I have a 06 GMC 3500 single rear wheel 4x4 pickup. It has a 4" straight exhaust, Edge programmer, etc.

I want to tow approx 20,000 on a gooseneck trailer 3,000 miles, from Houston to Moab Utah (map: http://tinyurl.com/Moab2010 (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FMoab2010&h=9504ccb78981bf8110bf77cfebafb581)). The total trailer weight including the trailer is 20K, not the load. It has electric brakes of course.

I used to pull this type of weight when I had a F450 (WORST truck I ever had) but before I go nuking my transmission or something I just wanted to get some positive feedback. I know it's not "rated" to pull this, but can it.....well?

Oh, and should I use tow/haul when driving on flat ground or just put the Edge chip in "towing" mode? I know the tow/haul till engage the trans brake when descending a hill, but what does this do on an incline or flat ground?

Yes on tow/haul, yes on towing mode. Maybe it could use some helper springs or air bags. Anyone else have an opinion?

I don't think the payload will be the issue. It will be two Hummer H1's on a 40' equipment trailer and I'll weight it so it's not totally over-loaded in regards to payload.

Good luck....

Shouldnt be an issue. Ive towed truck and trailer wieghing 36k 2400 miles no issues. Just give yourself room to stop.

moved to towing

room to stop and keep an eye on your egts

The highest towing weight listed on the Trailer Life towing guide shows the highest recommended weight for that truck is around 16,000 lbs. I know that doesn't seem to matter but just saying.

Yes it will do it. Drive easy, you will weigh,total close to 28,000 lbs. You will also get crucified by the "weight police". I tow right in that range and you will feel it, for sure. I would make sure you have an EGT gauge and use tow/haul and programmer set on "tow". Your EGT's are going to be monitored, they will get high. Try to stay under 1400ish, but it may be hard at times. And do not be afraid to gear down and let th engine rev. would keep the speed down and no higher than 5th gear on flat.

I want to see a picture of what you will be taking to Moab. Start a thread and share some pics of the trails with us!

I want to see a picture of what you will be taking to Moab. Start a thread and share some pics of the trails with us!

X2. Sounds like fun!

yes to Edge tow mode, yes, T/H mode on the trans.
T/H will make the shift crisper, downshift faster and hold the gear longer. Besides letting the trans slip less, the higher shift points should help with EGT's automatically.

As mentioned, thermocouple on the Edge should be installed, if you have not.
There have been several threads about temps but generally keep it below 1200 and dont spike above 1400 very long. You may need to move trans to "manual" and downshift.

I don't know what you are towing with.... But yes on the tow mode, yes on the T/H, and yes on the thermocouple. I would recommend air bags as you will find them usefull in the future. I went to them 25 years ago and haven't owned a P.U. without them since. Inflate for the load you are carrying and deflate when running empty. Good luck.

I've grossed 28000 #'s with my 3500srw many times. You will know you are pulling domething heavy... RPM's are your friend to lower your EGT's. Don't be afraid to manually shift up and down as needed. Leave plenty of room to stop. Use T/H. Have fun.

x2 on photos ..... Take things slow.... your best friend will be trans gears, EGT gauge and engine temp gauge. I would not push the truck to much climbing steep grades...... just let the trans and Dmax torque pull the load up watching your gauges. From what I hear, The P3 brake controller along with air bags would be very helpul. Best of luck

Check the laws where you are heading and how the vehicle is registered. The real weight police could have a field day if you got stopped with the wrong paper work.

On a one time shot I suppose I would do it but I wouldn't do it a lot. I'm the worry wart type and life is too short to spend your time worrying.If you tow it only once I wouldn't go the airbag route I would go the Timbrens route. Easier and no worrying about leaks.