Hello everyone...It's the same old story. I"m looking at replacing our old expedition. I've found on the internet a 09 chevy silverado 1500. It has the 5.3 engine and the 3.42 rear end. It's a 4x4 with a short bed. I've not looked at it yet. I've been everywhere on the internet trying to find the tow capacity. I've seen it rated anywhere from 9500lbs to 4600lbs on various sites. Before I waste my time looking at it, I was hoping someone had one that could give me the info.. It is high mileage, 98000 miles. It has is 4 speed automatic. They are asking 18995. Looking at KBB the price is fair. What are any known problems with these trucks if any? Thanks in advance. Bob P.s. It has a tow package on the truck. We will be pulling a Primetime tracer 2800rld, dry weight of 5800lbs using a eaz lift wdh.
FYI, in todays local paper I see advertised a Dodge 2012 RAM Quad Cab 1500 for $20,880 and a Chevy 2012 Silverado X-Cab for 23,325. Seems to me for a couple thousand more you could get a new truck as opposed to a used truck with that high mileage.
2011 Arctic Fox 29-5T 5th Wheel
2011 Silverado HD 3500 6.6L Duramax Diesel Crew Cab
Short Bed 4X4 SRW LT
50gal Transfer Flow Aux. Tank
16K Valley Hitch w/bed saver
Having towed a lot with an Expy...I will throw this in..
Unless you just want a truck for other reasons, and if your Expy has the 5.4 motor, you really aren't going to improve your towing power all that much with the 5.3 motor and 3.42 rear end...
You will increase your payload numbers slightly and it might be a little more stable, but I don't think you will notice that much difference over-all..
Just thought I's throw that out from my experience...anyway, good luck with your search.
(the price for a 100K mileage truck seems high to me also)
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I highly recommend something with a 6-spd trans. 4-spd plus 3.42 is not going to be great. 6-spd with the same ratio is significantly better from a RV towing standpoint. Official tow rating borderline for that TT, in the 7000-8000 pound range.
Keep an eye on payload on these half ton trucks as you shop. Look for the yellow Tire and Loading sticker on the driver's door or door jam. You'll want 1500+ pounds, 1700+ better as 900-1000 is easily taken away by the TT hitch weight.
A & A parents of DD 2005, DS1 2007, DS2 2009 2011 Suburban 2500 6.0L 3.73 pulling 2011 Heartland North Trail 28BRS 2012 VW Passat TDI
Unless you specifically want a 1/2 ton grocery getter pass. There are far better deals out there on more capable tow vehicles. What your looking at is almost the worst combination for towing. 3.42 rear end is strictly for economy. Short bed is for looks, 1/2 ton is for occasional trips to the dump. Spend a few thousand and get a 3/4 ton. Even with a gas motor a 3/4 ton will be a far superior towing vehicle. Better brakes,tires,wheels,stronger frame. Just a far more complete vehicle. Leave the 1/2 tons to the boulevard cruiser types.
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bobfears wrote: 09 chevy silverado 1500.
5.3 engine
3.42 rear end.
It is high mileage, 98000 miles.
It has is 4 speed automatic.
They are asking 18995.
First off a 2009 Chevy will not have a 4-speed auto. In the last half of 2007 they went to a 6-speed tranny. Even when mated to 3.42 gears the 6-speed gave pretty good torque and towing ability.
98K miles is way too many for that asking price. Keep looking and you'll get a much better deal. There are too many trucks out there that are much better deals than this.
If you can live without 4X4 (and you can easily) there are some great deals out there.
I don't know about KBB guestimations on prices but that sounds way over priced to me. A 5.3 and 3.42 axles sounds like more a grocery getter than a towing vehicle, especially with the 4-speed. Like another poster, I think you could do far better than that deal, few bucks more you could buy a brand new truck. Especially if you are looking at financing, probably better off with what credit unions are offering for new car financing.
Capt Skup
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You have been given some good advice so far. If you are going to purchase a truck for towing this is not the one besides the fact that is overpriced for the mileage. I say keep looking.
Only 2009 crew cab 5.3L got the 6-spd as far as I know. And GM mates the 3.42 as the shortest axle ratio with the 5.3L and 6-spd. It's significantly better gearing than any previous OEM 4-spd with a 4.56 axle. First gear is 4.0:1 vs. 2.5-3.0 for 4-spds. That's why I recommend a modern 6-spd over the previous 4-spds. No need to be so frustrated on those uphill freeway on-ramps.
Bob Fears..........I tow exactly the same trailer...a Tracer 2800RLD..........what a nice trailer.
As for the towing..I have an F-150 5.4L with a 3.73 differential...I live in Utah, with big mountains...since I am a 55-60mph tower, I find this power unit is well matched to the trailer.
Of course, for those who never have enough power, they think I am underpowered...
I think your truck would be fine, unless you are one of those who like to tow at 70 up mountains.......if you are like that, you will not be happy with your truck.
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