2016 Chevy Silverado 5.3L V8 takes on the Extreme Ike Gauntlet Towing Review

[@cesarconh895]

Thank you TFL for making this video on the Chevy 5.3 towing test.

[@TFLtruck]

You are most welcome.

[@connerbutler1077]

+The Fast Lane Truck now we need a 5.0 f150 test.

[@CentralKentuckyWeather]

+Dodge 318 Cummins Yes a 5.0 F-150 please...and then show us how it compared to all the other trucks previously tested on the Ike.

[@thomassmith3951]

+Dodge 318 Cummins yeah dodge gets there test before the f150

[@TheWeakLink101]

Gotta say, i really like how TFL looks after the little details. Many reviewers would overlook the added weight of the 4X4, in cabin noise and ensuring things are weighted right. Keep up the great work guys.

[@Gbus85302]

I have this truck. When in tow haul mode going down hill active grade braking will kick in but if you want it to down shift you have to hold brake for about 2sec and it will downshift depending on how hard you tap or hold the brake. It took me sometime to get use to that function

[@fe8039]

I am a dodge guy but the 5.3 is a great engine

[@operationhotshotinc.6887]

FE80 really? Why do you say that? I have one also. But with the 3.42 gear ratio. How would that tow this?

[@DLTJR1959]

@@operationhotshotinc.6887 I just purchased a 2018. Per specs it is rated to tow 9,100 # with the 3.42 gearing. Pretty good IMHO...

[@andybub45]

Yup. Nothing beats a good ol reliable pushrod v8

[@american_chevy616]

just bought this 2016 silverado LTZ yesterday. and im in love!

[@fonqstarr3636]

got my LT wenesday. I too am in LOVE LOVE !! this my baby. goin thru youtube lookin up all the videos on it as an owner now. condradulations bro.

[@anthonymacneil2279]

Bought a 18 High Country 6.2L new it's a beast

[@Pabloperes675]

@@anthonymacneil2279 just bought a 2020 denali hd, what a beast.

[@gregc2621]

Do they feel like they lag on acceleration, I test drove a Silverado and it just felt sluggish. Thoughts? This is legitimate, not trying to instigate.

[@aaronbehindbars]

I get why you added 240 lbs in the bed to compensate for the lack of 4wd weight, but why stick it at the very back of the bed where you are essentially increasing the tongue weight. On a 4wd truck, all that weight is up under the cab. An extra person in the cab would have had less impact on the truck's steering than putting that weight aft of the rear axle.

[@jessehernandez5043]

i was thinking the same thing

[@1m-a-n1nja]

I think it's more a question of traction. Snowy CO, isn't very fun to drive in when you're going up a mountain in a 2 Wheel Drive SUV/Truck hauling a trailer... I would know... Especially on the Ike Gauntlet

[@aaronbehindbars]

Connor Gibbs 900 lbs of tongue weight not enough for traction? Also, the roads looked pretty clean on this run.

[@aussiek2000]

+Connor Gibbs you don't tow in 4wd unless the road is completely covered in snow, which it wasn't

[@Torvikholm]

+Connor Gibbs The weight was added to compensate for the weight of the 4x4 system. Not traction. the bags was placed in the back, 'cause that's the only place they could fit. I don't live in the states, but last time i checked the police did not like the idea of having 200lbs of sand bags laying loosely on the bonnet.

[@daleliske9757]

It's funny, here it is 2023, I'm just watching this for the first time. I have a 2015, gmc crew cab 4x4 Z71 with a 6.5 bed. I tow a 1300 lb 2 axle trailer with no trailer brakes equipped. I've towed this trailer many times with 2 4x4 utility atv's on board. So, say 3000 lbs with luggage and other equipment, gas, tools, etc. I've towed to WV, sometimes a little scary with no trailer braking, just the truck, but in towing mode, down the mountains, it was very helpful. I averaged about 14 mpg. Some grades were 6% up and down. On flat highway at 75 mph, about 15.3 mpg is about the best. All around in the summer, unloaded, no trailer, 21. I'm not complaining. Winter in Michigan, it drops to 16. I've disconnected the cylinder deactivation. It runs on 8 cylinders, all the time.!

[@rafterktbcattle3022]

it seems in every GM or Chevy review, Nathan is always a bit bias. Always pointing out the very little things bad about a GM truck. But he praises Ram trucks. It gets old.

[@MaxBoostMk7.5]

chevynation yellow couldn't agree more

[@njrtech]

Well let's talk about how bad Dodge transmission durability is? And how awful Ford ecoboost engines have been? Yeah

[@coryr9938]

Transmission durability? They use the ZF 8 speed which is a proven transmission used in a bunch of cars.

[@CELTICS7777]

Ram has great transmission's what are you smoking? Maybe the really old ones had some issues but they aren't lemons

[@andybub45]

@@coryr9938 not the lower end models

[@sergiupuscasu2496]

Damn this truck was revving the entire way while towing. It was revving hard and merciless, love it.

[@garyseeseverything8615]

5.3 is very reliable and can take a serious beating. I towed a is300 on my 5.3 gmc and got the job done, braking can be tricky so make sure trailer brakes work fine before towing

[@Fordguy1997]

Great performance by the Chevy 5.3 finally. It seems like Chevy got the transmission and rear axle ratio combo correct after a few years of tinkering.

[@RichardA-w2q]

So which Chevy Silverado 5.3L V-8 engine Axle Ratio Gearing are you using for the 2016 Chevy truck ? 1- 3.08 = 6.100 pounds weight trailer? 2- 3.42 = 9.100 pounds weight trailer? 3- 3.73 = 10.800 pounds weight trailer ? And i have a Chevy Silverado 1500 5.3L V-8 295 HP automatic 6 speed overdrive 4wh automatic and i really don't know what types of Axles Ratio gearing i have since it says on my truck 2015 door GAWR FRONT 3950 POUNDS WEIGHT AND GAWR REAR 3950 POUNDS WEIGHT AND GVWR 7200 POUNDS WEIGHT AND PASSENGERS AND CARGOS ARE 1629 POUNDS WEIGHT TRUCK AND TRUCK BED CAMPER CARGO WEIGHT LOAD 729 POUNDS WEIGHT ONLY. And my truck steel metal square tubing bumper hitch are 5.000 pounds weight rating and hitch is 500 pounds weight and hitch ball attach to receiver removable hitch is 6.000 pounds weight pull and it's also a 5278 pounds weight truck without any passenger and no cargo no driver weights just plain basics truck 1500 Series 4wd Crew Cab 4 full doors Standard Box 6'' foot long an a half inches long bed on a All terrain Master Craft Snow Off-road sorta of similar to all terrain Wrangler Tires. 275/75/R18 . But i rather have Wrangler All terrain snow/off-road tires but in 2022 nobody has that sizes in 265/75/R18 and 275/75/R18 on 18x8.5j rim 65 psi

[@gustavodegollado8740]

you have to step on the brakes when going down hill unless you have the hill decent feature. the grade brake works more as you start using the brakes

[@HD13POWER]

I own a 2016 Silverado HC with 5.3l engine. And here is the GM Silverado and Sierra disadvantages sorted by more imporantly: 1- 40 Gallons Fuel Tank (26 Galons isn't a truck fuel tank. 2- Rear A/C vents and Rear Heated Seats Option for Crew Cabs. 3- Full rear flat floor. 4- Real Center Console Fridge Freezer Cooler (Unlike the fake 2016 Escalade Platinum cooler). 5- Rear fulll slide-down window. 6- LT4 650hp engine option The first three is a MUST in order to trade in my 2016 model. The last three I'm willing to pay even more! Advantages: 1- No electric release tailgate. (No Maintenance hassle) 2- Steering column transmission shifter. (More Space for Storage) 3- Real Cooled Seats 4- Quiet sealed interior 5- A/C cabin air filter (Cleaner Air - Controls DUST!) Please Like to share this with others and reply if you got good ideas!

[@HD13POWER]

Ops! I forgot: Gm should inteoduce 17" wheels as an option in Luxury trims. A 17X9 or 17X8.5 will do the practical off road work.

[@bdegregorio130]

+HD13POWER You may not be a Ford guy but you can get a 36 gallon tank, rear A/C vents and rear heated seats in a crew cub, as well as a flat floor. Just thought i'd add input.

[@benjamingriffith4183]

+HD13POWER GM went to a 26 gallon tank? I have a 06 Avalanche and it has at least a 30 something gallon tank. I also have vents in the rear. That amazes me my truck is 10 yrs old and yet yours is new and it has less?

[@djayt1215]

thats becuase its an avalance, it is based more off the subarban.

[@ryandavidson5092]

Thank you for bringing back the Ike Gauntlet! Please do as many of them as possible, they are my favorite videos. Thanks for actually testing manufacturer claims and being seemingly unbiased.

[@tlwayman]

I wish you shows trans temp during this. I would love to know how hot it gets

[@victorurbina2944]

Do you guys remember what the trans temp was when towing up hill? I think you may want to integrate into your videos. Trans temp is a huge part of towing.

[@hochhaul]

Probably between 210 and 215. A message pops up at around 225 and it would go into limp mode just above that. I have never seen the 6 or 8-speed do that in any test. I did see an F-150 6-speed overheat in a test by Edmunds.

[@tsi4ya]

This guy fuxs. ^

[@american_chevy616]

@@tsi4ya huh?

[@randygreen8916]

Don't worry, most Silverado's come factory equipped with a transmission oil cooler.

[@jessehernandez5043]

just out of curiosity, why do you include the downhill performance in your subjective scoring if it already has its own scoring category?

[@SuzukiKid400]

+Jesse Hernandez Great question. The subjective scoring should only look at things like features, cabin comfort, quietness, looks, manouverability, etc.

[@tacticalpharmacist6887]

I really appreciate all these towing videos!

[@andybub45]

My next truck is a 2018 Silverado. I love the design.

[@wag375]

I've watched this channel from the beginning and it's still my absolute favorite. Kent is awesome!

[@Boclive1]

My 2015 2WD Sierra Double Cab 5.3 cost me $23,644 new in April '16. Base model, 9500 max towing weight with a maximum payload of 1909lbs. I've had to add the things I needed on the truck aftermarket like manual tow mirrors, side steps, fog-lights, bed-liner, remote-start/lock/unlock, and a trailer brake controller. Also changed the OEM shocks out for Bilstein's. New tires are one size larger. PW/PB/PS, AT, CC, 4 wheel disk brakes, six speakers, manual cloth seats, weather-tech floor mats, and a cold air intake with K&N filter. Can't afford to buy a new truck so the new trailer will have to fit the old truck.

[@codymiller1994]

So the 5.3L was only second slower than the 6.2L but the 6.2L got 0.8 mpg better fuel economy. I find that interesting. Maybe the bigger engine just doesn't have to work quite as hard.

[@brandoncaldwell95]

bigger displacement is all. like the older 4.8, 5.3 and 6.0 tiny bigger head on each and a longer stroke per cylinder. you just get better mog with the 5.3 if you dont tow as much.. the 4.8 is a little weak in the towing department...

[@SketchyRedNeck]

Typically grade shifting only occors when you tap or apply the brakes but once engaged it holds tight.. at least thats how it works in my dads 2015 3.5EB F150 CC, so i cant imagine Chevys working much different. i own a 2004 F150. great work guys! see ya on the road

[@mauricecooper176]

if I understand it right transmission downshifting will happen when you hit the brake

[@TFLtruck]

Yes. It usually does.

+Maurice Cooper And why is this better than just using your brakes? I used to use the tranny on declines too but now I just brake if I feel the need to decrease speed. It seems to me that brake rotors and pads are _way_ less expensive than a tranny rebuild... Am I missing something?

[@mauricecooper176]

+Daniel Kvasnička I wouldn't use it all the time but if you need extra breaking maybe for an emergency

[@Torvikholm]

+Daniel Kvasnička Yes. There are no mechanical wear on grade shifting. This is the case on my car; Driving down a very steep hill, it put it in third gear, and set the cruise control on 80km/h. The engine will do about 3600 till 3800rpm(diesel), but it maintains the set speed. There are no wear on neither the engine, brakes nor the gearbox. If i drive down the hill but this time in 6th gear the revs will lay at 1600prm. there is not enough torque to maintain the set speed of 80km/h. The only option i have to maintain 80 is to use the brakes. I will have to hold the brakes in for almost the whole hill down. this will result in excessive heat in the brakes, resulting in lower braking performance, and boiling brake fluid. Not good, not safe. Consider also the added cost of changing the brakes more often.  I prefer engine braking down hills. Then I know I have cold brakes to save me if something should happen.

How can you say there is no mechanical wear on the tranny? First of all, you need to downshift for it to start actually breaking. If I don't want the transmission to brake for me I stay in the highest gear, which means one less shift on every occasion like that. Just that thing alone is an argument against doing this because every shift moves the tranny towards EOL. Second thing is that when you are using the tranny to brake, you are putting much bigger stress on the plates that hold the gear in. Damaging these means a slipping transmission. The very principle of slowing a car going downhill IMPLIES mechanical wear, that's a physical fact (you don't have a braking parachute I presume). It's just the question of where you are going to apply that wear. I choose the parts of the car that are cheap and easy to replace. Yes, there are extreme cases where the wear on the brakes could actually make them brake worse and that's a case for combining tranny & brakes. But that's an exception to the rule.

[@Bobbybeb]

Nice truck. I just don't understand why someone would want to pay around $51,000+ on a truck that does not have 4 wheel drive.

[@mertz313]

KYDashcam I wouldn't mind. I don't need 4wd, so why get the system and spend money on maintaining it if I'm never going to use it?

[@samuelclark9909]

I always get entry level trucks, I don't need all those options that will cause problems down the road, but yeah I agree why get a 2wd truck, the only 2wd truck I've had was a 98 s10, 4.3 v6, I loved it, but it was helpless in snow and mud.

[@jasonholguin4121]

KYDashcam It’s always comes down to a simple answer to your question. Some can afford it and others can’t I bought one with 6” lift on 35’s

[@hugoseguin1589]

because max tow ratings are with 2wd setup lol

[@linh811]

you didn't know ? the modern man is a princess, needs all the fluffy stuff first ..............

[@k.r.v.4219]

After hearing the boys complain about the steering feeling a little loose, with them showing us the placement of the sand bags behind the rear axel? To make up for the difference between two and four wd? What these guys did, in effect, is double the difference in the dynamic aspects of handling! Sure the equalized the weight between the rwd and AWD, but the weight distribution put all the weight hanging off the rear! That in effect LIGHTENED the front end!!!! MR TRUCK SHOULD Know BETTER!! Those bags needed to be laid across the head board in the front of the bed! Or on the rear floor! To put the weight as far forward as possible!!

[@scoopyex]

Great truck. the abs warning light, check engine light, failing fuel pump, throttle pedal and throttle body correlation issues, and air bag warning lights are on a time delay.. so about the time you begin feeling the inside door panels peeling away from the drivers door when you close it, you'll need to have all of those lights addressed and a new set of ball joints installed.

[@Antiquetractorsetc]

I have a 2015 Silverado 1500 4x4. I just did 7% grades with a 10K pound trailer with about 4,000 pounds of weight on the trailer and about 800lbs in the bed. I have the 5.3L with tow package. It barely squated down from the weight and the engine grade braking is awesome. I did have a few times I had brake fading so it’s good that the trailer had brakes and the truck has engine braking. I did lose about 5mph up that kind of grade though. I got about 6-8 mpg uphill and on flat ground it went up to 13-16. My Rpms didn’t go above 4000...

[@hochhaul]

These days the GM trucks have less squat than a comparable Ford. Ford has slowly softened up the suspension and the squat has gotten worse.

[@tandaisawsome]

thanks tfl for doing the 5.3L review I was one of the ones asking for this review

[@ktkness]

Finally the 5.3!

[@operationhotshotinc.6887]

Keenan Kness I know . But I have the one with 3.42 gear ratio I wonder if that could tow 9,000 no problem?

[@Pabloperes675]

@@operationhotshotinc.6887 yes sir, it can.

[@richardmiller1256]

This is the truck my wife has. I made sure they gave us the lowest gear ratio available, which is the 3.42. I wanted the 3.73, but wasn't available. The listed max towing says 12,500lbs. Not sure why yours was so much lower. I love the truck. More than enough power to throw the 5,300lb curb weight around.

[@paulcondie2520]

Also come with a 3.08!

[@cliffsta87337]

Not all 5.3s ended up with the 8 speed. My 2018 LT Z71 has the 6 speed and 3.42 rear end. Towing capacity is only 9100 though.

[@xXBurntBaconXx]

Been waiting for this one for awhile now! Quick question, going uphill were you guys at 100% throttle or were you just trying to maintain speed? If you were jsut trying to maintain speed, then I'm pretty sure this is the truck I would go for. Also, if you guys ever get the Titan XD again, can you guys do a comparison test with a half ton, a 3/4 ton gas, and a 3/4 ton Diesel (all towing the same load)?

[@blakebraboy6909]

Agreed. I was wondering the same thing myself. If they had to maintain speed pulling 9k. That’s not bad at all. But it was slowing down and not down shifting like the 2500 HD, then this ain’t the truck for me. I trying hard to buy a Tundra I want to stick with GM

[@kilo11kag62]

Do you guys have a test video with a 2009 Silverado with a 5.3 and 3.73 gears?

[@jamesross350]

thank you so much for doing this configuration. I knew my little 5.3 wouldn't disappoint. please compare this engine more to the competition hemi and 3.5 ecoboost. again thanks again.

[@bobbyb608]

This is a completely different engine than yours

[@jamesross350]

+Gage Davis when I replied mine I'm talking about the engine itself not my particular LMG. it's a 5.3 and I'm glad they tested it. great engine. period

[@gmrtg1414]

+James Ross The 3.5 EB has already smashed the 5.3.

[@jamesross350]

Glad you feel that way...however its not as durable or reliable. I'll take that myself.

[@Melidontcare]

I really enjoy the videos and comparisons, this 51,000 for a 2 WD seems insane. I bought a 2017 ram 1500 4x4 in the Laramie trim level, ass air and all, it was 39,700.

[@ivanascencio6188]

I really liked the old truck videos as well. If possible, if you guys have time, try to do some towing and features and such of older mode trucks. In my opinion it is not just about present day, as a matter of fact you can review a 2000 Silverado to a 2016 Silverado and show the evolution. Or for any truck really. Just a suggestion, keep up the great work guys 😊

[@timothyhoffman9352]

put the sandbags up against the back of the cab. Gives the front some of the weight.

[@joegremminger3575]

I noticed the engine temp was at 3/4 and was curious what the trans temp hit during the pull .

[@wyattjarvis3434]

I like the 2014 -2015 design better but the 2016 has something about I t that I like

[@smcox1991]

You guys should do some towing videos on the westslope of Colorado. I'm talking about wolf creek pass. There are two switchbacks that if your truck doesn't have the power you're screwed.

[@kyleross283]

I tow a Jeep on a 20ft car hauler with 2014 ram 1500.... my trailer tongue weight empty is 12%. Is it okay to position the Jeep to make the tongue 10% or do I need to keep it at 12% loaded?

[@Phaserssettokill]

Just got one of these. This was really helpful thanks.

[@hunterkennedy2429]

you could probly get the truck for 40-45k depending on how bad the dealer wants to sell it. it's might be 51K without rebates but in all honesty I would never spend over 50K for a truck.

[@larryspiller15]

nearly identical configuration in Canada without the leather is going for 38500 at my local dealer. originally it was 50250 but at 38500 it's a crazy good deal in my area for this. but yeah I agree with not spending 50k on this ever.

[@bobbyb608]

Especially not a 2wd truck with the smaller v8

[@bobbyb608]

+larry Spiller dealerships can usually be talked down on brand new trucks because they bulk buy them for very cheap

[@larryspiller15]

Gage Davis forgot to mention its a 4wd not 2wd though.

[@prerunnerwannabe]

Mmmm... not really. It doesn't matter if you have a dealership that buys one, or one that buys a thousand. They are all going to pay the manufacturer the same :)

[@SuzukiKid400]

What trim level of Silverado must you order in order to get the 8-speed tranny with the 5.3L? As far as I understand, the lower trim models do not allow you to purchase the 8-speed tranny with the 5.3.

[@SMiller5488]

LTZ/SLT in a crew cab

[@SuzukiKid400]

+SMiller5488 so you can't get the 8-speed with an LTZ double cab?

[@gamergeek8933]

seems odd that you add weight to the back for missing 4x4 when the weight would be removed from the front of the truck... then later you complained the the front felt a bit like it was floating. well you added weight to the back plus the trailer so yeah.

[@mikeyWRX]

I dont believe you guys have done a Ford 5.0L Ike gauntlet with the new 2015 or 2016 F150 yet. I bet there are alot of us who would like to see the 5.0L to compare this to. Keep the videos coming you guys are great.

[@mecheng1993]

Who the hell says bonnet in the US? He's trying too hard.

[@EGGINFOOLS]

I agree.

[@111danish111]

+John Graham I think its just mild humor.

[@rpres007]

When can we expect the Ike Gauntlet with the Colorado/Canyon diesel?

[@kennethpatrick8945]

What gear ratio do you have in the rear end mine is a 4x4 342 gear ratio.

[@mikesbikes1575]

Just bought a 2018 Silverado 1500 5.3, I live in So. Cal. (hot weather), I wonder what was the temp in the trans during your testing? Should I get a trans cooler?

[@paulcondie2520]

They come with a small one, but mishimoto makes a bigger one I would suggest if you plan on towing regularly! Also do your regular transmission maintenance. Flushes and filter changes

[@ScottHBrown]

I can't believe how hot it was running. Way above 200 like 220, could exactly tell from the camera angle.

[@ericd5266]

what was the Db level? That thing sounded like it was screaming up the hill the whole time.

[@fonqstarr3636]

I love my 16 Silverado 4x4. my big baby. fkn love her

[@Elongo82]

Ik its 2019 now but did you ever do a ike gaulent with a 2016 Silverado 5.3 with a 6 speed? Bc most of the Silverado are 6 speeds only the ltz 5.3 are 8 speeds from what I'm finding in lookin to buy a 2016 here soon

[@jackstandracing7400]

My 2001 Chevy with 5.3L loves to make power around 3500 to 5500 rpm.

[@wvcorvetteman]

Great Review! Seems Chevy and Ram tried to pull the same trick by sending a 2wd. The Ram Ecodiesel was 2wd. The black Ram 2500 Cummins was 2wd. There is no plausible reason for manufactures to have 2wd trucks in the test fleet. Everyone wants to do off road reviews. We need to add more weight. The weight is not slowing the trucks down enough. Next year lets do 10,000 lbs. All the major manufactures have 1/2 tons that are rated at 10,000 lbs towing.

[@hochhaul]

The tow rating for this truck is a 100 lb difference. Odds arre tthos is the same truck pickup trucks just used for their texas truck showdown. The Silverado, Sierra, F150, Ram 1500, and Tundra were all 2WD.

[@hochhaul]

+hochhaul Wow that reply was trash with the mobile app. I don't think there was any hidden motive on GM's part by sending a 2WD truck. The max tow rating difference between a 2WD and 4WD version of this truck is 200 lbs. This truck appears to be the same one pickuptrucks dot com just used in their texas truck showdown. news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/01/texas-truck-showdown-2016-max-towing-overview.html

[@MarcMonson]

+wvcorvetteman 2wd decreases the rolling resistance because your not spinning half shafts, front diff, and the driveshaft, sure you can add the physical weight back but you cant add back in the drag caused by it. most likely a move by chevy to get best numbers, while the fords have hubs that disengage +hochhaul , cant believe they let the f150 use fuel saver tires in that test you posted..

[@hochhaul]

+Marc Monson I said the same thing. I can't believe Ford would send a truck with the tow package but still have crappy eco tires. i don't think the 2WD thing was intentional. Like I said I believe it was the same truck PUTC used since Ken S. aka Mr. Truck assissted with the showdown testing. There are certainly better, less obvious ways to game a challenge if they wanted to.

[@DannyCole]

+wvcorvetteman #FuelEconomy is a very plausable reason

[@osprey4391]

I'm trying to compare this truck to the Colorado/Canyon... Have done the Ike test with the lower trailer weight used for the Colorado?

[@2010hondacbr1000rr]

Can y’all do the 6.2 and 5.3 10 speeds in the Ike? I’m buying a 2022 updated and can’t decide which engine to buy, including the 3.0 duramax. I live at 6kft and drive over 10k every weekend with a Can-Am and trailer to get to my mountain guided tour company in Utah

[@seabass22]

Are there any problems with the ecotec? Did they fix the AFM issues?

[@michaelphipps4313]

Been looking at travel trailers....I have a 2016 5.3 gmc 4wd...... the trailer that I like the most is a 32 footer. Dry weight is around 7000lbs and the gross weight is just above 9000 lbs.... my question is .... would this be safe for the truck and for driving.... I’m very new at the RV game.

[@garyburbank8895]

Would you recommend this as a Hotshot Truck with a 20ft Flatbed Utility Trailer

[@Ram-re5em]

I must be telling groceries because that’s what the 5.3 engine is for

[@DavidSmith-vo3nd]

I'd like to see the VIA 1 ton pickup it's an Hybread Electrice and gas generator... I think it would be interesting to see and compare. It is made on a Chevy chassie out of Mexico ... :-)

[@pohldriver]

Never trust someone that drives 10 and 2. Especially if they claim to be a truck driver.

[@JBassamore]

Just to clear things up with their review of downhill braking being to much..I have this same truck except 4wd. It has the towing package as well. My truck kicks in Grade Braking just fine and it will hold 4k rpm around 70mph on i40. Going down all these TN mountains while towing and I never have to use brakes hauling cars. If you hold the tow button you can turn off grade braking. Possibly they did that.

[@duggydo]

You can't help but like Mr. Truck! :)

[@jamesbeaman6337]

+duggydo Especially how he pronounces "distributing".

[@raiderville13]

When you guys tow do you use D or M and keep on 5gear? With 6 speed transmission

[@chadharmon5716]

Hey guys wish you would test the base engine 4.3 ecotec I love mine

[@Mikey-wf9py]

Best looking gm truck in long time

[@terryheady1868]

In the gauntlet, did you used the manual option on the truck? Or just tow haul mode in automatic.

what about the 2016 Chevy Colorado Duramax diesel?

[@Pabloperes675]

What about it?

[@austinmcclure4182]

Please do a 2016 f-150 5.0 test next?!? Nice review guys I like the chevy but I'm still a ford guy.

[@nahsh_s]

Have you already done an Ike gauntlet gas vs. diesel with either 2500 or 3500 silverados?

[@m.wilson2624]

I have a 2016 5.3 liter silverado but it only has a 6 speed? Is the 8 speed an option?

[@pipedesigner]

Yes sir.

[@Lucky8s]

I'm confused about your mpg benchmark when assigning trucks an overall score. Why did you pick 6 mpg as the benchmark and has any truck ever gotten close to that mpg while towing up the Ike Gauntlet? I've seen many of TFL's truck reviews and every truck seems to average between 3 to 4 mpg.. It doesn't make much sense to me at the moment.

[@jamesbeaman6337]

+WuWei Xu The 2015 Ram Ecodiesel got 6.1 MPG on the climb.

[@zwirnd4186]

If Tfl tests a 2016 Sierra Denali with magnetic ride control, I want to see a test of how well it works. A good test patch of road would be I-76 between Merino and Atwood.

[@cartercarson7302]

keep it up with the gm trucks I'm loving it

[@samclegg2805]

In the past, the grade brake would only work if you tap on the brakes. Does TFL know that?

[@kirkketelsen7695]

Strange about the grade braking not working going down Hill. Mine works great.

[@ginafranklin445]

Did they mention the axle ratio in the tested truck?

[@hochhaul]

3.42's

[@rydstallion75]

You know, I've always wondered why they check the decibel levels during these test,....as if to say, a quieter truck is better. I for one like the noise a little, especially on diesels, I can't stand that they're making them so quiet you can hardly hear them. I guess some people want them that way.

[@skyracer330]

awesome video can u do the 3500 dulie High Country version planning on getting it

[@dlakerguy]

Thanks for doing the 5.3 with the new 8 speed transmission! Great review as always! Is there going to be a rankings at the end of all the tests to compare how well each truck does? Also, if the top performing trucks can all hold 60 mph the entire way up the hill, they will have the same times. So there should be some tie breaker or ability to test at a higher speed.

[@romelalvarado6957]

I got a 2017 lt and I’m about to tow a5th wheel camper at 13,000lbs for the 1st time I’m a little worried but the word is thAt it can do it not a everyday tow but just to move the camper

[@Pabloperes675]

Get a 2500.

[@r2ba435]

The 8 speed and 3.42 made a huge difference over the 6 speed and 3.08 y'all tested.

[@geneparadis7888]

You should be doing these tests on the hottest days on the Ike Gauntle

[@jamiewebb8633]

Why is the 4.3 never tested?

[@TheJoe999Man]

Jamie Webb Because no one would tow a 9,000lb trailer with a naturally aspirated V6.

[@goodolboys713]

Jamie Webb I agree, I think the 4.3 needs to be tested! I also have one and would like to see how it will do (have not tested it yet). They are supposed to be able to tow 7200lbs trailer weight. (FROM what I UNDERSTAND, 7200 lbs is MAX TRAILER WEIGHT that can be towed with a 14-18 Chevy truck with a 4.3)

[@skushmer]

I have a 2014 4.3 2wd with 3.23 gears and the 6 speed transmission. It is rated at 6000lb towing, The next model year it was lowered to 5600lb. I have towed 6200 lbs (Jeep on car hauler) from Florida to Utah and back, hitting 7300ft elevation on the way with a full bed of tools and spare parts. It did well, all things considered. It did lack power at elevation and I would back off to 3700rpm or less when the oil temp would start running up to 260 or more on long runs up hill. It would hold temp at 3700 rpm all day. I had a tablet on the dash watching temps via a Bluetooth odb2 adapter. I flogged it pretty hard and it survived. It has also done several trips to TN similarly loaded and pulls my boat to the keys every year.

[@goodolboys713]

skushmer wow that’s awesome! The 4.3l is a great little motor!

[@markwatsonkwportfolio5026]

will you guys be doing the ike gauntlet test with the diesel colorado?

[@ChloeDunIT]

Great video as always guys! It seems though the trucks are improving every year with better transmissions, more gear levels, more torque, more HP, etc. that the trailer weight being used just isn't enough anymore... Any thoughts for the 2017 Golden Hitch Awards to base the towing off of each individual truck's Max Towing capacity? That way you compare Truck A to Truck B to Truck C, etc off of how they did with towing at their Max Towing capacity? Thanks again for the great videos.

[@xtanon5540]

So is the 6.2 an upgrade from the 6.0 the 2500s get?

[@travisbaird6107]

All you have to do is tap the brake and the transmission will down shift and "hold" that speed. How else would it know what speed to downshift at? How annoying would it be if your truck cruised at 4000rpm (45mph) down your local "steep hill." TFLT needs to step up their game soon....

[@dslpwr]

If 6mpg is the bench mark and this got 3.3 which Nathan was saying is very good, why isn't the bench mark more like 4?

[@6SpeedTA95]

Love these Ike gauntlet reviews.

[@leadfoot1158]

Thank you TFL for all the Ike Gauntlet videos. I have just one suggestion could you add a scoreboard/leaderboard of all the trucks tested previously to the end of the video and if its possible add links to each Ike Gauntlet run over the trucks name and score.

[@p.m4874]

where do u get the tow functioning tow mirrors. ?

[@raykrv6a]

I think the scoring system needs some work. For both the RAM 3500 test and this test, the scores are too low. I would penalize any 2 wheel drive truck as the mpg is better with the reduced drag.

[@manaze]

Did I miss where they said the weight of the trailer?

[@5RWill]

I think it would be interesting to see the 4WD model run it and see the difference. Idk why i feel like more weight throughout the truck not just in the rear would help.

[@hochhaul]

They screwed up by putting the weight at the back of the bed. It should have been piled up at least ahead of the rear axle. That's why the front end felt light.