Towing 5500 Pound Jeep

[Residential_Rednek]

New to the forum. I purchased this past weekend a 2005 GMC Sierra 1500, 4x4 Ext. Cab, 6.5ft bed with the 5.3L V8, and factory equipped tow package and 7 prong connector. So my question is that if I install a brake controller will I be not too bad off for towing my pig of a jeep? The reason I went with the half ton is due to budget constraints and I will only tow the jeep a handful of times thoughout the year. Also I have the question of using 2500 leafs in the rear to beef up the suspension for towing? Or is the factory weak point somewhere in the power train more than the suspension? Thank you for patience and help.

[old-chevy-dude]

Pretty sure the tow cap on a 2004 1500 with the factory tow package is around 10,000 pounds, so you should be fine..

 

*edit, yup several sites confirm, 10,000 tow cap with factory tow package*

 

http://www.ehow.com/facts_7702935_towing-c...y-2004-gmc.html

[music]

From a practical perspective, the only other issue you need to watch is tongue weight... but you'd have to do the same w/ a 2500HD too. The hitch is rated ~500 to 600 lbs dead tongue, and about double that with a weight distributing hitch. The power-train will handle the weight fine, but you'll probably rev up a bit on steep climbs (2nd gear). That's what I do...

[8.1HD/ALLISON]

Good trailer with brakes, you should be fine. Also on the 2500hd springs, they should bolt right in. I put a set on my 2000 1/2. Made a world of difference when towing a trailer.