[ocuyler]

Hi,

My '01 GMC Sierra 1500 extended cab short box (Z71 5.4 vortex) is rated at 8000 pounds. The 23CC with 1/2 fuel weighs in at 6000 pounds with the trailer (I weighed it at a truck stop)with a tonge weight of 500 pounds. It's a load, but the tow/haul mode that delays the shifts into better touque ranges is sweet. It tows this rig nicely at 65 MPH with revs around 2500 RPM.

I towed this rig from Stuart, FL to Rochester, NY 1400 miles at around 11 MPG and enjoyed the trip. The key is to set up the trailer properly, as low as possible and securely.

The local Cadilac dealer let me test drive an '03 Escalade 1500 with a 6.0 Vortex (with the 23' in tow, believe it or not) and air adjust ride and found it basically the same. Not enough better to justify the $20,000 difference.

I wouldn't want to give up the carlike ride to move to a 2500, or the 19 MPG highway that the 5.4 offers. It's kinda the best of both worlds.

Of course, if somebody GAVE ME an Envoy XL (Suburban) Denali with 4 wheel steering and the 496 motor, I would reluctantly go ahead and tow with it.

Otto Cuyler
23 CC