I have a 2011 Siverado 1500 with the 5.3 V8. It has a tow package complete with hitch. When looking at the tow ratings for this truck, the information refers ...

I have a 2011 Siverado 1500 with the 5.3 V8. It has a tow package complete with hitch. When looking at the tow ratings for this truck, the information refers to several different tow packages. How do I know which package my truck has?

What cab do you have?

You need to know what gears you have also.
http://www.gmc.com/sierra-1500-pickup-t ... t_box.html

I have the extended cab with 8' bed, 4wheel drive, 3.42 rear axle ratio. 6 speed automatic.
The window sticker shows that it has a trailering package. When I looked up the towing capacity in an up todate trailering book, it is evident that their are several "trailering packages" for this truck. One package is described as "cooling or other accessory package required" and one is described as "towing package required". I don't know if I have a heavy duty suspension, heavy duty cooling, oil cooler, etc.

You should be able to tow 8000lbs

8000lbs fifth-wheel trailer 9300lbs conventionl trailer

Check the sticker in your glove box for the following code K5L - Heavy duty cooling pkg includes engine oil cooler and transmission cooler. This seems to be the code they use in the manual towing charts. other codes you might have that relate to towing are Z85 handling/trailering suspension pkg and Z82 HD trailering equip package. also check the front of your truck. Mine has K5L cooling package, you will see three separate rads stacked in front of each other. If you have it manual says 8900 lbs fifth wheel and 9400lbs conventional trailer. Go see your dealer and have him print off your build sheet from your vin, will give you all the build codes and descriptions. Makes for some interesting reading.

If you have a Class IV receiver from the factory then the truck is probably set up to tow at least 7,500 lbs., but if it is a smaller Class II receiver then 3500 lbs. is the most you should tow with your truck.

Your VIN should provide you with the equipment package information from the factory including the tow package setup that shipped out.