Towing Limits

[Godti]

I have a 98 1/2 ton. I found a really great trailer, but its dry weight is 6000 lbs. The silverado is rated for 6500 lbs towing. My question to you is, would I be pushing the limits mechanically and safety? Our camping season here is not much longer, and I can tow the trailer to a campground and then fill up the tanks when I get there (or really close). Im just looking for opinions?

 

 

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[95Sierra2500]

Yes, you'd be pushing the limits. If it weighs 6000 dry, if you add in all your clothes, food, dishes, entertainment, etc. you're going to be well over that 6500 before you add things like propane and water. With a camper that size, to pull it safely you're going to want to upgrade your brakes, add a trans cooler (a good one), beef up your suspension (either HD springs or air bags or helper springs or something), and you may want to consider a sturdier hitch - GM hitches aren't known for being the greatest.

 

At least you're being smart and asking first. I've seen too many people hook up their 1/2 ton to a trailer that is WAY too big and then try to drive 75 on the expressway with it. Sadly, RV dealers don't seem to understand this either, and will sell people the largest camper on their lot and let people drive away with it behind their 1/2 ton truck.

[pwall]

<snip>Sadly, RV dealers don't seem to understand this either, and will sell people the largest camper on their lot and let people drive away with it behind their 1/2 ton truck.

I had a RV salesperson try to sell me a trailer that weighted over 9000lbs and said my YukonXL would be fine, even though I explained to him the tow rating for my truck was only 7500lbs.

Personally, never listen to the RV salesperson....do your own research.

 

I agree with 95Sierra2500, you would be maxing out your truck.

[nhproxr]

A good rule of thumb is to never tow more then 80% of max towing capacity, especially for long hauls. I have a '98 Yukon with probably the same tow rating as you....I tow a 16' enclosed snowmobile trailer with 3 sleds and all our gear, probably doesn't exceed 4000 lbs. and on long grades here in NH the truck is working somewhat hard to maintain highway speeds. Add in a day with gusty winds and the truck is pretty near maxed out.

[BigBlaze]

As long as the front tires stay on the ground right!!?? no, seriously... I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND TOWING ANYTHING CLOSE TO THAT!!! imagine trying to stop all that weight.

[carl425]

Actually, if it's a Z and you're not going to be doing a lot of highway driving, the 3.73 rear-end is beautiful for this. The Z's also came with a factory trans cooler via the radiator. I wouldn't say no just because you're close to your max... I've got a '98 Z and have towed and hauled a LOT of weight with no problems. You just have to be smart about it. Don't try dragging it full of stuff and you're whole family 500 miles.

 

Just my $.02.