How Much Can I Realistically Tow?

[DayUSeX]

So I have a 1500 4.3. WT with no options

 

How much can my truck tow. I know people are going to say manual, but it also says my payload is only like 1,300 lbs and I have had WAY more than that it for LONG trips and felt 100% comfortable.

 

Im thinking of getting a trailer for dump runs. The average weight of the trash in the trailer is about 5,000 lbs. Its a simple trailer with dualies in the rear and enclosed. Thanks!

[svensk]

5K would be the most I would comfortably do.

[pwall]

Your tow rating will vary depending on a lot of things....such as axle gear ration.

For your truck, it's somewhere between 3800-5000lbs.

What gear ratio do you have? Look in the glove box for the RPO codes. Here are some examples of the RPO codes:

GU2 = 2.73 Ratio

GU4 = 3.08 Ratio

GU5 = 3.23 Ratio

GU6 = 3.42 Ratio

GT4 = 3.73 Ratio

GT5 = 4.10 Ratio

[c4cruiser]

Unless you are only towing for relatively short distances (say 30-50 miles of local driving) then you should be OK for a total towed weight (trailer and cargo) of about 5000 lbs. When you figure the towed weight, it has to inclube both cargo and trailer. Get a Class III hitch at a minimum. Without a factory tow package, you will need wiring for a 7-pin connector especially if the trailer has electric brakes.

 

Going beyond short distancea or having to deal with lots of hills, you should definitely have a tranny cooler. If the trailer doesn't have surge brakes (multi-axle traiers are required to have brakes), then you need a good trailer brake controller if the trailer is outfitted with electric brakes.

 

I would upgrade the tires to a LT-rated tire with a minimum Load Range D rating. Even hauling that 1300 lbs in the back is a strain on cheap factory tires if they are a P-metric tire. Heavy loads that are either towed or just hauled in the bed can place a strain on the cooling system. If you are going to tow heavy weights over a long distance, consider upgrading the radiator to a HD version. Even an electric fan in the front of the standard radiator can help.

 

When you get a tranny cooler installed, have the trans serviced with a new filter and a complete change of fluid. Doesn't do a lot of good to just replace what's in the pan as there is a lot more fluid in the torque converter and the various passages in the trans itself.

 

The standard recommendation for trailer loading is to have the tongue weight to be 10% to 15% of the total towed weight. While this is less than the 1300lbs you have hauled in the truck, it's also a load that is 3-4' behind the center of the rear axle. The trailer should sit level when loaded and the truck should also be level with the loaded traier attached. A good set of HD shocks and perhaps some "helper" springs will help to keep the truck level. This will give a better ride and easier to handle on the road.