So I bought a used 2020 Silverado 1500 with the 5.3. I kept seeing everywhere that it would tow 11,600#. After I bought the truck I started digging a little more and found a couple places that it can pull 9,600#. Seems that if it’s equipped with the “max trailering package” it can tow the 11,600. My truck didn’t even come with a brake controller, so I’m assuming it doesn’t have the “max” package…. What is the difference? What would it take to get my truck up to the number? I only have a 6,000# camper that I tow. But just wanted to know what I could do. And just wanted to make sure of the trucks actually capacity.
Justme
It's a legal thing. GM says "this is how much this particular truck is rated to tow, based on our design of the vehicle, the options we installed on it, and using this testing method".
You can want to change the number all you like, but it's fixed at the factory. You can do changes to make it tow to that number better, but that's it.
Nevermind that max towing with a 1500 is rarely great, particulary if you have some honking big travel trailer behind it.
You can want to change the number all you like, but it's fixed at the factory. You can do changes to make it tow to that number better, but that's it.
Nevermind that max towing with a 1500 is rarely great, particulary if you have some honking big travel trailer behind it.
On a 1500 series truck, you will likely run out of "payload" before you reach the max tow (pulling) limit.
If your truck is rated to max tow 9,600 lbs, pretty much all travel trailers in that weight will put enough weight onto the back of your truck to push it over the payload limit.
Now with all that said, you should be able to tow your 6,000 lb camper.
The listed "Towing Capacity" is not near as important as the rated "Payload" your truck has.
There will be a sticker just inside the drivers door frame that lists your trucks payload.
Here is an example, but what is the number listed on your sticker?
![Image]()
If your truck is rated to max tow 9,600 lbs, pretty much all travel trailers in that weight will put enough weight onto the back of your truck to push it over the payload limit.
Now with all that said, you should be able to tow your 6,000 lb camper.
The listed "Towing Capacity" is not near as important as the rated "Payload" your truck has.
There will be a sticker just inside the drivers door frame that lists your trucks payload.
Here is an example, but what is the number listed on your sticker?
Attachments
what they said. you can make it handle a load better, but you can't change the rated capacities
2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 Towing Features
The equipment you’ll find in each package varies depending on the model, trim, and configuration you have. Though each differs, some features are commonly found in each package. The following is an example of the equipment found in the Max Trailering Package for the 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500:
Also if you want to get really into it. This link says site maintenance but its a trailering guide for your truck.
- Transparent Trailer provides 15 different camera views and an additional tailgate-mounted camera that gives a visual representation of the area behind your trailer. Manage your heaviest loads with confidence. This technology was previously available on the Silverado HD but is being offered on the Silverado 1500 for the first time.
- The Trailering Package is included in every Chevy Silverado 1500. It includes a trailering hitch platform, a 2-inch receiver, a 4-pin connector, and an automatic locking rear differential. You’ll also receive a 7-wire harness with a 7-way sealed connector.
- The Max Trailering Package is an available upgrade. Drivers who choose this package will receive improved shock tuning, upgraded rear suspension, and the features of the Handling/Trailering Suspension Package.
The equipment you’ll find in each package varies depending on the model, trim, and configuration you have. Though each differs, some features are commonly found in each package. The following is an example of the equipment found in the Max Trailering Package for the 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500:
- Automatic locking rear differential – This forces both of the rear wheels to turn in unison regardless of traction. When in use, it’s a lot easier to keep larger loads in control.
- Handling/trailering suspension package – Adding these refinements lead to a more steady drive with less pressure on the suspension.
- Enhanced cooling radiator – Extra stress on the engine from towing is lessened with an extra cooling system from the radiator.
- Revised shock tuning – This prevents the size and weight of tow loads from jarring the vehicle that’s pulling them.
- Heavier duty rear springs and increased RGAWR – With this gear on your vehicle, you can trust a stronger link between the truck and the trailer.
- 9.76″ rear axle – This is used to boost pulling power.
- Integrated trailer brake controller – With better break control, you can rest assured the control of your vehicle and cargo load is in your hands.
- Trailering Equipment – All models with this package equipped come standard with trailering equipment like a tow hitch.
Also if you want to get really into it. This link says site maintenance but its a trailering guide for your truck.
Just take your GCVWR of say 15k pounds minus the GVWR of say 7k pounds and it get you’re max towing vehicle weight of 8k pounds. Don’t worry, you’ll load your truck to max weight in no time.
"How do I increase the factory tow capacity" threads sure are signs that spring has sprung once again. 🤷♂️
And yes, agree with all of the gentlemen above.
And yes, agree with all of the gentlemen above.
I dont think anyone was making fun of you.
But you had the right of it, suspension, tires, gearing, forced induction can all have a profound effect on the truck ability to handle the weight.
Max tow generally has a slightly larger ring gear in the same size housing, usually with a slightly higher numerical gear ratio, and may include some slightly less crummy oem shocks.
in 2018:
9.76" RG
3.73 rather than 3.42
itbc
dont think it really had much else
But you had the right of it, suspension, tires, gearing, forced induction can all have a profound effect on the truck ability to handle the weight.
Max tow generally has a slightly larger ring gear in the same size housing, usually with a slightly higher numerical gear ratio, and may include some slightly less crummy oem shocks.
in 2018:
9.76" RG
3.73 rather than 3.42
itbc
dont think it really had much else
@Justme your question was sort of two fold, you mentioned what you could do to get to that number and everyone just headed you off at the pass so to speak. I answered what the difference is but yes everyone else was on the money. Cant change what you have, only options are to add bags and wdh hitches etc to pull what you have better... just not heavier than stated on sticker.
Another thing to add is on the 2007-2013 there were RPO codes in the glove box with options like k5l "heavy duty cooling package" the 2020s should have a way to check RPOs too with a QR code I think.
Another thing to add is on the 2007-2013 there were RPO codes in the glove box with options like k5l "heavy duty cooling package" the 2020s should have a way to check RPOs too with a QR code I think.
My 2012 NHT has an extra leaf in the spring pack, steeper gears, a different rack and pinion and shocks tuned for the extra capacity compared to my 2013 with the same 6.2 engine.
For a 5.3, gears and an extra leaf would probably get you close enough. It's only a few thousand pounds difference. The larger axle would be nice though for long-term durability.
For a 5.3, gears and an extra leaf would probably get you close enough. It's only a few thousand pounds difference. The larger axle would be nice though for long-term durability.
1500 tow ratings depend on cab/box/engine/2wd-4wd/wheel-tire pkg and if max tow equipped -- and sometimes model year...
NHT Max Trailering Package, includes 9.76" rear axle, enhanced cooling radiator, revised shock tuning for increased control, heavier duty rear springs, increased RGAWR and (KW5) 220-amp alternator
Fwiw, these 2023 1500 ratings give an idea of the variation. (sorry, I don't have 2020 handy)
![Image]()
On 1500's, the 5th wheel / gooseneck tow ratings are generally less than the conventional tow ratings (as pointed out above, likely due to running into payload limit)
![Image]()
NHT Max Trailering Package, includes 9.76" rear axle, enhanced cooling radiator, revised shock tuning for increased control, heavier duty rear springs, increased RGAWR and (KW5) 220-amp alternator
Fwiw, these 2023 1500 ratings give an idea of the variation. (sorry, I don't have 2020 handy)
On 1500's, the 5th wheel / gooseneck tow ratings are generally less than the conventional tow ratings (as pointed out above, likely due to running into payload limit)
With it being a 2020, there should be a sticker on the driver side door jam, that with tell you what your truck can tow.
They made it real easy, starting in 2019, I believe, with truck specific details, taking out the guess work.
They made it real easy, starting in 2019, I believe, with truck specific details, taking out the guess work.
And, to get that max tow rating, you would probably have to get that max towing package, on a stripped down, no options, 2wd, single cab, probably short box truck (or something like that).
From other threads on the forum, it is hard to get a truck at or near the max published rating, even custom ordering them.
From other threads on the forum, it is hard to get a truck at or near the max published rating, even custom ordering them.
Can anyone recommend any heavy duty shocks? It’s going to be a work truck. So the bed is going to loaded down with tools and material. And then occasionally pulling my camper. Looking to see what would help with say and the general weight of everything in the bed (don’t worry I won’t go over payload)
If your truck already has the Bilstein shocks, I'd keep what you have. Otherwise I'd go Bilstein. As far as helper springs and aftermarket suspension parts, Timbren is very popular. I prefer to keep my vehicles stock, so I've never used any of these products, but below are some options.
If you're able to do so, I'd upgrade to a 2500 as soon as possible. They're designed for towing and hauling everyday. Our 1500s don't hold up as well at max weight every day.
www.etrailer.com
If you're able to do so, I'd upgrade to a 2500 as soon as possible. They're designed for towing and hauling everyday. Our 1500s don't hold up as well at max weight every day.
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Suspension Enhancement | etrailer.com
Find the best Suspension Enhancement for your 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 at our one-stop shop. Check out our top recommendations!
www.etrailer.com
I've had luck with bilstein shocks or rancho adjistablr shocks and air lift airbags. I tube the adjustable socks and have not touched them since. The airbags are similar to adding a leaf to the spring but they are adjustable. Air up to tow and down for the confortable ride. You cannot exceed the factory ratings but you can get it more comfortable near those ratings.
I've had compact trucks, 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, 1 ton, and an old class 6 dump truck. You would be more comfortable towing with a larger truck, but it is cheaper, and more comfortable daily driving with a smaller truck. Choose the one that will be most appropriate for what you want to do most of the time. In my case, I calculated that I drive 20k miles per year, 500 miles towing a 3500 pound boat and less than 100 towing a 11500 pound skid steer. An HD truck would do everything but I chose a 1500 for daily driving and kept an old ton truck for the 100 miles a year.
I've had compact trucks, 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, 1 ton, and an old class 6 dump truck. You would be more comfortable towing with a larger truck, but it is cheaper, and more comfortable daily driving with a smaller truck. Choose the one that will be most appropriate for what you want to do most of the time. In my case, I calculated that I drive 20k miles per year, 500 miles towing a 3500 pound boat and less than 100 towing a 11500 pound skid steer. An HD truck would do everything but I chose a 1500 for daily driving and kept an old ton truck for the 100 miles a year.
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