Jump to content

Max trailer weight u wud comfortably pull....

camshaft

Recommended Posts

camshaft Enthusiast

camshaft

Posted
Posted

My father is planning on buying a newer travel trailer to leave on a piece of property he has recently purchased, and my question is as follows:

 

what would be the max weight (fully loaded) of trailer u guys would feel comfortable pulling with the truck set-up mentioned above. I dont have my manual handy. He obviosly wants to get the biggest that my truck would handle (probably around 28ft max). Of course this is only a pipe dream at this point, and I realize the difference in weight among manufacters can be substantial, but I am only asking as a general concensus.

 

I would be pulling this trailer probably only once (as it would permenantly be left on site) and the actual pulling time would be an hour and a half at most.

 

What size trailers (weight and length) are u folks pulling behind your 1/2 tons?

Just curious

 

thx

builderpaul Enthusiast

builderpaul

Posted
Posted

There is no set weight you can tow. There is a maximum combination weight that you should not exceed. This is the combined weight of the truck/passengers/cargo and loaded trailer. For the 05 with 5.3 and 4:10 you should not exceed 14000 lbs.

so if your truck weighs 6500 and you throw in 1500 worth of passengers and cargo you could tow a 6000 trailer.

Wingnut Senior Enthusiast

Wingnut

Posted
Posted

Yeah, I've towed 6k with mine (3:73's though) and while it pulled it fine, I really would have liked an HD. I knew that 6k was back there every second.

 

I towed the same boat with a 2500 Avalanche, and you'd forget that sucker was back there.

 

4:10's would probably help quite a bit, but I was more concerned about the "wagging the dog" effect anything over 6k would produce...Especially a wind-sail like a travel trailer.

redvett Senior Enthusiast

redvett

Posted
Posted

There is no set weight you can tow.

 

No true. Look at the tag on the hitch or the trailer outlet. The tag on mine with 3:73 gears says not to exceed 600# tongue weight & 5000# towed weight.

camshaft Enthusiast

camshaft

Posted
  • Author
Posted

so it sounds like about 6000lbs is around max. Thats good to know. Like I said, I'm just looking for a general ballpark figure to help narrow down the search for a trailer at this point.

 

thx

Ben Enthusiast

Ben

Posted
Posted

Use this formula to figure out any vehicles "actual" towing capacity/rating:

 

GCWR >= TV GVW + TT GVW

 

Where they both (TV & TT) includes all options and "stuff" loaded into, onto.

 

Best to actually weigh both vehicles axle by axle, both empty and fully loaded in order to truely know where you are in reference to the ratings.

 

Most get into trouble with their rear GAWR and GVWR way before they get into GCWR trouble and these are mostly half ton. Those who get into GCWR are usually 3/4 ton or above. Unless the truck is a "HD", which is the "next" class up.....1500HD is a 3/4 ton truck for those who "need" an 3/4 ton, but will only buy a half ton truck (I call these "fake" half ton trucks).

 

Here's the GM Trailering and Towing guide for model years 2001/2002 and you should get the one for your truck model year.

 

Careful, as most make the jump (assumption) that it's only diff ratio, engine size and tranny type. That is all there is on the chart, but there are hidden attributes. Like brake size. Frame size. ETC. Plus make sure to be comparing apples to apples. Someone with a 4.56 diff can pull more than the exact same truck, but with 3.42's. Also, over sized tires changes the "effective" diff ratio, so reduces pulling capacity. As does suspensino lifts.

 

GCWR_2001_GM_TowingGuide.gif

redvett Senior Enthusiast

redvett

Posted
Posted
so it sounds like about 6000lbs is around max.  Thats good to know.  Like I said, I'm just looking for a general ballpark figure to help narrow down the search for a trailer at this point.

 

thx

 

 

 

 

Yes that would be a good ballpark number. The hitch is rated by it self and if you use a goose neck (fifhwheel) the rating is higher.

pm26 Senior Enthusiast

pm26

Posted
Posted

According to GM towing guide, you should be able to tow about 8400 lbs with your truck. Of course, this assumes very light loading of the truck itself (probably just a driver and passenger, no cargo).

geobar5 Enthusiast

geobar5

Posted
Posted

I have the 4.8 in an 03 ext cab, long bed, with 4.10. On a two lane curvy road, I had to go down a steep hill then up the other side with a 7K# equipment trailer. She would not go over 20mph and never got out of 1st gear until I crested the hill. But I did pull a 32ft TT on interstates without too much trouble. When I bought the truck I never thought that I would be pulling trailers like this, and after next year I'll never have to again so I'll stick with my 4.8.

Mr. Don Enthusiast

Mr. Don

Posted
Posted

My 99 Z71, 5.3, 3.73 extended cab tows an airstream 4,000 lb. ok. It's rated to tow about 8000, but out on the highway and in hills I wouldn,t dare go any heavier.

I've always found that whatever the towing capacity is rated at, just cut it in half and that's what it will tow COMFORTABLY. Don't get me wrong, it will tow the limit and beyond, but you'll be wore out when you get there. I used to have a land clearing buisiness and towed 19,000 lbs everyday with a truck only rated to tow 14,000 lbs. and believe me your nerves were shot when you got out of the truck.

pm26 Senior Enthusiast

pm26

Posted
Posted

The 4 speed automatic transmission does not help when towing. When in the tow mode, it will not shift into the overdrive 4th gear, so your fuel economy will suffer. Is GM going to replace the existing 4 speed automatics with 5 or 6 speeds in the future? I like the fact that they finally went to a 6 speed Allison on heavy duty trucks. The more gears, the better for towing, as proper gear can be selected to maximize the engine power under given conditions.

Buggle_96 Enthusiast

Buggle_96

Posted
Posted
The 4 speed automatic transmission does not help when towing.  When in the tow mode, it will not shift into the overdrive 4th gear, so your fuel economy will suffer.  Is GM going to replace the existing 4 speed automatics with 5 or 6 speeds in the future?  I like the fact that they finally went to a 6 speed Allison on heavy duty trucks.  The more gears, the better for towing, as proper gear can be selected to maximize the engine power under given conditions.

 

 

 

 

Mine goes into Overdrive(4th gear). It does raise the shift points and does not lock up the torque converter as much.

 

You should keep it in Drive (3rd gear) when towing.

Dans Denali Enthusiast

Dans Denali

Posted
Posted

Remember that most states require trailer brakes when the trailer is #2500 or heavier.

 

Dan

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • PhilB
      No 12v outlets in 2026 gmc Sierra

      By PhilB · Posted

      It is possible to add your own 12v outlet to your truck.  Check out this video:   I verified via GM Upfitters that pin 31 is the same on the 1500 trucks.  The wire is GM part number 84779405.   You can get the GM 12v outlet from Amazon  https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Accessory-Receptacle-25774623-13549530/dp/B0F1H9YRGF EWAY 12 Volt Power Adapter for GM   https://www.amazon.com/EWAY-Chevrolet-Silverado-Cigarette-Ignition/dp/B0915RRW6Q/ref=sr_1_1?   I just haven't figured out a good place to put the 12v outlet in my truck.   Some people are getting USB-C to 12V adapters  https://www.amazon.com/WYMECT-Cigarette-Lighter-Socket-Adapter/dp/B0F87WNQKB/ref=sr_1_1_sspa? Not sure if they provide the correct amperage that a device like a tire inflator would need.  
    • Core-Lokt
      Wiring Help, Please

      By Core-Lokt · Posted

      Thanks; I looked there a few minutes, and I think I can find something. I really never looked there, as I thought it was stuff like PTO/aftermarket bodies/accessories like snow plows.
    • newdude
      2 speed transfer case optional now?

      By newdude · Posted

      This is a 1/2 ton thing ONLY.  All HDs 2020-2026 have the two speed transfer case, with Autotrac as an option.     1/2 tons 2019-2026, regular 4x4s come with a single speed case (no 4LO!), and trucks with Z71 ordered, or all Trail Boss trucks come with the 2 speed case.  2 speed case is also an option on WT, and is also standard on High Country.  
    • newdude
      Different requirements for oil filters?

      By newdude · Posted

      2013 5.3 still to this day calls for the PF48 filter.  Which as a 15psi bypass pressure.     There is a TSB, 17-NA-157 that talks about the PF-63 and PF-64 filters which have a higher bypass rating of 22psi.    TSB HERE - temp.xml   "Beginning in 2012, the oil pumps began to regulate main gallery feedback instead of pump out pressure. This means that the oil pump now does not begin to regulate until pressure is built up to the main gallery. This change reduces the amount of time it takes to provide oil to the engine bearing and lifters during extreme cold start conditions.  Main gallery feedback oil pump control systems are present on the following engine families which use Spin-on oil filters: Small Gas Engine (SGE), Large Gas Engine (LGE), High Feature (HFV6) Gen2 and Small Block Gen5 gasoline engines. These engines with the main gallery feedback oil pump control systems are factory built with an ACDelco® oil filters"   It also calls out what engines use those filters.  The gen 4 small blocks were not on that list (LMG, LC9, L9H, L92, L94, L20, L96).  Gen 5 small blocks use the higher pressure filter.          That all said...   Your 7045 Napa filter is the PF63 equivalent, with 22psi bypass.  You are already using the higher bypass pressure filter.  You CAN keep using it, you don't technically have to use it though.  
    • Grumpy Bear
      Different requirements for oil filters?

      By Grumpy Bear · Posted

      Do you know WHY the filter relief setting was increased to 22 psig?    When the new system goes into the second stage the pump volume ramps up considerably. It was found that the 15 psi filter bypass setting put the filter in bypass on a warm engine when the second stage was activated. Raising the filter bypass setting forced the filter to do what it designed to do. Filter. Preventing debris from circulating during high load, high rpm operation.    So next question is how did GM find this out? VLOM/lifter failures and a deep dive by Melling Corp.    Last question. Is it required? Look at it like this; a motor may be equipped with a rev limiter. But it only works if the set point in reached. That 22 psig setting only matters if the pressure differential across the filter media exceeds 15 psig during normal warm operation. Second stage kicks in around 3000-3500 rpm.    I can't answer your question because I don't know you and how you use the truck. But I think there is enough information here to let you decide for yourself. 😉

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...