How much does my Denali weigh?

Skeld · May 5, 2018

Unless you have Max Trailer package, I would say you're over your GCWR and max trailer weight for that truck.

Dans Denali · May 5, 2018

14 hours ago, Jon A said:

That's a nice trailer! Any details on it you can share? I'm in the market for similar in the next year or so.

On the hitch, that's not quite correct. The hitch is rated to 12,000 lbs without weight distribution, it's the truck that isn't.

The Trailer is a 20’ Interstate Pro Series. I ordered my truck new and there was no max tow package option. I read the manual last night and it doesn’t list the hitch max weight but does say #7000 max without a weight distribution hitch. I know I’m over the max weight but it tows great.

Why can the new ones tow so much more? I don’t see any real differences?

Jon A · May 5, 2018

Yes, if you look for the sticker on the hitch itself, it should look like this:

No separate ratings for WDH or without. But as you note the owner's manual does state one is required over 800 lbs tongue/7000 lbs trailer per their ratings for the truck, but the hitch isn't the limiting factor.

As for these trucks towing more than the previous generation, a lot of that is simply due to making the trucks better and/or standardizing what used to be really "heavy duty" options across the board. The hitch above is an example, they all get a very strong hitch, all V8 models get 4 wheel disks, 9.5" or bigger rear axle, transmission cooler, etc. There are a lot of 1500s from the prior generation out there with drum brakes, 8.6" axle, no transmission cooler and a hitch that would not handle your trailer safely.