GMJim

Sean
I have a ECSB 06 VMAX 6.0 L with 3,73's and I tow a 8500 lb car hauler. The major difference between the VMAX with 4.10's (NHT package) and the Silverado performance package (B4V) is the transmission and rear end. The NHT has a 4L70E tranny which is slightly better for towing (it has a turbine speed sensor to control shifting a bit better and a few more hardened parts) and will tow 10,400 lbs. My VMAX (basically a SS without all the body panels) which I think is the same as yours, is equipped with a 4L65E and 3.73's and is GM rated at 7900 lbs. trailer weight. A lot of dealers don't know what they are talking about when they look at towing specs. Even though my truck has Vortec MAX emblems all over it and the order book says Vortec Max engine, It's NOT the Vortec Max package which WILL tow 10,400 lbs trailer weight. In 06 only the NHT equipped 1500 will tow 10,400 lbs. If you have 3.73's it's not likely that you have NHT because those gears were not available with that option. Look at your glove box sticker and see if you see NHT or B4V. Either way I would install a BIGGER tranny cooler. Keep the temperature below 200 and your tranny will live a lot longer. Also depending on what state you live in, If your trailer is rated at 10,000 GVWR or more you will need an non commercial A license or an A licence. When I bought my trailer I ordered it with 5200 lb. axles because of the better tires and bigger brakes but these trailers are rated for 10400 lbs. GVWR. I asked that it be rated from the factory at 9990 lbs. This way anybody with a regular license can pull it and there are no special safety inspections to worry about. Check with the DMV in your state for the rules. Also check the GM towing guide closely and you will see 10,400 lbs. with Vortec Max package which really means NHT. The B4V with 3.73's is only rated for 78 or 7900 lbs. I just put in a big cooler and I don't have any problems. It pulls like crazy. I use a Reese (draw tite) weight distributing hitch with the torsion sway bar system.
Jim

01pewter2001z28

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the info I checked my truck as well as the order sheet, and build sheet it did come with NHT. I remember we checked this box when we ordered the truck.

I also checked my window sticker and it has the "VortecMax Performance Package" listed as well

"CC15543

AG1, AJ1, AN3, AU0, AU3, B30, B32, B33, B85, CF5, CJ2, C49, C5U, DF5, DPNDT4, E63, FE9, GT4, G80, KNP, K34, K47, LQ9, M70, NHT, PDB, P25, QJP, TR3, T96, UC6, UE1, UK3, UK6, U2K, VB3, V75, ZX3, ZY1, Z82, 3LT"

Thanks for the info I will look into installing a bigger tranny cooler

Sean

I also checked GM's web site for the "VortecMax Performance Package" and this is what they show as listed for 2006. I did not know they had two options the NHT or the BV4

"PERFORMANCE MAX PACKAGE Vortec Max Performance Pack, includes (LQ9) Engine, Vortec high-output 6000 V8 with "VortecMax" engine cover and door badge that reads "Vortec Max", (M70) Transmission, 4-speed automatic, super duty, (GT5) Rear axle, 4.10 ratio (includes (GT4) Rear axle, 3.73 ratio on CC15543 models, (G80) Differential, locking, heavy-duty, rear, (ZX3) Suspension Package, Ride-Control, (KC4) Cooling, external engine oil cooler, (KNP) Cooling, external transmission oil cooler, auxiliary, and (Z82) Trailering equipment, heavy-duty (NHT) $2,205.00 "

GMJim

Nice truck. I didn't read your post properly. I thought you had a 2WD 1500 extended cab. I tried to get the NHT with 3.73's and the order guide said No with a extended cab so I got the B4V instead. Anyway I would still add the bigger tranny cooler and the new style sway control for the hitch. You will likely have about 750 to 800 lbs. of tongue weight so the distribution hitch will be necessary. You would think the tranny cooler supplied by GM would be good enough but pulling heavy stuff up a hill with the 3.73's gets the tranny pretty hot.
Good luck and tow safe.
Jim

kp

iTrader: (34)

I am using an equalizer brand hitch, its a sway control and weight distribution. I really didnt need it according to some (I have a CC Dmax/Allison) but my 26' trailer tows a million times better with it. The Resse cam deal is supposed to be even better, about 500.00 for either but well worth it IMO.

If you havent bought a brake controller yet buy a prodigy, i have tried a lot of them and its by far the best IMO.

I really wanted to stay with a vmax CC gasser, I was lucky to try a 2wd demo and tow my loaded trailer with it (8800lbs) and it just didnt make it for me here in the mountains. I ended up with the dmax and all the associated diesel BS but towing is tough around here..

Good luck and be safe.

Snake Eater

i towed a big trailer down I-40 through the mountians in TN a couple times. DAMN those mountians were steep and long. I had just under 9K trailer with NO trailer brakes. All I can say is thank god for the breaks on the SUV's. Not something I want to do without trailer brakes again.

01pewter2001z28

iTrader: (2)

No problem yea I will not have a look at new tranny coolers when I get back on Saturday from GA.

01pewter2001z28

iTrader: (2)

All went well I was unable to go to GA to pick up the traile rmy in-laws picked it up for me. My father in-law said the truck pulled it with no problems (he siad he could have used the weight distribution hitch a few times) I ordered it today from Summitt Racing.

He was suprised with the gas mpg going up w/ out the trailer he was getting 19.2 doing 75-80mph, and on the way home he was getting 17.1 mpg doing 70mph. I figured it would be lower I know once the car is in the trailer it will go down but I ws rather suprised so far

GMJim

If you get 10 MPG loaded you'll be lucky. My gross weight truck & trailer loaded is 13,000 lbs.