Towing Capcities

ChevMech · August 14, 2014

I'm not sure if this is the right section to post this in, but here it goes anyway.

I have a 2009 Silverado 2500 HD with a 6.0. It also has a 3.73 rear end, crew cab, 4 wheel drive, and standard box. Anyway, I was looking at this trucks towing rating. Its saying my truck has a towing capacity of 9,400 lbs. I looked up the same truck in a 1500 with a 5.3 liter and a 3.42 rear end and it was rated to pull 9,500 lbs. Can someone explain to me how this works?

I should note that I'm a salesman at a dealership, and this information came from a GM website.

newdude · August 14, 2014

Lower gearing. If its a 4.10 equipped 2500hd its full capacity. Taller gearing equates to better pulling power for more weight. Plus, the 2007-2010 HD trucks were on the same frame as 2001-2007 which, the load ratings never changed but a 1000lbs or so at most throughout 2001-2010.

chupe442 · August 14, 2014

I had a 03 2500hd 6.0 with 4.10's 10,200 tow cap.. My 11' 1500 Sierra 5.3 and 3.42 is 9500..

I don't get it either but it made the decision to buy a 1500 over the 2500 a bit easier. We camp and the trailer comes in at 7500.00. The 1500, after a couple of mods pulls much better than the 2500hd did.. Perhaps the 2500hd was getting old and tired but It never pulled as good as the 1500 does now.

Chevy, Ford and Dodge are all in a big pissing match over how the payload ratings are figured and tow capacities etc.. Fun stuff!

00Silverado4x4 · August 14, 2014

Chevy, Ford and Dodge are all in a big pissing match over how the payload ratings are figured and tow capacities etc.. Fun stuff!

Not so much now with the J2807 standard being used by more and more manufacturers.

ATMINF · August 15, 2014

Your 2500 will have much better combo load, which is to say payload of the stuff in the truck and the weight of stuff you are towing. So in the 1500 you could tow 9000, but you better not have much stuff in the truck. So when you compare the two you will see that the 2500 allows to do both well within the limits, where in the 1/2 once you tow a heavier load, your payload amont in the truck goes to zero due to the tounge weight adding to your weight allowed as "payload".

gmtech4 · August 15, 2014

I'm not sure if this is the right section to post this in, but here it goes anyway.

I have a 2009 Silverado 2500 HD with a 6.0. It also has a 3.73 rear end, crew cab, 4 wheel drive, and standard box. Anyway, I was looking at this trucks towing rating. Its saying my truck has a towing capacity of 9,400 lbs. I looked up the same truck in a 1500 with a 5.3 liter and a 3.42 rear end and it was rated to pull 9,500 lbs. Can someone explain to me how this works?

I should note that I'm a salesman at a dealership, and this information came from a GM website.

chevmech is your handle and you're a salesman ?

hmmmm try gmseller as a handle instead lol,,,,,its alittle closer to the truth lol

intheburbs · August 16, 2014

That doesn't make sense to me. Your truck has more horsepower and better gearing - it should have a better tow rating.

Lower gearing. If its a 4.10 equipped 2500hd its full capacity. Taller gearing equates to better pulling power for more weight. Plus, the 2007-2010 HD trucks were on the same frame as 2001-2007 which, the load ratings never changed but a 1000lbs or so at most throughout 2001-2010.

If gearing is the reason, then why does a 5.3 with a 3.42 rear rate higher than a 6.0 with a 3.73 rear? Yes, a 2500 with 4.10 would have a higher rating, but that doesn't explain the higher rating of the half ton.

As an aside, tow rating is just about a meaningless number. What you need to focus on is GVWR and your axle ratings. Odds are, you'll exceed those before you get up to that 9,400 number.

sdeeter19555 · August 16, 2014

I'm not sure if this is the right section to post this in, but here it goes anyway.

I have a 2009 Silverado 2500 HD with a 6.0. It also has a 3.73 rear end, crew cab, 4 wheel drive, and standard box. Anyway, I was looking at this trucks towing rating. Its saying my truck has a towing capacity of 9,400 lbs. I looked up the same truck in a 1500 with a 5.3 liter and a 3.42 rear end and it was rated to pull 9,500 lbs. Can someone explain to me how this works?

I should note that I'm a salesman at a dealership, and this information came from a GM website.

The 2500hd is a heavier truck compared to a 1500...that's why it seems odd. Has nothing to do with gearing...look at the GCVW.

Zebrafive · August 17, 2014

I noticed the same thing under towing capacity in my owners manual (2011 Silverado 1500):

1500 extended cab, standard box, K5L HD Cooling Pkg, 3.42 gears

5.3L V8: Maximum Trailer Weight 9,600lbs; GCWR 15,000lbs

6.2L V8: Maximum Trailer Weight 9,400lbs; GCWR 15,000lbs

My guess is the 6.2L V8 truck must weigh 200lbs more than the 5.3L V8 truck. I don't think it is just the engine, but engine, exhaust system, any bigger parts (such as drive shaft), and any options that a 6.2 must have, that the 5.3 may not.

In the real world. I think we all know which will haul more.

ChevMech · August 18, 2014

chevmech is your handle and you're a salesman ?

hmmmm try gmseller as a handle instead lol,,,,,its alittle closer to the truth lol

Haha I've been working on them a heluva lot longer than I've been selling them. I may go and try to change it now that you've pointed it out lol.

I have been asking other salesmen here that have been doing this for a few years. The best answer I've gotten is they put a nice number on the half tons to sell them, and underrate the HD's so they are not liable for lawsuits when people actually work the trucks like they should be worked.

chupe442 · August 18, 2014

I have been asking other salesmen here that have been doing this for a few years. The best answer I've gotten is they put a nice number on the half tons to sell them, and underrate the HD's so they are not liable for lawsuits when people actually work the trucks like they should be worked.

That's funny! Probably true, but still funny!

BlackZ71Silverado · August 18, 2014

Haha I've been working on them a heluva lot longer than I've been selling them. I may go and try to change it now that you've pointed it out lol.

I have been asking other salesmen here that have been doing this for a few years. The best answer I've gotten is they put a nice number on the half tons to sell them, and underrate the HD's so they are not liable for lawsuits when people actually work the trucks like they should be worked.

That doesn't make sense at all...So you are saying they bump the capacity UP on the 1500 trucks BUT bump it DOWN on the heavy duty trucks to avoid a lega lissue???

So what you are saying is GM is inflating the numbers on a 1500 which is a lighter truck but that's not an issue? Whoever told you that is confused.

ChevMech · August 18, 2014

That doesn't make sense at all...So you are saying they bump the capacity UP on the 1500 trucks BUT bump it DOWN on the heavy duty trucks to avoid a lega lissue???

So what you are saying is GM is inflating the numbers on a 1500 which is a lighter truck but that's not an issue? Whoever told you that is confused.

It was more a joke than being serious. I know the 2500 will handle more than it's rated for. You just have to know how to drive it. I seriously think GM has put a smaller number on them so they don't get sued.