Towing

inscom · January 21, 2004

Need some advice regarding the following:

I am towing a 27' 5th wheel with a GVWR of 7290#.

Truck is Chev Silverado 1997 2500K with 350ci.

Tires are factory size LT 245/75R 16 E.

Axel ratio is 373???.

Enough towing power?

Looking forward to your responses.

Thank you

Frank

BlackSilver · January 21, 2004

You will be able to tow that trailer just fine. Might rev a bit on long upgrades, but the 350 is a willing worker. I've pulled a similar weight trailer with my 5.3L/3.42 rear. Problem wasn't power, but simply that the C1500 was too light in the braking and frame stiffness categories. Your K2500 will do fine.

Shaners · January 21, 2004

You'll be OK. You're truck should handle that weight just fine. The 5.7L will work harder than a Big Block or diesel, but it'll get you where you need to go. Just don't expect to set any speed records!!!

robsawatsky · January 21, 2004

The actual max trailer weight rating for that vehicle is:

6000 lbs

Roofer · January 21, 2004

The actual max trailer weight rating for that vehicle is:

6000 lbs

That must be for a tag trailer. The 5th wheel rating must be higher.

inscom · January 21, 2004

Thank you all very much for your replies.

...and to you Hans K0HB a big hello and 73 from Frank VE6NU.

www.members.shaw.ca/ve6nu

Thanks again all.

Red2500HD · January 22, 2004

I pull an almost identical 5er with my 2500HD w/ 6.0L and 4.10 rear axel. Yes you will be able to pull it "easily" on level roads with mostly short hills. In the western mountains, you will notice the RPM's go up , but you will make it thru the passes OK, just not 60 MPH.

I strongly recommend a tranny coller AND tranny temp gauge as you may notice the temp getting too high. The last thing you need on vacation is a fried tranny.

Good luck and happy towing.

Jpshostr · January 22, 2004

And you are calling that a load? 7300lbs on a fifth wheel/gooseneck?

Geez, sure ain't much at all, even with the 5.7L.

timk49 · January 23, 2004

I don't think the engine is the thing to question. I had a 95 1500 4x4 with the 350 and towed my trailer many times in ond over the mountain passes in Southern Californiia. I think the engin had pleanty of power. It was the transmission that lacked. It didn't want to down shift soon enough on long steep grades and even though it did have the trans cooler I know I burnt some trans fluid on a couple occasions. Flush the trans with a synthetic fluid for the added protection and you should be Ok.