The New Chevy Silverado Trail Boss Takes on The World’s Toughest Towing Test with Maximum Load!

[@duggydo]

Nice Sunday morning surprise

[@tuurd]

You know, with as many 4 wheelers who watch your channel and 70 being such an important route for big truck travel, it would be cool if you guys would step up your game and do an informative video on class 8 trucks hauling up and down the mountain. You guys have a great platform to inform the non-truck driving public about safety around big trucks, especially on such a difficult route for the big trucks.

[@DavidWischnewski]

I remember a day when you needed a 1 ton truck to tow 10,000 pound trailer. I love old school trucks but that's amazing.

[@AllAmericanAutomotive]

Crazy isn't it. And to think with an add a leaf/air bags it would probably ride and look perfect. I love my 2005 silverado but I fully realize any new truck off the lot will blow it out of the water towing. Is what it is!

[@FlyingFalcon77]

It is crazy. My grandfather's last truck was a late 90s dodge ram 2500 with the V10 and my 2020 Ram 1500 is rated to tow about 1500lbs more than that truck was rated for

[@FlyingFalcon77]

@don grant I'm sure that didn't help. But that v10 only made 310hp/450tq at the time while the current hemi makes 395hp/410tq much more efficiently

[@JamesRussoMillas]

Mr Truck: LET'S GO UP THE HILL AND THEN DOWN THE HILL Me: this guy knows his stuff 😂

[@joseramos7476]

That truck did a great job under those conditions

[@jasonhass9845]

Big fan of Mr Truck and his hauling knowledge. Nice video!

[@MrTruckTV]

Thanks

[@souldoctor10]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for listening and doing some max weight testing. Appreciate it greatly.

[@jholde04]

It is the most tested Chevy truck in history. It continues to deliver. This truck is a beast. The 6.2 is even more if a beast. 6.2 with an airbag level system in the back and it would be unstoppable...

[@frankjackson533]

Thanks guys, I bought the 2020 Silverado Trail Boss. Love it!

[@redner51]

Andre and Mr Truck always work great together. Thanks for the great video!

[@MrTruckTV]

Thanks

[@khakiswag]

Your videos have evolved into a very professional production, major studios couldn’t do any better. Camera angles are spot on, feels like we’re there with you. Great work.

[@fj400007]

The 1500 with the 5.3 did great and looked good while doing it. Really dig the new style.

[@ricwestdoesitwork]

Super Sunday surprise. Enjoyed the video Andre and Kent. Like 1 person said I think if I was going to use the Trail Boss for towing 9,000# I would add air bags. Thanks for sharing the video TFL.

[@MrTruckTV]

Thanks

[@z1osufan]

Actually very impressed with the TrailBoss. 5.3l has been around for a century and can be reliable if treated right

[@wint_62]

The Trailboss is such a good truck! 5.3 is solid.

[@SantanKGhey1234]

I test drove a 5.3 in a Trailboss and was left underwhelmed.... i guess its ok if you're use to 4 cylinder cars most of your life

[@wint_62]

Pussaty Ford and Dodge engine power leave you feeling underwhelmed.

[@terrencejones9817]

@@SantanKGhey1234 Trail Boss 5.3L 0-60 is 6.1 seconds at sea level. That's not slow by any measurement. For a truck that's great. 60 muscle cars were lucky to be that quick.

[@kelsenjames7154]

@@C10sRule ya that 8 speed is shit

[@ClimbnFish]

I ended up with the V6 in my 21 trail boss cuz that’s what they had on the lot. We towed up and down a bunch of passes in Colorado and Wyoming last summer. 3500lb trailer plus 4 people and a bed full of stuff. Even with the 4.3 it pulled like a champ. 14mpg round trip from Michigan. Can’t argue with that. I have no need to pull a 9k trailer, most truck owners never do.

[@ms1406]

I didnt know they put the 4.3 in it!? Atleast you have a really reliable motor

[@Wicked_RotF30]

I love my old Suburban. I swear it's the best vehicle ever. Only other vehicle that can be argued is the Escursion.

[@lexuslowlife3055]

Look into Sumo Springs. Mr Truck knows about them. Bigggg difference $220 for the rear $150 for the front and doesn’t void warranty and can be put back to stock easily. 15min install. No maintenance required

[@msg63bretired82]

EXCELLENT LESSON about trailer balance. People don’t know about spring travel and tongue weight percentages.

[@jhofster4057]

Great video, I also own a 19 Trailboss with the 5.3 long bed. I have a B&W gooseneck ball hitch with a RAS suspension upgrade to help the leaf springs. I pull a gooseneck 3 horse slant with it and I’m actually quit impressed with what this little beast can do. With three horses on board (one being a draft) she actually does pretty well. I’m sure I’m in the neighborhood of 1500 tongue weight and 8000-9000 trailer weight. My 13 DMAX pulls this like it ain’t shit but I was curious how this half done would do so I bought and installed the outfit to see how it would do. For being a half ton this truck has quite a bit of muscle. It’s my daily now and I only use the DMAX to toe now. I have to say I love the comfortable ride of this trail boss. I got sick and tired of getting best to hell in these HD trucks on these crappy Colorado roads. I had an 18 ram 3500 Cummins before I bought this trailboss and I’m so glad to be rid of that pile of shit! Rode like a tank and unreliable is an understatement.

[@humbertoluque9678]

Just did something sooo similar, pulled a 84 f150 through the carolina mountains in my 03 silverado 1500hd . She did a very good job 👍🏻

[@nemesis656]

lots of tight windy hills. i didn't like that going thru on my truck with NO trailer

[@zackc3274]

Switch trucks and have Gun Smoke tow the trail boss. That would be interesting

[@anthonyc1883]

The Ike Gauntlet would be layered in diesel exhaust! ;-)

[@badgerpa9]

With no turbo you could be coughing a lung up before you finish it.

[@boss123400]

25-30 mph! 🚚🔥💨🚿🚒

[@weegeemike]

It would be floored going about 20mph, make it half way up the hill before it throws a rod lol

[@Mixwell1983]

You read my mind!! Haha great minds think alike.

[@keithfreeman4015]

2020 GMC 1500 Elevation with the 5.3,10speed and lifted 6” with the X31 package and same gears.....tru k is surprisingly good towing.

[@galotamburini7439]

Looking at getting a 5.3L with the elevation with an at4 suspension lift ( from dealer ) seriously considering if it’s the right move as I’m coming out of a power stroke 6.7. ( that was a beast )! Wondering how much you tow with yours and if it does a good job doing it? I ask because my fishing boat weighs around 5000lbs and want to make sure I’m making the right decision. It’s equipped with the 10 speed

[@Devcom88]

That 5.3 impressed me did way better than I thought it would going up the hill.

[@morefaiththanever]

Lady truck driver here....you guys cracked me up taking IKE with a Trail boss. Very nice. See you down the mountain....welcome to the slow lane boys.

[@nathankestin1922]

I love the intro song for these Ike gauntlets! Please keep using it!

[@tristanhipps604]

I’m impressed with the trail boss. It’s hard not to compare it against top of the line engines from other manufacturers but it is the most common. I think it’s a great choice for most people

[@kingpin3919]

Love the quality of all your videos. Awesome work.

[@Todd_S]

Wow, that was really impressive. It did better than my 2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 4WD Crew Cab LT Z71. I have the 5.3 L LC9 engine with a K&N intake and 6L80 transmission and 3.42 gears. My transmission went up to 239° when towing up a 6% grade. I have the Timbren SES installed in the rear, replacing the factory bump stops, to help reduce squat.

[@markk.kiyabu9515]

Love TFL Truck, Real world Information On old & New Trucks, Thank You!!

[@06colkurtz]

Another fun video Andre. Thanks

[@kevinblock2307]

Great video guys - love the Ike tests

[@MrTruckTV]

Thanks

[@ronjohn6815]

Mr. Truck Keep up the excellent videos. I am a huge fan from Chicago, Illinois👍👍

[@volvo09]

Mr truck is awesome!

[@MrTruckTV]

Thanks

[@phatlakersfan1]

I have this exact truck. 76K miles and overall it’s been a good truck. Transmission valve body failed second week with 1000 miles on ODO which was fixed by dealer under warranty. Since then it’s been ok.

[@Big-Rig-Energy]

Did not know you guys had a tfl classics channel. Love videos on the old stuff.

[@anthonyc1883]

Head over and subscribe if you like it. I think it is the TFL channel with the fewest number of subscribers as of now. More content will help and they seem to be ramping things up.

[@billn911]

Not gonna lie, haven't watched a lot lately, but when I saw an IKE video I was in. Still waiting for gunsmoke to go up the IKE!

[@ThaMetalMan]

Great video!!! That was genuinely a rough test for the truck. You could see alot of movement coming from the 1/2 ton truck. She did good though.

[@machfive916]

Great video with a little improvisation on the downhill. I know you used a Gen-Y hitch, but don't recall you stating which brand of weight distribution hitch you used.

[@jacobberlin614]

"is it a mental issue??" Hahahaha 😂🤣

[@AgentSmith911]

When are you guys gonna start uploading in 4K?

[@darkpepsi]

It’s been quite a while since I saw any of their videos in 4K.

[@cremazie]

Glad to see Mr Truck and The IKE, things are better now!

[@MrTruckTV]

Thanks

[@xcheifx1]

You guys are awesome! Just got my trail.boos stinking love it

[@trw534]

Great info to know, Awesome videos as always! I also like the no rules Super Ike Gauntlet.

[@MrTruckTV]

I'm glad we're doing some manual shifting

[@collinsimmons7156]

When is some suspension modification coming and up grades wheels

[@rocketj7449]

The Silverado 1500 likes to squat! Even with the max tow package like mine, I'm sitting about 1inch from bump stops.

[@stephenjones8105]

thanks for this video. the trail boss has my eye and these towing vids really help with the decision.

[@peteunderwood2772]

Cool test! My 21 trailboss should be fine towing a 5700lb travel trailer.

[@bntroadstar]

I think that if the squat would have been adjusted via airbags, the brake applications may have been less. But thanks for this video, it shows that my 5.3 with the 3.23 will get it done.

[@doublehh666]

I hope the auction goes well. Good luck w the build and hope it’s built w care, pride and passion.

[@Big-Rig-Energy]

Got a chance to see the trail boss up close at the beach today. Stout looking truck and that red pops in person.

[@luisbaez88]

Bring it to I-15 northbound in summer with a good 105+ degrees from Cima Rd to Nipton Rd going across mountain pass. You will see how hot really gets.

[@robertannable9584]

This guy knows. This guy right here.

[@willdog3]

Its crazy seeing a modern 1/2ton pulling a 30+ year old 1 ton up Ikes Gauntlet. Back then, it woulda been the other way around. That 1 ton could probably only tow a half ton up that mountain in any reasonable time lol.

[@jethronb]

I would add air bags in the rear to help with squat.

[@GeekyDad84]

In this situation, being at max capacity. Adding airbags could actually over load the rear axle weight rating and actually pull weight off of the steer axle making the truck less stable. Airbags will remove squat but they don't do the best with weight distribution. A better weight distribution hitch, like a Hensley Arrow, would help reduce the squat a little more while still keeping the weight over the steer axle and trailer axles. Plus, it would do a much better job at controlling trailer sway vs the hitch they have.

[@bryane2857]

Not for a off road truck

[@trevorzambon5150]

Bryan E when your off road you just let air out

[@bryane2857]

@@trevorzambon5150 I think if you are truly off roading and using the full articulation of the suspension it will stretch those bags. But I could be wrong :)

[@DanielJaegerFilms]

Ugh, I hate masks but I get it, it’s the law there. My only request is you guys use the same style mask Mr. Truck was using. I could hear him clearly and his voice wasn’t muffled. Andre’s mask however made his voice sound really muffled. Just a suggestion, thanks for the great video!

[@MrTruckTV]

I like the KN95, they fit better

[@Wicked_RotF30]

I love my old Suburban. 5.3L with 3.42 gears and 4x4. I swear it's the best vehicle ever. Only other vehicle that can be argued is the Escursion.

[@brentdabels803]

Great test. I own one, but do not do a lot towing at the moment. If I do get travel trailer I now know to get a an air bag or some type of spring helper. I've manual downshifted for years. Creating brake fade is not fun, been there and is down right scary.

[@steverowe2943]

Throughout the video, I was hoping you guys would also have the Ford towing the Chevy just to see how far towing technology has advanced (or not) in the past 30 years.

[@johncramm9702]

10-4 good buddy.😂 Mr. Truck is hilarious. Need more IKE videos!

[@MrTruckTV]

Thanks, we need a CB

[@chadlegault9993]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!

[@specialopsdave]

When ONE vehicle on a trailer maxes out the pickup's towing capacity 😂 That is one CHONKER of a Ford F-Series on there.

[@MikesGarageReviews]

I had a 2019 Trail Boss 5.3l and the 3.23 axle and pulled a 34' heartland prowler camper plus 4' tongue length at a dry weight of 8000lbs didn't include the all the crap inside the trailer plus luggage. It was a little squirrely next to semi trucks but it pulled terrific.

[@terrencejones9817]

I have a 28' Trailer 7600lbs max weight. My Trail boss tows it fine, but yes if a semi passes me. You can feel it.

[@countryacademy9053]

did you have airbags i have a 33' prowler toy hauler was curious how itll pull. 6700 empty 8800 loaded.

[@RickertA]

Waiting for...... Matt: Welcome to off the Ranch, hope Y'all well!

[@sirlost94]

I scrolled too much to find that comment haha

[@josielmorera4076]

Incredible all-around truck. I have the 5.3 engine trail boss 8 speed and I go off road pull my boat pull my travel trailer up the mountains 🏔 and clean her up and take the family to dinner. Drop 🎤

[@Webbys_World]

Same!!! Just pulled my 4 seat rzr and camping gear from phx az to payson AZ and it did great with 100 degree heat at the bottom of the mountain.

[@josielmorera4076]

@@Webbys_World that’s what am taking about. 👍

[@AB-coyote]

Thank you for finally getting back on the Ike. I hope to see this same trailer and truck behind a Titan on the Ike SOON!!

[@MrTruckTV]

That's an idea

[@badgerpa9]

Kind of nice to see how a light duty truck setup by factory more for off road use can do with max payload, max towing and max combined weight. Hope no one uses it to tow that much on a regular bases but it did pretty good. Glad to see you are trying to be safe also, if a mask only provides a one percent increase in safety it is worth it to keep you both healthy. You two work well together, the comedy along with the information. Stay healthy and safe, I hate wearing a mask but if I do not inhale someones spit with the flu or sars/corona2 in it I will be happier. Mr. Truck should tell Andre to lighten up a little.

[@MrTruckTV]

Thanks

[@justen98]

Awesome. I like seeing how trucks react to max loads.

[@huh_whoknew4714]

It's amazing what a 3.42 does for the 1500 5.3 towing

[@waynegray453]

So I have a 2017 GMC Sierra Denali 6.2 4 wheel drive with the 3.23 rear end. The max for the truck is 9200 pounds. I tow a Blazen toy hauler with a pioneer 1000 5, with 100 gallons of water and 20 gallons of gas. The truck is also maxed with 4 people and a dog. I know we are over max payload. The 8 speed transmission will hold cruise control in the hills. The 6.2 is so much more powerful than the 5.3 that I used to have, its not even funny. The only gripe is fuel economy. In the steep mountains of Arizona, 200 miles on the odometer, you better be thinking about a station

[@Rolando083]

Can you guys do a video of the 8 speed transmision about perfromance and reliability?

[@keithfreeman4015]

Performance is good till it blows.

[@johnathanleonardo912]

8speed is crap. That's why there was a lawsuit against them. Get the 10speed that's basically in every FORD/GM

[@Pnanasnoic]

Did the long shots of the instruments and not the road while flying down a mountain at full load make anyone else nervous? I think my eyebrows were dancing.

[@Unrecognizable20]

Great video! What is considered high transmission temp on a 6.2 10 speed?

[@mitchellberry7218]

Do you think the gear ratio is as important as it was years ago when trucks had 4 speed transmissions? With 8 speed and 10 speed transmissions I wonder how much a 3.23 vs 3.92 really changes anything. It might be my imagination but I think our Durango R/T with a 3.08 tows and matches the 8 speed transmission better than our Ram 1500 with the 3.92. I know its not apples to apples but its just an observation.

[@SantanKGhey1234]

with the 10 speed gear ratios are irrelevant... take a look at the F150 10 speed gear ratios... even with the highest rear ratio, the low 1 to 3 transmission gears effectively make the overall ratio lower than a 6 speed with 3.73.... Mr Druck needs to stop lip smacking over gear ratios because with the 10 speed its irrelevant

[@lexuslowlife3055]

I had a 4 speed with a 3.23 it was 🤮. My dad had a 3.42 with a 6 speed and It was great. now I have the same 3.23 with the same 10 speed and it tows great, always in the right RPM I tow about 5k lbs like nothing And at 70mph unloaded it does 1600rpms

[@regg82ooo]

I’ve been looking forward to this video... I’m deciding between a TRAIL BOSS & TAHOE Z71. When are you guys going to do a towing review of the Tahoe Z71?

[@loganholmberg2295]

I want a ike gaunlet done for the new Tahoe and Suburban. My Dad's tempted to trade in his 2019 Ram after seeing your vids on them. Especially if he can get the airride. He has a bad knee so he loves the entrance/exit mode lowering these new vehicles can do.

[@thestrangepersonnooneknows2921]

I like this vid because I own one

[@paulmadkow9143]

I have a 2019 Z71. I have towed my 4k lb travel trailer all over the country. She squats, but she never squawks. It tows great.

[@jl4e23]

Paul Madkow I have a 2019 5.3l custom trail boss. Towed my families 6000lbs travel trail to Golden Co from North Texas this past summer. Took longer and had more fuel stops than a diesel, but I am a patient man. Love my truck.

[@paulmadkow9143]

@@jl4e23 Nice!

[@paulmadkow9143]

@@jl4e23 I had a 2018 Colorado ZR2. Towing my travel trailer was not good. First, the 3.6 v6 is under powered. Second, the shorter wheel base made towing a little squirrely especially in the wind.

[@rlhmarines]

What was the transmission temperature when you guys had it maxed out downhill in 2 second gear in manual?

[@GeekyDad84]

There's no major load on the trans when you're using engine braking down hill. Anytime I do a long descent towing my travel trailer with my Tahoe, the engine and trans temps drop quite a bit when I downshift and use engine braking.

[@djc6715]

I would like to see the tfl crew try an actual off road trail for new and used trucks up kelly flats in larimer county colorado..bone stock wrangler took it like a champ...i love what y'all do, actually test the vehicles?..i feel you give the consumer and average joes a false sense of reality gold mine hill is a cake walk, ive run it in my chevy tahoe in 2wd. Step it up fellas please. Give us an actual 4wd video if your up to the challenge....ps ive SEEN A STOCK CHEROKEE TRAIL HAWK DO IT!..stray away from the comfort zone and let us truck and off road boys in the market get a real idea. Give us a 45 min video of real capability.

[@johnng6416]

Man I love that trail boss!

[@DeltaKilo77]

Why are you not doing this test with the 6.2L?

[@alexanderpeter219]

Hey guys awesome video, could you do a Ike test with some midsized suvs ,maybe even some full sized. Would be cool to see which would do best. Especially since they are capable of towing a good amount.

[@IamGroot786]

That Trail Boss is a nice looking rig specially in that red color!

[@marshallhall6449]

Great video more videos like this, please try this with Titan thx

[@szubia1]

Comparison Idea: Old School (HD) v. New School (LD) Towing comparison where a both generations are put to the test. Just how far has the LD's come with real-world towing v. yesterday's HD's (pre-2000's).

[@bryane2857]

I think you don't use the load level bars correctly . The way I understand to use them into attach hitch , lift jack so back end of truck raises , then attach load leveling bars and lower.

[@benjaminhurst8207]

I haven’t been using manual shift mode because I thought the L meant low range good to know I can drive and use it

[@MisterJAG2]

Will a leveling kit help the squat issue when towing?

[@waddy8564]

Love the new shirts !!

[@davidgibson3970]

I have a 1500 trailboss and the 5.3 is very underrated ehat it can do. I have towed up to 10k and its impressive. Its not like my 3500 dually d max or my 2 f450s but its very impressive.

[@BIG570S]

That’s very impressive for a non max tow package gas half ton with the 5.3, towing 9100lbs up a 7% grade at that high elevation and maintaining the speed limit. Several so called truck you tubers don’t think this is possible and say you NEED a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel to do this. Lol

[@highpro1394]

Where are you guys at with your payload when towing that trailer. With that squat i wonder if you guys where over on the trucks payload even though you were under your max tow capacity. What was your combined gross vehicle weight?

[@badgerpa9]

It s designed to squat under load, it is not a one ton, it is designed for offroad so the suspension is not designed the best for towing.

[@garyolkitty]

Not sure if all packages have trans temp. On the center screen but mine does when you have the trailer named and up on the screen

[@tootasmoviecorner]

Been hearing all kinds of lemons and recalls from customers about these silverados

[@kevinanglin678]

Could you all test single cab trucks? I've always wanted to see single cab short bed trucks tested on here up the ike thanks

[@camtolman755]

heard the intro song and thought i was watching demolitian ranch

[@jasper19661]

I have a 2021 Custom with the 5.3 - Do you think I will have any problems towing a 35 ft travel Trailer hitch to bumper that has a dry weight of 6870? Thanks

[@mjl325is]

Was this the 10 speed?

[@MrTruckTV]

I think so

[@traviskorda3262]

Andre holds up 3 fingers and says "total 8 brake applications" classic. Im assuming he had his 👋 up on the other hand

[@lcee6592]

Did y’all really expect it to downshift while the engine is already at 4,500 rpm? Did any of the other trucks tested downshift at 4,500+ rpm during the down hill test? This SHOULD be a test of the brakes as much as a test of engine braking. After all, the brakes should be the main source for slowing down/stopping, shouldn’t it?

[@GeekyDad84]

On long down hill descents, you do not want to rely heavily on your brakes. Standard automotive braking systems are not built for sustained, long distance, heavy usage. They will overheat, fade, and fail. Some sort of engine breaking will always be the the safest method in these conditions, especially for anyone who tows regularly.

[@lcee6592]

Chad Oakley I know, and agree with you and 69 Bronco replies. The main point I was trying to make is, there is nothing wrong with having to apply the brakes every so often on such a long decline with a full capacity load. All trucks are going to gain some speed under those conditions. As such, if the vehicle brake system was engineered properly for the capacity of the vehicle, there should be no issue with brake fade or failure. As well, my initial question was not answered. Has any truck downshifted into 2nd gear at 60+ mph? This is the point at which the brakes should have no problem slowing down the truck, even repeatedly, and no I don’t mean riding the brakes. If that’s what is needed then there is an overload condition or the truck capacity is over rated.

[@GeekyDad84]

@@lcee6592 I think you're missing the reason why they are analyzing this metric. The advancement in modern, light duty, trucks over the last 20 years has come up with multiple solution to a long standing issue of brake fade/failure while hauling heavy loads in hilly or mountainous areas. OEMs have tried to address the issue with larger brake system but are limited by size and cost. Couple that with the ever increasing tow capacity of newer trucks and the OEM brakes plus standard trailer brakes are just not enough, not during heavy use. Using the multitude of sensor most modern vehicles have now allowed the development of engine or grade braking based on downshifting and utilizing the higher engine RPMs to help control the speed of the vehicle down long descents without the need of much or any brake application. Utilizing engine braking has little to no I'll effect on the vehicle and helps greatly extend the life of the braking system. This is much more prevalent with light duty diesel trucks when they OEMs started utilizing things like variable geometry turbos to create a highly effective exhaust brake system, similar to the mechanic exhaust, Jake, brakes your hear on tractors. I've towed a nearly 18k lb 5th wheel all up and down the front range of Colorado and driven the Ike multiple times. We have a mini/micro IKE (Monteagle) here in TN the we pull a travel trailer over on a regular basis. I've upgraded many systems on my current tow vehicle, Chevy Tahoe, including the entire brake system but I'm still going to select the lowest gear I can to minimize, or completely eliminate, the need to hit my brakes when coming down it. It's more of a, why kill your brakes when theirs other ways to control the vehicle speed.

[@mrcirk8765]

Can you guys do a video on a 2020 Silverado 1500 double cab LT with the 5.3L V8??? Really interested in that truck and really want your guys options

[@polandknight2012]

I love the sound of that growl 😎😎

[@bladenrexroth2555]

When are you guys going to do the Ike with the new Silverado HD 4500-6500 truck?

[@payco1000]

GREAT TO SEE AGAIN BOTH. As usual TESTING , Rating AAA + 😁 BE safe.