Towing - I have an 2008 1500, with the 5.3L, 4x4, Z71, tow pkg, which includes the HD transmission cooler. The rear axel is 3.73. What is the 'real world' ...

I have an 2008 1500, with the 5.3L, 4x4, Z71, tow pkg, which includes the HD transmission cooler. The rear axel is 3.73. What is the 'real world' capabilities of maximim weight this truck can pull? I have bee done some research, manual says; 7500lbs. Parts girl at GM dealer in Brantford, 10,500 lbs, sales guy at same Brantford dealer, 11,300 lbs (comparing with 2010, because their system will only go back this far, not sure why?) Reputable website review's, mixed! So what is the real answer/capabilities?

The reason for asking is this, I now pull a travel trailer, weighing in around 6700lbs, I am using a weight distribution hitch to assist.

So, am I going to cause any damage to the truck, is this to much weight for the 1500? The trailer will only be pulled periodically, not every weekend, and I am not driving through mountainous terrain.

I have added a K&N cold air intake, is there anything else I can do?

I would think you're fine with what you have, your trailer is within the acceptable range in completely stock form (as long as you're not adding insane amounts of gear/people to that 6,700lbs), especially since you're not towing it very often. Make sure your brakes are good (don't forget to check them before starting on any towing trips, both truck & trailer) keep your fluids topped off and drive appropriately & you should be fine. If you're having issues with rear sag you could always add a set of airbags to help out but the weight distributing hitch is definately a step in the right direction. Sounds like your truck is properly equipped and as long as it's properly maintained I think the biggest thing to remember is that when towing, especially close to the upper end of your limits, you're going to need extra distance for stopping, accelerating, turning etc. There was a post on here not long ago with some very well thought out & explained tips for towing that's worth a read if you haven't already. Good luck & happy camping!

IMO using the spec's you are overloaded for the 1500. 6700+5000 (trruck) = overweight.

I only have a 2012 brochure to go by and the max tow rating of any 5.3L 1500 4x4 is 9300 lbs with 3.42 so its probably 9400-9600 with 3.73. Keep in mind this figure includes the truck + driver + trailer + passengers + trailer cargo + truck cargo + fuel. It does not mean you can tow a 9300 lb trailer.

Also keep in mind you never want to be at capacity, you want a 10%-15% cushion.

My nephew bought a tandem axle travel trailer last fall and pulled it a few times with his 2007 NBS 5.3L CC. He towed it OK but he said he was not comfortable driving the truck on windy days or in heavy traffic as it was hard to control the trailer. After about 5 trips he upgraded to a 2012 2500HD CC 6.0L. and he says its a big difference.

Keep in mind if its determined you are over-loaded and involved in a accident, you could be at fault. If you are exceeding the design of the vehicle, insurance companies might say you are to blame and not pay. Check with you agent to protect yourself and be truthful in what you are towing.

If I remember correctly the max trailer weight is between 8900 and 9500lbs. With that being said your trailer at 6700 is well withing the accectable range. Keep in mind that gear, food and water in the tanks will add to this weight. The weight dist hitches are great at keeping the sag down in the rear and correct tire contact in the ft to maintain safe steering. If you are not experiencing a lot of sag in the rear then airbags would not be necc. What kind of brake system does your trailer have? My '04 ex-cab 5.3 4x4 z71 with 3.73 is rated at 7800lbs towing and 13,000lbs GCWR I believe the NNBS were rated higher the towing specs are in your owners manual.

Z15 wrote: Keep in mind this figure includes the truck + driver + trailer + passengers + trailer cargo + truck cargo + fuel. It does not mean you can tow a 9300 lb trailer.

I just looked this up, maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the driver and one passenger are in the tow vehicle and it has all required trailering equiptment. You do not take the wieght of the truck and driver out of the max tow rating. You do have to take account for cargo and extra passengers.

^^+1, I've never heard or seen it written anywhere that you have to take the weight of the truck out of your towing figure...if that was the case about 3/4 of the trucks you see towing on the road (HD's included) are WAY overloaded. My truck for instance, a 2007 2500HD Classic, has a curb weight of 5,594lbs (factory), with a max cargo weight of 3,606lbs for a total of a 9,200lb max gross weight. My max towing capacity is 12,000lbs (according to Edmunds.com, when equipped properly with the tow package like it is), so, assuming you WOULD have to take the trucks weight into account as stated in an earlier post, that would mean I'm left with 6,406lbs available for cargo & my trailer...take the max cargo weight of 3,606lbs out of that & I'm left with 2,800lbs for a trailer. Pretty sure GM didn't build a 2500HD with only 2,800lbs available for a trailer. Everything I've ever been told is that if your truck says it can haul xxxlbs of cargo and pull xxxxxlbs of trailer, that rating is concurrent...meaning you could take your properly equipped truck (towing package), load it up with (in my case) 3,606 lbs in the truck (people, fuel, cargo) AND pull a trailer who's weight (trailer + cargo) is 12,000lbs or less. Would I do that on a regular basis, ummm, no. Would I do it in a pinch? Yeah, I would. Want to know why? Because I trust my baby & I know how well constructed it is & I know she would handle it with a smile on her grill

Any weight you add above the truck, fuel the driver and 1 passenger does need to be deducted from trailer capacity. So if it's just you and the wife in the truck but 2k in the bed, you in theory will want to deduct 2k from the trailer weight to be safe.

I have an '01 Silverado 1500 2WD 5.3L w/ 3.73 Eaton locking rear end and pull a 5,000 LB boat and can't feel it back there, even in breaking. You do not account for the weight of the truck in towing capacity. LOL.
*Note* 2WD have higher towe ratings than 4X4's.

I had the same truck. Your max tow capcity is 8500lbs. I had a travel trailer that was 6600 dry and about 7700 loaded. I had a tough time towing it even with weight distribution system. I ended up with a Duramax. If you don't have any hills or mountains to go through you should be fine.

Z15 wrote:IMO using the spec's you are overloaded for the 1500. 6700+5000 (trruck) = overweight.

I only have a 2012 brochure to go by and the max tow rating of any 5.3L 1500 4x4 is 9300 lbs with 3.42 so its probably 9400-9600 with 3.73. Keep in mind this figure includes the truck + driver + trailer + passengers + trailer cargo + truck cargo + fuel. It does not mean you can tow a 9300 lb trailer.

Also keep in mind you never want to be at capacity, you want a 10%-15% cushion.

My nephew bought a tandem axle travel trailer last fall and pulled it a few times with his 2007 NBS 5.3L CC. He towed it OK but he said he was not comfortable driving the truck on windy days or in heavy traffic as it was hard to control the trailer. After about 5 trips he upgraded to a 2012 2500HD CC 6.0L. and he says its a big difference.

Keep in mind if its determined you are over-loaded and involved in a accident, you could be at fault. If you are exceeding the design of the vehicle, insurance companies might say you are to blame and not pay. Check with you agent to protect yourself and be truthful in what you are towing.

very true comment and with this thread about safety spot on. "bump"