what do I got?

EMPIRE231 · August 13, 2003

I have a 2000 gmc sierra 1500 x-cab w/ 5.3 . I bought the truck from the dealership, brand new w/ the towing package and hd trailering equip. what does the towing package include other than the reciever? does it have a bigger alternator, transmission cooler, etc?? also for the hd trailering equip., is that just stiffer shocks?

thanks for the help, in advance

SilveradoWV · August 13, 2003

I am not sure what the RPO is for the Trailering stuff, but I believe it consists of the hitch, plug (8 wires), and a transmission cooler. That RPO doesnt help with anything suspension. You could probably have the tow package and still not be able to tow over 5000lbs I think. To tow over 5000lbs you have to have RPO Z85 or Z71, whether or not you have to Trailering RPO which consists of the wires and hitch that I mentioned above.

EMPIRE231 · August 13, 2003

sorry, but what is RPO?

k1500chevy97 · August 13, 2003

sorry, but what is RPO?

Codes in your glovebox a combo of 3 letters/numbers

Match them to the RPO page on this website

RPO link

SilveradoWV · August 13, 2003

As said above, there should be a list of RPOs on a sticker in the glove box. Reading out of my 2002 Silverado Brochure thingy, the HD Trailering package consists of: Trailer hitch platform, trailer electrical connector, and trailer brake control harness, This is all included under RPO Z82 (I thought tranny cooler was included with this but they may be a different RPO code). But you cannot tow more than 5000lbs if you do not have Z85, ZX3, or Z71 on the sticker in your glove box. Those 3 codes are suspension codes, if you dont have any of those codes you should have Z83 I think and that is a soft ride suspension that only allows 5000lbs trailer weight!

Cyclic · August 13, 2003

Actually my factory equipped 2002 has a 8500 pound tow rating.

Its a regular half ton, extended cab, automatic with the 5.3

It basically gives you; the hitch, power accessory and brake-hitch connection, under dash connector for electric brake controler, under the hood fusing for trailer power and electric brakes.

JonesNTN · August 13, 2003

Also on the Window sticker. 6,200lbs here

BTW your tires are probably wider than standard also.

EMPIRE231 · August 13, 2003

OK i checked them ALL out. it has the tranny cooler,wiring harnes, hitch platform, trailering provision HD, handeling/ trailering susp. and it has a 105amp alternator; is the 105 amp anything special or is it standard? oh yeah the code I have is Z82 &Z85.

there are also alot of codes in the glovebox that aren't on that list. where can I found out about those? also what is max towing capacity for my truck?

thanks for the help

JonesNTN · August 13, 2003

GVWR can also be found on drivers side door.

SilveradoWV · August 13, 2003

I also have a 2000 Silverado Brochure here and it says for a 2000 Silverado Reg Cab, 4x4, 5.3, 3.73s the max trailer weight is 8500, if you have 4.10s the max trailer weight is 9500. In the fine print it says these are based on reg cab trucks, tow ratings for extended cab models will be reduced. Not sure if GMCs are slightly different or not!

EMPIRE231 · August 13, 2003

thanks for all the help fellas

would a shift kit help keep the transmision healthy for towing and since I have 36" tires? what are the advantages/disadvantages of a shift kit?

thanks again

1999GMCZ-71 · August 14, 2003

Don't you also get the tow/haul button with the trailer package? Or is that on all trucks?

Shaners · August 14, 2003

The Z85 is the heavier rear shocks therefore the heavier tow package. You should be able to tow as much as a Z71... Your limiting factor is now just the rear gears and that should tell you exactly how much you are able to tow.

EMPIRE231 · August 14, 2003

Don't you also get the tow/haul button with the trailer package? Or is that on all trucks?

I believe the 99 and up come standard w/ the tow/haul button.

"Your limiting factor is now just the rear gears and that should tell you exactly how much you are able to tow"

- I have the 3.73's but i'm stepping up to 4.56's due to the 36" tires, so I believe when I get that done I should be able to tow a little over 8,500lbs.