RE: 2014 GM 1500 Payload Specs
The max tow package will be available with the new DI 5.3L--it's not a typo. The 6.2L won't be released until later in the year, since it's an all new version too. As for reductions for options, that's true for all truck ratings. GM looks to have provided a real increase in available payload of ~300 lbs for similarly equipped trucks over their current models. I personally don't want the 6.5 ft bed, but that's a personal choice based on my needs.
RE: 2014 GM 1500 Payload Specs
Just because it is available, doesn't mean that you would ever want to tow with it. It could indeed be very shabby. You need to see performance test results to determine wether it is shabby or not.
I'm not too concerned about power, but ~380 ft/lbs seems like plenty to me. I'm more interested in the rest of the truck for towing. From their 2014 description:
Max Trailering Package
Trailering package with seven-pin and four-pin connector
Enhanced cooling
Automatic locking rear differential
Heavy-duty 9.75-inch rear axle with 3.73 ratio
Increased-capacity rear leaf springs
Revised shock tuning for increased control
Integrated brake controller.
2014 GM 1500 Payload Specs
Check out the new payload specs for the 2014 Chevy/GMC 1500 trucks. Unless I'm misreading it, the "standard" 1500 4wd 5.3 crew cab (near bottom of page) will have a payload rating of 1957 lbs (vs ~1650 now). What's interesting, is that the "max tow" 1500 4wd 5.3 has a ~100 lb lower rating. Yes, the "max tow pacakge" will be available w/ a 5.3 and 3.73 gearing. Not too shabby...
RE: 13 silverado 1500 6.2 question
I have no problem averaging 19 to over 20 mpg hwy w/ my '08 5.3/3.73 4wd @ 70+ mph in east TN hills. Using EPA's test cycle, the 5.3 returns 3 mpg better than the 6.2, both highway and city. They will be ~ the same when towing, and folks w/ a heavy foot probably won't notice any difference. Comparing pre-2007 5.3 motors doesn't count, since those don't have AFM.
That said, I haven't heard many complaints w/ the GM 6.2L in 1500 trucks. I wouldn't mind having one myself :)
RE: Am I stressing my tow veh, or worring for nothing?
Put it in 3rd w/ T/H engaged, and drive 60 to 65, tops. I have an '08 version of the same motor/transmission, and tow twice your weight. 4k rpm is no big deal for the truck, but you really shouldn't be seeing that very much with a camper that light... unless your driving in 40 mph wind. If it's that windy, then *really* slow down! I rarely see those rpms when towing, and we're at ~7000 lbs fully loaded. I never use 4th gear, even if it feels like I can.
RE: F150 EB vs 5.0 towing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2b3yHRfHDk
I always cringe (and laugh) when I hear that particular Ford promotional dude. He always sounds so confident when he reads the script, as if he's an engineer or something (he's a salesman). He says the dumbest things, over again. I can't help but point out that the EB is working every bit as hard as the others. The turbos are spinning up rather than the motor, but the "work" being performed is the same... and the EB is probably less efficient while doing it.
RE: F150 Ecoboost for Dummies
I think the argument for or against a forced induction gas motor comes down to how much a guy doesn't like winding up a n/a motor, or slowing down at higher elevations, vs how much they care about long term reliability and cost of ownership. I find myself sometimes looking at old 2500 Surburbans w/ 150k+ miles on them, and really don't think much about the miles. I wouldn't do that with a 10-yr old forced induction setup w/ similar miles. It may well be that they hold up fine, but it's hard to imagine, when there's so many problem reports on day one.
I honestly don't understand why folks don't want to rev a n/a gas motor though... really I don't. I look forward to dropping into 2nd on my 5.3 and pulling a good grade. It's the most excitement I get on a long day of pulling, and it will pull like that for hours on end with zero issue. That said, I accept that it *does* bother some (maybe most?), and that the whine of spinning turbos is less annoying to those folks (I personally don't like the high pitch of a S/C or turbo). It's not a "have my cake and eat it too" situation, though, since there are most certainly higher stresses and much greater combustion control complexities on a turbo V6 than a larger n/a V8.
Ultimately... it's my money, and yours, to buy whatever we like. It's great to have options!!!
RE: F150 Ecoboost for Dummies
It is interesting to watch this. Intercooled turbos are not new for Ford. They had experience with them in the Diesel trucks for a while now.
I really don't think there's much comparison between the two. A turbo diesel has very high compression, uses no spark (and no spark timing), and the fuel has low volatility. Gasoline is very volatile, does require spark/timing, and combustion is very sensitive to changes in air and chamber temps. Turbos create huge transients for heat and air flow, and the ECM has to adjust very quickly for a gas motor. To be honest, I said the same as you when I first heard of the EB. I then started thinking about my experience with the two types of motors, and realized how different the applications are.
RE: F150 Ecoboost for Dummies
As far as the Ecoboosts having problems, I will admit there are a few trucks out there that have the condensation issue. But considering there are hundreds of thousands of these engines on the road it is a very very small % with the problem.
Maybe you can explain how I test drove a single F150/EB, and it stumbled and stuttered right as I was pulling out of the dealer. Admittedly, that's a single truck, but the odds seem pretty high to me. If I live in a high humidity area (I do), it seems a matter of when, not "if".
RE: F150 Kids Sleeping
We have three in the back, and do a long trip or two each year. We just carry some pillows, and let them figure it out. They'll find an uncomfortable position or two, but nothing that hurts. The poor driver (me) is the one that needs a nap!
RE: F150 Ecoboost for Dummies
If you park that close to something, you'll never get out the door, and I can duck under them in my garage.
The issue for me would be getting through a standard 9 ft garage door. Even if I parked outside, I'd rather have the option of the standard mirrors with the (slightly) heavier rear axle/springs. I personally would never pay the price for a Lariat, especially since I don't care for "upscale" truck interiors. The higher trims also lose most of the payload advantage with the extra weight of 'options'.
RE: F150 Ecoboost for Dummies
It's a matter of opinion, but I don't like that the F150 max tow only comes with dumbo mirrors. Ford should give that as an option, since most folks park in a garage *way* more than they tow.
RE: This is awesome! First tow with new F350!
When you say that the F150 didn't tow as well as you expected, are you referring to power/pulling, handling, or both? Just curious.
RE: Towing an Arctic Fox
The GM max tow option, with the 6.2/3.73, is a hoss of a setup. Mated to the 6L80, it's a strong package... with ~1900 lbs of payload in the LT trim. No turbo worries either. It really comes down to which truck you like best, imho, since each offers something that will do the job. Each has it's benefits, and each has it's potential problems.
RE: 2002 Chevy 1500HD/gearing question
I don't know anything about the 4L80, but the GM 4L60 does *not* lock in 1st or 2nd using OEM programming. The 4L80 has a longer 2nd gear, so maybe that's the reason?
What year?
Mine is an '08 5.3/4L60e, but I've looked at the OEM tuning on a '05 GMT800 5.3/4L60e too. Both use the T42 TCM.
RE: 2002 Chevy 1500HD/gearing question
Never heard of any transmission locking up in 2nd, but appearantly GM programmed thier transmissions to do this. you learn something new everyday!
I don't know anything about the 4L80, but the GM 4L60 does *not* lock in 1st or 2nd using OEM programming. The 4L80 has a longer 2nd gear, so maybe that's the reason?
RE: To EcoBoost or Not...
I've driven a few EcoBoosts and feel with the 14-15 years of driving turbo diesels, I've got the boost issues understood in almost a million miles behind turbos.
I'm no turbo expert, but I don't think it's possible to compare a turbo diesel to a turbo gas system. Gasoline is much more volatile, requiring lower, controlled combustion temps, and well timed spark. Ignition management in a gas motor is more complicated to begin with, but throw in variable boost and variable intake temps (from boost), and it gets very complex, and things change dramatically in an instant.
RE: Getting 2013 1500 Silverado Today, oil consumption questions
Maybe, but...
Did you read the link I posted? How about the tsb gm issued about excessive oil consumption? Or are you shooting from the hip with zero facts? There is, or was, a legitimate issue according to GM.
I have owned a Gen IV 5.3 w/ AFM since '08 (bought new), and keep up routinely on GM truck forums. I have also taken the time to speak personally with the mechanic at my local dealer who works these specific issues. I care more than most, simply because I own one. There are at least two related GM TSB's. Both address mechanical issues that may lead to excessive oil consumption, and both involve components that are different on the AFM vs non-AFM 5.3 motors . Most threads have involved trucks in the range of mine ('07 to '09). I don't recall anything indicating a flaw in the AFM design, however, any more than a faulty lifter or poor ring seating is on any other motor. Most 5.3's from those same series have no such issue, but there may been one or more lower quality production batches (?).
GM has been good to issue TSB's, and to follow-up with tests/repairs. I would hope that Ford, Dodge, Toyota, etc. are doing the same for all the folks that show up in related "oil consumption" searches, but I know nothing about those.
