Fifth wheel pulling

Rstrick2 · December 20, 2014

I bought a 2014 Silverado Crewcab with the L83 5.1L engine. the truck has a towing package. The Axle is 3.08. Looking through tons of specifications i cannot find anywhere that this truck with that rear end is recommended for pulling a fifth wheel. I found data for a conventional tow for trailers, but nothing about pulling a fifth wheel. I also found my Sticker in the doorway that calls for occupants and cargo not to exceed 1722lbs. However in other chevy documents the truck spec's say GVWR 12200lbs,Payload of 2007lbs.

My question is, does anyone else pull a fif thwheel with this 3.08 gears and which data is correct.

KMGZ400 · December 20, 2014

A fifth wheel with 3.08 gears should absolutey not happen.. I have a truck with 3.08 and I wouldn't want to pull more the 4 to 5k with it

newdude · December 20, 2014

5th wheel is 3.42 and 3.73 gears only. No ratings published for 3.08, so I don't think GM recommends 5th wheel with 3.08 trucks at all. No crew cab 5ft 8 box either.

redwngr · December 20, 2014

I bought a 2014 Silverado Crewcab with the L83 5.1L engine. the truck has a towing package. The Axle is 3.08. Looking through tons of specifications i cannot find anywhere that this truck with that rear end is recommended for pulling a fifth wheel. I found data for a conventional tow for trailers, but nothing about pulling a fifth wheel. I also found my Sticker in the doorway that calls for occupants and cargo not to exceed 1722lbs. However in other chevy documents the truck spec's say GVWR 12200lbs,Payload of 2007lbs.

My question is, does anyone else pull a fif thwheel with this 3.08 gears and which data is correct.

GVWR= gross vehicle weight rating= total weight if both axles are loaded to max allowable

GCWR= gross combined weight rating=total weight of truck and trailer and load (scale weight)

I think you will find your 12000 lb number is a GCWR, and your GVWR is closer to 7000lb.

The sticker on the B pillar rules. Other documents (like the one saying 2007lbs) are estimates made without knowing which options are on YOUR truck. The sticker is VIN specific and is adjusted for installed options.

Rewillia · December 20, 2014

I have always been advised that 1500 series 1/2-ton trucks are not suitable for towing 5th wheel trailers, that a 2500 series 3/4 ton was the minimum.

thewhitestallion · December 21, 2014

it can be done with a half ton but with very specific options. and if you do pull a 5er with a 1500 you really have to pay attention to the tongue weight of the trailer as a 5er has more tongue weight than a bumper pull trailer.

Rstrick2 · December 21, 2014

Thank for all of your suggestions, i think i will find a travel trailer within the weight limits

chrisuns · December 22, 2014

Pulling a 5th wheel is beyond me with a 1500. I find it very doubtful you'll find a trailer that won't exceed the tongue weight once loaded(Most 5th wheel weigh more than a 1500 empty). Buy a 2500 or 3500, they're not that much more expensive and a lot safer for you, your family and others on the road.

Simply put: You have the wrong truck for that job.

TJay74 · December 22, 2014

Buddy sent me pictures a months or so go of a family friend who was towing their 5th wheel with a 1500. They had a blow out at 60mph on the turnpike, got way out of control and end up with the truck upside down on the center concrete divider and the 5th wheel on top of the truck. Demolished the truck, both adults and the grandson walked away with minor injuries but the family dog was killed.

As said get the correct truck for the job, a 1500 is not the right truck to have for pulling a 5th wheel.

Crf450r420 · December 22, 2014

GM downgraded the rating on the 5.3L with the 3.08 axle and was forced to buy back many of the trucks as it took 2000 pounds off of the two rating. You can likely get them to buy it back and get one with a max tow package (3.73 rear) or at least get the 3.42 option.