Anyone tow "heavy" with a 2014-2017 Silverado 1500 ?

[Bigbore500r]

I know the RDP auto-answer is "get a 3500 DRW with airbags" - But im contemplating replacing the wife's car with a newer 1500 silverado, 4wd with the max tow package. 90% soccer mom duty, but the other 10% would be launching the boat (we keep it at the river) and towing our 26' toy hauler to the desert and back.

The toy hauler is 10K loaded, id imagine it weighs in real close to than number with the rzr , water , kid bikes and camping gear. My current gas 6.0 2500 pulls it fine, and the newer 5.3's have a better trans and more power than my old '07 2500 classic.

Chevy rates them to tow the weight, but does anyone have any experience pulling with those trucks near the max tow rating? I remember somebody on here hated theirs, said it was gutless, but the dealer agreed and took it back i think? Seems like it would be the perfect vehicle for us, instead of having a tow pig parked that we hardly drive. Washing 3 daily drivers that sit outside gets old.

 

[RCDave]

I pulled similar rigs with a Toyota tundra. The Toyota did great. Not sure about the Chevy. I imagine it will do the job

 

[Mandelon]

Maximum towing for the Silverado/Sierra 1500 2WD double cab powered by the 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 engine and equipped with the max towing package remains a stratospheric 12,000 pounds, with the 4WD version coming in at 11,900 pounds.

https://blog.caranddriver.com/tow-w...ilverado-and-sierra-1500-still-tugs-six-tons/

Just need to find the right package out there...

 

[CLdrinker]

Normally I’m against the buy 3/4ton diesel crowd. 1/2tons have allot of capability nowadays. I pull a 30’ 8,000% bumper pull travel trailer with a ram 1500. But 10,000 is allot to ask of a 1/2ton not that they don’t have the power or brakes, but they are just to light to fight the crosswind the trailer catches.

 

[wsuwrhr]

I am sure I am in the minority here.

Sounds scary to me with a 1/2 ton, especially with my most prized possessions on board. Second, you will be lap traffic, and in the way of everyone, going up any type of incline.

 

[Bigbore500r]

I am sure I am in the minority here.

Sounds scary to me with a 1/2 ton, especially with my most prized possessions on board. Second, you will be lap traffic, and in the way of everyone, going up any type of incline.

Towing 10K, I run 60mph up 6-7% grades @ 3900rpm, with my stock 6.0 gasser. Remember that debate? Lol

 

[lake p.a.l.]

Normally I’m against the buy 3/4ton diesel crowd. 1/2tons have allot of capability nowadays. I pull a 30’ 8,000% bumper pull travel trailer with a ram 1500. But 10,000 is allot to ask of a 1/2ton not that they don’t have the power or brakes, but they are just to light to fight the crosswind the trailer catches.

I agree with this quote completely. I used a buddies 1/2 ton to tow my boat(7500lb) ONCE and will never do that again. Plenty of power, brakes were fine with the elec brakes on the trailer, but crosswinds SUCKED and scared the shit outta me. This was at actual highway speeds in AZ and I didn't like it.

 

[wsuwrhr]

Towing 10K, I run 60mph up 6-7% grades @ 3900rpm, with my stock 6.0 gasser. Remember that debate? Lol

Yep. but it aint a 6.0, is it?

 

[wsuwrhr]

Again. LOL. Good luck.

 

[Bigbore500r]

Yep. but it aint a 6.0, is it?

The new 5.3 makes more power and torque everywhere, and has a 6spd or 8spd trans to boot. They run hard. I'd love a 1500 with the new 6.2 but there isn't alot of them out there, those are a rocket. Basically the same motor as the new LT-1 in the vette

 

[DRYHEAT]

Towing 10K, I run 60mph up 6-7% grades @ 3900rpm, with my stock 6.0 gasser. Remember that debate? Lol

Was that with stock size tires and stock gearing?

 

[wsuwrhr]

The new 5.3 makes more power and torque everywhere, and has a 6spd or 8spd trans to boot. They run hard. I'd love a 1500 with the new 6.2 but there isn't alot of them out there, those are a rocket. Basically the same motor as the new LT-1 in the vette

Sweet, so what color are you going to make a mistake on buying, friend?

I am well aware of what a 6.2 is, you remember that debate?

 

[USMC2010]

Towing 10K, I run 60mph up 6-7% grades @ 3900rpm, with my stock 6.0 gasser. Remember that debate? Lol

Mine won't do that, what gears?

 

[Bigbore500r]

Was that with stock size tires and stock gearing?

Stock gears (4.10), 2nd Gear, 32.5" tire. Actually works out good with the larger tire, lets me hold the hill @ speed without revving over 4k. Would probably be 4300 on stock tires, chevy puts those little shorties on from the factory. You know, cause us bowtie guys are pussies lol

 

[Bigbore500r]

Mine won't do that, what gears?

Here are the only things i've done -
-91 octane
-Tow tune
-Magnaflow cat back
-Stock airbox has been "swiss cheesed" on bottom for more airflow, and running drop-in K&N
I've never towed this setup with the truck 100% stock, so i'm not sure how much stronger it is. Seems to run well

Just to clarify - on a 7% (like the Camarillo grade) It is almost punched to keep speed @ 60. It could accelerate a bit but barely. That grade is steep!

 

[rivermobster]

I know the RDP auto-answer is "get a 3500 DRW with airbags" - But im contemplating replacing the wife's car with a newer 1500 silverado, 4wd with the max tow package. 90% soccer mom duty, but the other 10% would be launching the boat (we keep it at the river) and towing our 26' toy hauler to the desert and back.

The toy hauler is 10K loaded, id imagine it weighs in real close to than number with the rzr , water , kid bikes and camping gear. My current gas 6.0 2500 pulls it fine, and the newer 5.3's have a better trans and more power than my old '07 2500 classic.

Chevy rates them to tow the weight, but does anyone have any experience pulling with those trucks near the max tow rating? I remember somebody on here hated theirs, said it was gutless, but the dealer agreed and took it back i think? Seems like it would be the perfect vehicle for us, instead of having a tow pig parked that we hardly drive. Washing 3 daily drivers that sit outside gets old.

I have a FS26. I also have a one ton truck.

Would I tow my trailer with a half ton truck?? Not in a million years.

I had to get my trailer to Weekend Warrior one day, and decided to use my Durango. Durango is rated for 9500lb. No problem right? WRONG. I was lucky I made it there alive. I will never ever do that again.

Half ton trucks do not have the brakes or suspension to handle a load like that. Will it do it? Sure. Will it do it safely? No fucking way.

 

[ductape1000]

I have a friend that pulls a decent size toyhauler with her suburban. The five times a year up the cajon doesn't beat it up too bad. The time she took it to big bear cooked the transmission though...
If it's rated for it and you are only doing it a few times a year, I think you would be fine. If you are doing any distance with it or hard pulls, be careful of the heat you will create.
But all that being said, I daily drive a CCLB f350 diesel and love it.

 

[USMC2010]

Here are the only things i've done -
-91 octane
-Tow tune
-Magnaflow cat back
-Stock airbox has been "swiss cheesed" on bottom for more airflow, and running drop-in K&N
I've never towed this setup with the truck 100% stock, so i'm not sure how much stronger it is. Seems to run well

I did 265 tires for far too long, I went back to the wimpy stock for improved mileage and drive. Your setup is far from anything you can compare to mine with. That explains a lot.

 

[Bigbore500r]

Sweet, so what color are you going to make a mistake on buying, friend?

I am well aware of what a 6.2 is, you remember that debate?

Probably nothing....i'm too cheap lol. But I love kicking tires! Hard to replace something that isn't broken and paid for

 

[Bigbore500r]

I did 265 tires for far too long, I went back to the wimpy stock for improved mileage and drive. Your setup is far from anything you can compare to mine with. That explains a lot.

What year is yours? Do you have 4.10 gears?

 

[USMC2010]

2002, 6.0 gas, automatic, 4.10, all stock except KN air filter

 

[RCDave]

There are major differences among 1/2 tons. The stout ones are comparable to the 3/4 tons a few years back. Take a look at the tundra. Big brakes, stout rear end, great gearing, durable tyranny, and powerful engine that puts out 90% of its peak 401 ft lbs at 2400 rpm

 

[NicPaus]

I just debated same deal. The 6.2 Chevy half ton was close to $50K. Bought another 3/4 ton with 6.0.

 

[Zack @ Bling Sauce]

I pull the 26’ Bling hauler along with a couple other trailers with my 1/2 ton without issue. Watched trans temps like a hawk and they were never more than 5-6 degrees above normal.

That said, any time trailer is loaded beyond 8k I’ll use a 2500HD Dmax to keep a healthy safety margin.

Never got into a situation that made me nervous but you can definitely feel the trailer back there in hills and turns. Did have some sway while pulling a travel trailer thru hilly terrain to King of Hammers but that was likely more of a loading error.

21psi in airbags got her within 1/8” of level...it’s a sickness lol

-Zack



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[yard dog]

Sure it's says can tow to 12,000 2wd or 11,900 4wd what you to be aware of is what is combined gross vehicle weight for that is truck not towing capacity . which is the GVCW = the truck fully loaded fuel, gear, passengers and the trailer fully loaded and weight as one unit . what is that capacity for that truck ?

 

[wsuwrhr]

The window stickers on vehicles state the mpg they "can" get too.

 

[USMC2010]

The window stickers on vehicles state the mpg they "can" get too.

HD stickers don’t or didn’t bother with that trivial useless information. Mine was blank.

 

[NicPaus]

Sure it's says can tow to 12,000 2wd or 11,900 4wd what you to be aware of is what is combined gross vehicle weight for that is truck not towing capacity . which is the GVCW = the truck fully loaded fuel, gear, passengers and the trailer fully loaded and weight as one unit . what is that capacity for that truck ?

I think it was 6800 lbs the 3/4 9800 lbs. I can haul a pallet with 3/4.

 

[USMC2010]

I did the math for my pickup years ago as we had a Lance cabover camper. It weighed 6200 pounds, our Lance was 3200 pounds fully loaded and as the stickers went, with just me in the cab (if I weighed 170) we were spot on. I don't weigh that, so we were always over but not by much.

 

[Bigbore500r]

2002, 6.0 gas, automatic, 4.10, all stock except KN air filter

I've never messed with them on a dyno, but people claim and 91 tune and cat-back are worth 30hp on the lq4. Might be worth a try to squeeze a little more out of it

 

[hallett21]

Just got rid of a 16 5.3 CC 4wd regular bed. I pulled a dump trailer a few times filled to brim with concrete. Came in over 11k. Really don't recommend it. It could get the Load rolling no problem. Keeping it under control was the issue.

Now driving a 3500


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[USMC2010]

I've never messed with them on a dyno, but people claim and 91 tune and cat-back are worth 30hp on the lq4. Might be worth a try to squeeze a little more out of it

Good info

 

[Bigbore500r]

I have a FS26. I also have a one ton truck.

Would I tow my trailer with a half ton truck?? Not in a million years.

I had to get my trailer to Weekend Warrior one day, and decided to use my Durango. Durango is rated for 9500lb. No problem right? WRONG. I was lucky I made it there alive. I will never ever do that again.

Half ton trucks do not have the brakes or suspension to handle a load like that. Will it do it? Sure. Will it do it safely? No fucking way.

I highlighted the issue

 

[wsuwrhr]

HD stickers don’t or didn’t bother with that trivial useless information. Mine was blank.

Yep, didn't say "all".

Just making a play on the tow "rating" numbers, which are equally bullshit in their own way..

 

[Cole Trickle]

If it was a 8K toyhauler loaded I would say go for it.

I love my 2014 5.3 it's way stronger than our 2013 and 2011 that I pulled my 23' warrior with and one time I made a pull to pirates cove with my rhino and 1000lbs of stand ups in the back

I pull the 26’ Bling hauler along with a couple other trailers with my 1/2 ton without issue. Watched trans temps like a hawk and they were never more than 5-6 degrees above normal.

That said, any time trailer is loaded beyond 8k I’ll use a 2500HD Dmax to keep a healthy safety margin.

Never got into a situation that made me nervous but you can definitely feel the trailer back there in hills and turns. Did have some sway while pulling a travel trailer thru hilly terrain to King of Hammers but that was likely more of a loading error.

21psi in airbags got her within 1/8” of level...it’s a sickness lol

-Zack



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I really like my 2014 and she runs strong and I would have no issues with 8K. 10K is heavier than I would be comfortable towing on a regular basis. Toy haulers are also wind bricks and heading out to glanmis and ocotillo can get a little sketchy with the wind and big rigs.

 

[yard dog]

Just got rid of a 16 5.3 CC 4wd regular bed. I pulled a dump trailer a few times filled to brim with concrete. Came in over 11k. Really don't recommend it. It could get the Load rolling no problem. Keeping it under control was the issue.

Now driving a 3500


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ok the trailer weight 11,000 what was the truck and trailer weight together I bet you were over the gvcw for that truck , sure maybe at the towing capacity but I bet you over the gvcw for that truck

 

[hallett21]

Ok the trailer weight 11,000 what was the truck and trailer weight together I bet you were over the gvcw for that truck , sure maybe at the towing capacity but I bet you over the gvcw for that truck

Oh without a doubt. Point being you can get it rolling but controlling it is what you need to worry about.


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[bowtiejunkie]

Chevy specs say 2018 Silverado CCSB 4x4 5.3L GCWR is 16700 lbs w/ Max Trailering Package (3.73 rear gear).

I have a 2014 GMC CCSB 4x4 5.3L; however, I've only towed our 2005 Sanger v-210 boat (5000-5500lbs gross for boat/trailer/gear?). Sorry I can't help much further than that towing weight wise. I usually run e-85 and there's no power or handling issue at that towing weight @ 62 mph to Big River. I replaced a 2005 GMC Sierra 5.3L 2wd with 3.73; this 2014 hauls ass in comparison, especially with the e-85. I never intended to tow 11,000+ lbs with this 2014, just wanted to extra capabilities (insert Tim Tool Man Taylor grunt).

 

[Dana757]

The window stickers on vehicles state the mpg they "can" get too.

The milage my '18 has been getting is pretty impressive. Pulling my flatbottom @ 60mph, no grade it's in 4 cylinder mode. No input on towing maxed out. Saw a good size 5th attached to a newer F150. Had to ask and he said it does pretty well.

 

[USMC2010]

The milage my '18 has been getting is pretty impressive. Pulling my flatbottom @ 60mph, no grade it's in 4 cylinder mode. No input on towing maxed out. Saw a good size 5th attached to a newer F150. Had to ask and he said it does pretty well.

Real V8’s don’t do that fancy stuff

 

[DRYHEAT]

I’m just curious, those that had issues towing heavy trailers with a half ton were you using properly adjusted weight distributing hitch?

I see a Lot of people towing with half tons without one.

 

[Dana757]

Real V8’s don’t do that fancy stuff

lol Well the V8 that it's towing is more caveman in that regards.

 

[RCDave]

Just get an 18 wheeler tractor to tow a radio flyer. That way you make everyone happy. Lolol

 

[Bpracing1127]

I’ve towed an 8k lb trailer with my f150 ecoboost. It handled it like a dream. It was 22ft long and 8k with a sandrail and a quad in it. I towed it up and down Ortega pass as well as the banning pass. Never felt out of place or that I couldn’t stop it. It’s all about driving the speed for the conditions. If I was driving a trailer in 30mph cross winds I’ll slow down a bit. Trailer brakes Are a must!

 

[mjc]

My son towed his 24 ft box trailer with all his tools and a 2000 GMC Denali inside with a 17 1500 with 5.3. He brought it all the way from Texas to Havasu. It towed ok mileage sucked, something like 8 mpg. Don't think he will ever do it again with that much weight. I towed it from Havasu to home with my 03 8.1 3500 and I felt it was heavy for me.

 

[grumpy88]

I have your similar toy hauler and I towed mine over 50 k miles with a gov 1500 . Mine was a 2005 2wd . I airbagged , chipped , put 4:10 gears with a new differential cover and stepped on the gas . I even traveled all the same places as you . I would go for it

 

[rivermobster]

I highlighted the issue

If that makes you feel good about your decision, knock yourself out. Clearly others have posted more or less the same story.

If you wanna do what's right, you have to take everything to the scale and have it weighed. That's the correct way to figure this out. No one on here can tell you.

If you wanna do what's smart, you'll get a 3/4 ton or greater truck for towing a 26ft toy hauler.

Why skimp out, and as Brian said, even think about putting your family at risk?

Better to be safe than sorry.

 

[Riverbound]

Never can have too much truck.

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[USMC2010]

Never can have too much truck.

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Show off

 

[wsuwrhr]

The milage my '18 has been getting is pretty impressive. Pulling my flatbottom @ 60mph, no grade it's in 4 cylinder mode. No input on towing maxed out. Saw a good size 5th attached to a newer F150. Had to ask and he said it does pretty well.

Towing your 2k lb boat, if it even weighs that, full of fuel, and ready to get launched. Noted. Your truck better not even know it is back there, maam.