Forum Discussion

Explorer

Sep 11, 2017

2004 Silverado Towing Capacity

Hey Gang - I need a sanity check to go over my calculations. I have a a 2004 1500 Extended Cab Shortbed Silverado 4 x 4 with a 5.3 liter engine, HD towing capacity, 3.73 rear end fitted with E Rated truck tires. The weight of the truck, loaded for traveling is 5,760 lbs (actual weighed weight with trailer hitch, full tank of gas, my wife and our dog, extra 5 gallon of gas). The only thing that is carried in the bed of the truck is the extra gas can.

The travel trailer is a 30 foot Heartland Mallard with a dry weight of 5048 pounds and a dry hitch weight of 464 pounds. The loaded weight of the trailer ( full tank of water, two batteries, two loaded propane bottles, food, cooking and camping equipment, and miscellaneous stuff) is 6,480 pounds. The total actual weight was 12,260 pounds (weighed at a local grain handling facility in town). The maximum GCWR for the truck is 13000 pounds. The difference is 740 pounds (13000 lbs - 12260 lbs) so I am under the maximum weight for the truck. I tow with a E2 Weight Distribution Hitch with 1,000 pound rated torsion bars on the WDH. Please review my calcs and give me you comments. Thanks!

Tow Vehicles

DLHarrison
Explorer
Sep 11, 2017
Will you please clarify your question regarding payload on the Silverado? Also, I stated that the length of the trailer is 30 feet - this includes the distance from the end of the trailer to the hitch. Is this correct? I cannot find a satisfactory response - some say it is the body only while others say it is the entire length (rear bumper to the tip of the hitch). Thanks - Dave!
TomG2
Explorer
Sep 11, 2017
What is the payload (gvwr-5,760) for your setup?

I tried a Silverado 1500 with a 5,000 pound trailer and was disappointed.
ib516
Explorer II
Sep 11, 2017
I pull a 3500 lb (loaded/wet) 17' with a very similar truck (2006, ecab, 4x4, 3.73, 5.3) and it does great. It does use 3rd (not 4th/OD) to cruise on the flats, and has to drop to 2nd gear to climb hills. I wouldn't want to haul a 30 footer with it, but your may do OK for short trips on flat ground.
donn0128
Explorer II
Sep 11, 2017
Way too much trailer for that age of 1500 truck.
Weights are only part of the equasion. That trailer is going to be a monster sail going down the road. It is going to be pushing you all over the place.
MFL
Nomad II
Sep 11, 2017
While your truck may work for you, it will likely be under powered, which gets old, when traveling a longer distance. The older 5.3s with 4-speed were down on horsepower and torque. Being at max ratings is not usually the best experience. While some will say it tows just fine, others may say it was a horrible experience.

Jerry