The in-laws tow an ~11,000lb fifth wheel/tow buddy combo with their 2500 Suburban 8.1L (4L80E). Tows mostly great, but will struggle a little climbing the grades (truck actually had to downshift to first for a little on I-8 going over the grade from San Diego to El Centro). Everywhere else, as long as you don't mind flooring and revving the piss out of it on grades (as well as the fuel bills that accompany it), and you don't mind crawling up some of the steeper stuff, it works just fine. It does consume a bit of oil though.
Well here it is.
Took it out for a spin and it seems to have plenty of power.
NOw all I need is a good weekend to go camping.
Thanks all for the help.
Paul
My uncle is running the same engine and trans. Sorry but I'm not sure of the year, but I'm guessing it's pretty close to the same - an '06. He's been doing this a LONG time and he says that Allison is the best transmission he's ever run. And he sure doesn't have any complaints about the 8.1 motor.
Congrats on your purchase. I sure would love to hear a report on your first tow!
'05 Dodge Ram CTD Quad Cab 4x4
'06 Cruiser RV Fun Finder X189-FBR
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