So I currently have a ‘96 GMC Sierra 1500 V6 5spd. It’s a daily and a work truck but it lacks every single bit of power necessary to pull landscaping trailers. I WANT a 2500 or 3500. My question is, what motor/trans would best suit my needs? I’m leaning toward a 5.7 Vortec with NV4500, but idk.
How fast/how far/how often are you pulling that 7K trailer? Yes, a six-popper is not what you need to yank a heavy trailer.
I pulled my Trailblazer (roughly 5K) on a 20' "car (hauling) trailer" about 70 miles last week. Had zero problems at 60 mph through road construction. Third gear, converter locked. Tow vehicle is an '88 K1500, 5.7L/700 trans/3.42 gears.
I'd have used the '97 K2500 7.4L/4L80E/3.73, but the front end has been torn apart for months 'cause I'm too lazy to finish it.
If I were towing regularly, I'd want a big-block, a 4L80E, and gearing to suit my usual speed and trailer weight.
Diesels are super for towing, but expensive as hell to maintain if/when something breaks. The Allison trans is wonderful; but again expensive to rebuild. And, overall, I don't want a manual trans when towing. Manuals are fine in sporty cars, not that thrilled with 'em on work trucks.