Looking at trying to tow a 30BHS (type) travel trailer. Most of these types of trailers are coming in with a loaded weight of 9600 lbs (give or take).My eyes are starting to gloss over on the TV. If it lists max conventional trailering...does that mean Chevy has done the math and I can be safe with any trailer fully loaded at 9800 lbs??Will the 3.42 axle ratio work for proposed trailer?Specs on the 2014 Chevy 1500 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine 2WD (crew cab, short box)Trailering & Payload Curb Weight 5042 lbs Max Payload 2007 lbs Max GVWR 7200 lbs Max Conventional Trailering, 3.42 Rear Axle 9800 lbs GCWR, 3.42 Rear Axle 15000 lbs Spring Axle Capacity 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine 2WD Front Gross Axle Weight Rating 3650 lbs Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating 3950 lbs

You are looking at upwards of 1300 lbs of tongue weight.Bunk house style trailer...family, kids, dogs, and lots of gear. It's going to be close.Think PAYLOAD...not just towing/pulling it.

Thats 3/4 ton territory. I have the same type of trailer. I dont think you would enjoy that much weight with that truck. The specific truck you mentioned has the absolute worst rear end gear for towing too. If you dont want to go 3/4 ton maybe check the F-150 with the max payload or whatever they call it package. Tons of people on this forum can help you with the specifics on that truck

GM makes a "max tow" package with a 3.73 rear end and better specs than the one you are looking at. It is called the NHT package, has upgraded rear end, brakes, cooling and built in brake controller. My '11 NHT is rated for 10.7K towing and 16.7K MCWR. Find yourself a salesman that "knows" his trucks and not the salesman who is selling the grocery getter to the soccer mommy. We routinely tow 10K with ours here in the west and are very happy with the performance and handling, but your comfort level may be different.

Ok...so it is this one or the 2500 (which I assume gets worse gas mileage):Trailering & Payload 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine 2WD Curb Weight 5042 lbs Max Payload 2007 lbs Max GVWR 7200 lbs Max Conventional Trailering, 3.73 Rear Axle 11400 lbs GCWR, 3.73 Rear Axle 16700 lbs Spring Axle Capacity 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine 2WD Front Gross Axle Weight Rating 3650 lbs Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating with 3.73 Rear Axle 4100 lbs

Agree with all of the above comments that you need to watch your payload and ensure you have an adequate engine and transmission cooler. You should get these with either the Chevy or Ford max tow packages. In addition to the payload you also want to ensure the receiver is rated high enough for your expected tongue weight. For comparison purposes I have the Ford HD Tow / Max Payload with a curb weight of 6,000#. I have the 3.73 rear end and it tows 8,200 well. However, I am at 1,100# tongue weight and the receiver is rated for 1,150#. I do not know what the Chevy receiver rating is, but recommend you find out as that may be a limiting factor.Sounds like Texan, who currently hails from Idaho where there are a few good hills, has had good experience with the NHT, but per his signature that is with the 6.2L. That engine provides more torque and hp as well as more weight on the front axle which helps stabilize the rig. Here is Chevy's tow guide, but I did not see the receiver hitch rating. Chevy Tow GuideFor a trailer of that size I would seriously consider looking at 3/4 tons. Good luck,Stu

2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 | Good Sam Community

44 Replies

awoodwaring
Explorer
Mar 31, 2014
Ok...so it is this one or the 2500 (which I assume gets worse gas mileage):

Trailering & Payload 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine 2WD
Curb Weight 5042 lbs
Max Payload 2007 lbs
Max GVWR 7200 lbs

Max Conventional Trailering, 3.73 Rear Axle 11400 lbs

GCWR, 3.73 Rear Axle 16700 lbs
Spring Axle Capacity 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine 2WD
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating 3650 lbs

Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating with 3.73 Rear Axle 4100 lbs
The_Texan
Explorer
Mar 30, 2014
GM makes a "max tow" package with a 3.73 rear end and better specs than the one you are looking at. It is called the NHT package, has upgraded rear end, brakes, cooling and built in brake controller. My '11 NHT is rated for 10.7K towing and 16.7K MCWR. Find yourself a salesman that "knows" his trucks and not the salesman who is selling the grocery getter to the soccer mommy. We routinely tow 10K with ours here in the west and are very happy with the performance and handling, but your comfort level may be different.
6_7_tow_rig
Explorer
Mar 30, 2014
Thats 3/4 ton territory. I have the same type of trailer. I dont think you would enjoy that much weight with that truck. The specific truck you mentioned has the absolute worst rear end gear for towing too. If you dont want to go 3/4 ton maybe check the F-150 with the max payload or whatever they call it package. Tons of people on this forum can help you with the specifics on that truck
downtheroad
Explorer
Mar 30, 2014
You are looking at upwards of 1300 lbs of tongue weight.
Bunk house style trailer...family, kids, dogs, and lots of gear. It's going to be close.

Think PAYLOAD...not just towing/pulling it.

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2014 Chevy Silverado 1500

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