More towing ability

[lonsomedave]

Hello, I am new to your forum and I have already found the answer to one of my truck's issues, (steering jerks). Allow me to introduce my rig: 97, Z-71, 350, auto, 4x4, ext cab, Gibson exhaust, air-raid intake, superchips programmer, upgraded suspension, 285 tires, 88k miles. The tag on my rear differential is missing so I'm unsure about gearing, however, the codes in glove box indicate 3.73.

I have towed a travel trailer (3800 lbs empty) in Texas and New Mexico with dissappointment. The truck handles the weight very well and I have trailer brakes, so these are not problems. At cruising speeds, the truck struggles to run even 70 mph, and really struggles with any incline. I did the mods listed above to manipulate shifting and engine breathing, there was a difference, but I am concerned because above 55 mph, I feel like I have to stand on her to get her to tow! I won't even mention the mileage I get when running 70 MPG at almost full throttle! I realize my tire selection is improper for towing, I wonder why a 285 tire affects my truck so dramatically.
I would like to find a solution so I don't get crazy and try to buy a new truck. I have tried to find threads talking about appropriate mods for my truck, but haven't found any that I thought were particular to my situation.
This has been the best truck I have ever owned, and I don't want another. I would like to invite all of you to respond and I thank you in advance!

Lonsomedave - New Mexico

[chevyguy]

Unless your trailer is a huge wind resistance this isnt right. I have t9wed larger with my truck and never felt like that unless I was running the huge hills in Oregon. My dad pulls his 28 footer all over the U.S and he has never had any real lack of power issues. Start with tune up and fuel delivery. Might have something to do with some of the mods not working well together. Just tune it up to beegin with and go from there.

[Hayden]

take that superchip programmer out and see if that helps.

[lonsomedave]

Thank you for your response, I am amazed to see lesser trucks than mine pulling larger trailers. (Especially at the KOA's) When you talked about fuel delivery, did you mean different type of injector or did you mean to simply change fuel filter? I always keep the maintenance up and try to watch and listen for anything out of ordinary.

The truck's towing power falls off dramatically above 55 or 60, and if there is a headwind, I'm doomed. The trailer is nothing spectacular, just an ordinary 20 foot tandem travel trailer.

This whole thing sounds really stupid, but I have also been dissappointed pulling my boat. I am in and out of overdrive and getting bad mileage doing it. The boat is only an 18 foot bass boat. But again, when not on the highway, she kicks butt, on the highway, I have to run with throttle most of the way depressed.

How likely is it that my gearing could be off from what I think it is? Do you know how I can verify the ratio without the tag on my differential?

In addition, I just took the truck with my family to Montana and back, and could not get better than 15MPG on the interstate. The truck was empty less our clothes and I had my topper on. Does this mpg sound correct?

You also mentioned getting rid of the superchips programmer, do you think it is hurting my performance? Do you think the stock shift points are optimum for towing? I will put the truck back to stock and run for awhile.

The strangest thing of all is that the truck runs perfectly all the time, starts right up and never stutters.

Anyway, if any of you have any thoughts, please write! I will do another tune-up and let you know, Thanks!
Dave

[chevyguy]

First off if you are running in overdrive while pulling a trailer dont be surprised when your transmission failes prematurely. They are not designed to tow in overdrive. Secondly the poor gas mileage is expected when towing.