.3 v8, GMC 1500 will be fine. I would search for one with the 3.42 rear end (RPO code FW6 ). They will come with a higher tow rating.

mjw930

You appear to be focussed on the GM product but I've towed at or above this weight with a 2014 Chevy 5.7 1500, 2014 Ram Hemi 1500 and a 2017 Ford F-150 3.5 (new 470 ft-lb Ecoboost) and either the Ram or the Ford is a better product. Aside from the torque advantage both the Ram and Ford transmissions (8 speed Ram, 10 Speed Ford) are like night and day. Quite honestly the Ford makes child's play out of towing a 6500 lb enclosed toy trailer where the Chevy was always working hard, constantly down shifting. The Ram didn't have any issues but the 70 additional lbs of torque the Ford has and the 10 speed gearbox really change the game. If you are stuck on a GM product then the 6.2L with the 10 Speed is the ONLY way to go.

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, you are going to need a Peterbilt.

In all seriousness, if you are upgrading to a new truck, don't skimp. It's always better to have "extra truck" when you need it. I've posted about this literally hundreds of times.
In all likeliness, your trailer will have surge brakes; which suuuuuuuckk. If you lose those trailer brakes, a 1/2 ton isn't going to be enough to safely perform a stop that you didn't plan way in advance for.

Remember, truck tow ratings are for an EMPTY truck, with a full tank of fuel, and ~200 lbs. of driver. GVWR is one of the most important things to consider as NONE of us tow with an empty truck. Tools, dogs, luggage, coolers, etc. etc. and then you pack your loved ones in there too; and you are way over what's safe (and legal).

I would not buy a 1/2 ton for anything other than towing a bass boat or a pair of jet skis. It's not about towing. It's about stopping and controlling the load. Go with a 3/4 ton offering.

Donzi1979

iTrader: (1)

^^^^^^ I had an 08 5.3 1500 crew 4wd 3.73 and a loaner 2014 5.3 with the same set up and it doesn't even compare to 6.2. I ordered a 1500 SLT 1500 4wd 6.2 8 speed 3 years ago and it will out pull any half ton I have ever been in. I pull my 7500 lb rig (5500lb boat and 1800lb trailer) on regular basis and can get 10 to 13mpg. Is it bad a$$ Dmax "no" and I didn't want to spend $70k to get a 2500 Dmax with all the same options but it a very comfortable truck for everyday use, with tons of torque and I have pulled the boat on 300 mile trips with ease.
The down fall is the 8 speed which mine already had the converter replaced at 15k and still has the dreaded cluncking between lower gears, this has been corrected on the later versions in 16 and up and I assume the the 10 speed will be better. I also added air bags as the 2014 and up springs are a lot softer than my 08. And it will roast a stock 3.5 eco boost of the same vintage. Before I get flamed I know it is a heavy stupid truck and not a sports car.

clgreen510

Thanks for the feedback!

KevD815

It really comes down to how you drive it. If you want to drive like an a$$hole, any stock 1/2 ton is going to be weak with 7,500 pounds in tow. Drive intelligently, at a reasonable pace, and with a properly set up trailer and you will be fine.

Personally, i like to hammer down a little bit so i would choose a 2500HD with a 6.0

ALL_IN!

iTrader: (1)

I'd say this is a good reason to go ahead and get the Duramax dually !

RaggedEdge

To move a 29 around you will be more than fine with a 1500, 5.3 with the 3.40 gear. Had the same truck with the tow option and sport package few years back and moved the 35 Lightning around just fine. Actually brought it home, 7 hour haul behind it, and all was well. I would not take out cross country with the 1500 but home to the ramp and back with some common sense played into the driving, not a problem, and I'm 12500 on the trailer, you should be fine. Like said before here, just don't drive like an Ahole. Reality, when towing toys this big and valuable one need not drive like an Ahole.

Baja Rooster

iTrader: (1)

My 2013 Z71 5.3 LTZ with the tow package drags my 272 around just fine. Do I wish that I had more power? Always. Like 800 horses type of power, but I was surprised at how well the 5.3 does tow. I would have grabbed the bigger engine if possible though just for the fun factor. I also put fox shocks on all around and that smoothed out the feel of the trailer a good deal.

Robertjr

No one heard what Sydwayz said, Its not about pulling its about stopping! A single engine 29 Fountain will push a 1/2 ton truck around like a clown car