New Member and towing question

roadjunkie wrote:
My truck now is a 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE, SBRC (short bed, regular cab) with a 5.3L engine that's a little over 300 HP and has about 355 pounds of torque.

I believe the towing capacity is around 10,000 pounds but I haven't really found out for sure. I'm prepared to add a tranny cooler on the 4 speed auto transmission (4L60e) and make necessary adjustments to the suspension. The truck has a factory installed and wired receiver hitch and the Trailer Tow button on the steering wheel so I'm assuming it has the trailer towing package.

Having towed for four years with a 2006 Silverado and another six years with a 2005 Avalanche, both with the same 5.3L engine and older wide ratio 4 speed transmission coupled to GM's ubiquitous 3.42 (non tow friendly) axle I'd say you're dreaming if you believe your truck has anywhere near a 10,000 lb tow rating. Both my Silvy and AV were rated at 7300 lbs and in practical terms I wouldn't tow anything weighing any more than 6000 lbs fully loaded and ready to camp with a vehicle like this. My current trailer weighs a mere 4500 lbs fully loaded and believe me, with that 3.42 axle I always know the trailer is back there. 10,000 lbs is a fantasy. :R

BTW, that Tow / Haul button has nothing at all to do with whether the truck has any sort of towing package, they all have it - even dragging around just 4500 lbs I always run the transmission in 3rd, with Tow / Haul engaged.