Towing new silverado

Scott Hahn · March 15, 2022

So have a 2015 2500 HD. 67k. I bought it used in 2018 and it's been great truck till the other day. Having Tranny issues. And the gauges and radio seem to have a mind of its own at times. So thinking bout going back to a 1/2 ton. I really like the trail boss. But heres my concern. I deliver aluminum extrusions cple times a month. 7000ish pounds. Used to do it with a 2012 Sierra. It did it but didn't like it. Are these new 1/2 tons handling the weight there rated at? I'm noticed the2021 silverado is rated up to 13,300. Which is about what my 2015 2500 is rated at. Any help would be appreciated.

newdude · March 15, 2022

I wouldn't recommend a Trail Boss/AT4 for constant towing of 7000lbs or more as the suspension is softer and you can't get max trailer package.

The 13,300lbs tow capacity for 2021 is a specific truck, double cab 4x4 with 20 inch wheels and 6.2 engine.

I'd be shopping for a max trailer package with your tow frequency and weight. If you go 2022 and order one, you can get NHT max trailer on 5.3, 6.2 and now the 3.0 Duramax.

2022 towing charts - Model Information - Online Ordering Guide (gmfleetorderguide.com)

Jrodpic · March 15, 2022

Had a 2020 Trail Boss 5.3 10 speed. Towed our 6,000 pound 25 foot trailer like a champ. Will be getting a 22 3.0 diesel soon to tow the same trailer. I can report back on that. Don’t think you would have any issues. There is a TFL video of a Trail Boss getting put to the test. I will see if I can find it.

Jrodpic · March 15, 2022

https://youtu.be/KMjzg3OcwCE

Byrds8 · March 15, 2022

If the tow capacity on a 21 TB is 9100-9300, why couldnt it tow 7k?

Jrodpic · March 16, 2022

1 hour ago, Byrds8 said:

If the tow capacity on a 21 TB is 9100-9300, why couldnt it tow 7k?

9100-9300 is with the truck completely empty. Once you max your payload it drops what you can pull trailer wise. The combined tow rating is 15,000lbs. If you max your payload the truck is around 7,000lbs which leaves 8,000 max on the trailer. Even then most people don’t recommend going much over about 80% of the max combined. I would say a 7,000 pound trailer is the max you would want to pull with a Trail Boss.

Byrds8 · March 16, 2022

Towing is def confusing lol. Glad I dont ever really need to. However, one day when the kids are gone and we move to TN, I was informed I have to pull her Terrain. Def light weight enough but it will be the first thing I have towed in a very long time.

TxTruckMan · March 19, 2022

I have a 2021 AT4 (same suspension as a trailboss) and it's not as comfortable when towing as my 2015 Denali. The suspension is too soft. I have a ~6000lb boat that I tow on the weekends during the summer. If you don't have to go long distances, it might be fine. But if you want a solid towing rig I'd go with a different setup.

Edited March 19, 2022 by TxTruckMan

Jrodpic · March 19, 2022

58 minutes ago, TxTruckMan said:

I have a 2021 AT4 (same suspension as a trailboss) and it's not as comfortable when towing as my 2015 Denali. The suspension is too soft. I have a ~6000lb boat that I tow on the weekends during the summer. If you don't have to go long distances, it might be fine. But if you want a solid towing rig I'd go with a different setup.

AT4 have the Duratracs? I agree the tires and shocks are a little soft but not a deal breaker. If you ditch the Duratracs at the first tire change you can get some tires with a stiffer sidewall. Will help with towing and gain about 3 MPG on the highway.

TxTruckMan · March 19, 2022

3 hours ago, Jrodpic said:

AT4 have the Duratracs? I agree the tires and shocks are a little soft but not a deal breaker. If you ditch the Duratracs at the first tire change you can get some tires with a stiffer sidewall. Will help with towing and gain about 3 MPG on the highway.

My truck has the Goodyear Trailrunners. Not the Duratracs. I’m not looking for a rough ride. I like my truck for what it is. It’s just not a great tow vehicle. And it’s probably the suspension more than the tires.

Jrodpic · March 19, 2022

22 minutes ago, TxTruckMan said:

My truck has the Goodyear Trailrunners. Not the Duratracs. I’m not looking for a rough ride. I like my truck for what it is. It’s just not a great tow vehicle. And it’s probably the suspension more than the tires.

Haven’t pulled our trailer with anything else so I can’t compare, but I felt pretty confident in our 5.3 TB as a tow vehicle. Got caught in some nasty 35+ MPH cross winds and rain. Didn’t phase the truck/trailer one bit.

Dthissen · March 19, 2022

My 2022 Trail Boss pulls my 28’ Jayco TT with out issue. Towing capacity is 9200 and payload is 1694 lbs. The trailer is 6560 dry loaded with most supplies at the Cat Scales. No issues what so ever.

SVG · March 20, 2022

I pull my ~5,000 Lb. boat with zero drama with my AT-4. I have 20" wheels with Goodyear Territories.

Don't know how much difference they make but I'm very happy with the towing experience.

I've also got a bagged 3/4 ton 12V Cummins for the heavy lifting. For a daily driver the GMC is much more comfortable.

Jrodpic · March 20, 2022

17 hours ago, Dthissen said:

My 2022 Trail Boss pulls my 28’ Jayco TT with out issue. Towing capacity is 9200 and payload is 1694 lbs. The trailer is 6560 dry loaded with most supplies at the Cat Scales. No issues what so ever.

6.2??