More problems than I can handle

[WadsworthSunsport22V]

Many of you know that I have continued problems with my 2007 Sunsport 22 check engine light. I thought the problem was finally resolved, but over the weekend, it resurfaced. I am pretty sure it is a false alarm, but I am going to play it safe and bring it back to the dealer. I really wish Indmar will resolve this problem. This issue is going on almost three years! My dealer always takes my boat immediately and has been great to work with. The problem lies that the check engine light does not throw any codes when he hooks up the computer.

To make matters worse, on the drive home Monday (towing my boat), I lost all gears but first and second. This is a great feeling when you are in the middle of no where, with your family, luggage, boards, and a 85 lb Alaskan Malamute puppy! I have never had a transmission failure on a truck (or car), especially one that has only 22k miles on it. I purchased the truck specifically to pull my boat. And I think I purchased more than I need, a 2007 Silverado 1500 LTZ with the 6.0 Vortex Max V8 with the Max tow package (bigger brakes, tranny cooler, and other stuff).

I ended up limping about 15 miles to the nearest Chevy dealership right off the freeway. I spoke with dealer this afternoon and he told me that the 1500 is not designed for towing. What? I requested clarification, and was told that I need at least a 2500 to tow. (Even though my truck is rated to tow 10500 lbs.) I think he wants me to buy a new truck!

Now the real problem, I am 130 or so miles from home with my family, large dog, three wakeboards, and luggage. Oh, yeah, I have a wake boat too! It is Labor day, and I am in a small Southern Town. Where am I going to rent a vehicle to get the family home! (Actually the family can wait, I want to get the boat home.)

Someone was looking out for me! A good friend happened to exit at the same exit and saw my troubles. He was able to tow my boat home along with everything else! I owe him big time!!!!!

[mapleleaf]

What a tale, glad to hear everybody got home in one piece.......Your tranny trouble should be warrantied and as for the 2500 tell him if it's priced like a 1500 well you know the rest, heck have him make it a diesel with the Allison tranny at the same price! LOL

[michael hunter]

Ask the dealer to put the towing comment in writing and then call the GM zone rep.
Tell him you want a complete refund on the truck with a 10k tow rating that shouldn't be used for towing. How do these people get these jobs?

[techsledder]

That amazes me also. I can’t believe a dealer would have enough stones (or stupidity) to say that. I am looking for a new/used truck also, while the ½ tons are on my short list of trucks to get, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to use the 1500 GM product for towing a large ski boat.

[jonyb]

Sorry to hear of all the trouble. The newer GM's are a joke for towing. I just dumped my 08 Sierra 1500 with the 5.3 and now tow with my wife's 05 Denali. It has the same power package as yours, and actually tows better than any of the 1/2 tons, and better than the 2500HD 6.0L that I had previously.

As for the check engine light, give up.... Mine was on all year long, finally one day it cleared on it's own. I asked on here a long time ago about how to clear it and someone said cycling the key 17 or 18 times, but I don't know. Guess you'll have to call a dealer because you won't get that answer anymore on this place

[techsledder]

The newer GM's are a joke for towing.

Really?! I guess I'll be staying away from the GM's 1500 series... My Expedition is old with 157k on her. I guess I'll be looking at the F250s like I originally planned.

[87SunSportMikeyD]

Sorry to hear it that is a real bummer. At least you can boat with the light on.

[jonyb]

Really?! I guess I'll be staying away from the GM's 1500 series... My Expedition is old with 157k on her. I guess I'll be looking at the F250s like I originally planned.

Yes, you hook anything to the hitch and the suck instantly turns on..... I've had a few other GM 1500's, and the 07+ style truck is definitely the worst one of all. Not to mention all the other crap they put on there like Stabilitrak and traction control. It's a TRUCK for god's sake!!!!

Stabilitrak is great when your boat ramp goes uphill in loose gravel. I pulled up far enough to walk behind the boat on the ramp, pushed the ebrake down, got out, came back, and tried to take off, but all 4 wheels were locked up from the stabilitrak. I had to let it roll back a little to release them so it would go.

[mapleleaf]

Do I have to say that the problem's with my Tundra have been almost nonexistant......Sorry had to twist the knife, with 3000lb's behind her , she's quite a bit slower.......

[WadsworthSunsport22V]

Yes, you hook anything to the hitch and the suck instantly turns on..... I've had a few other GM 1500's, and the 07+ style truck is definitely the worst one of all. Not to mention all the other crap they put on there like Stabilitrak and traction control. It's a TRUCK for god's sake!!!!

Stabilitrak is great when your boat ramp goes uphill in loose gravel. I pulled up far enough to walk behind the boat on the ramp, pushed the ebrake down, got out, came back, and tried to take off, but all 4 wheels were locked up from the stabilitrak. I had to let it roll back a little to release them so it would go.

The traction control is total crap. When I am on a slippery ramp the truck just does not move. I can floor it - no go. I turn off the traction control, put the truck in gear, and then on idle, I can pull out of the water.

I really did not have any problems towing with that truck - at least until this weekend. It has plenty of power, but I have been doing some research, and this looks like a known issue for the 07 Vortex Max.


I know I will take a bath, but I think I may look at an upgrade to an F250 or a Toyota. I am leaning towards the 250 because I want an eight foot bed. These 5.75 foot beds are just too small. I am not sure what my wife will say. My Silverado barely fits into my garage.