2014 GMC Sierra

jim summers wrote:
From the Chevy charts it appears that the 1500 will trailer more and pull more than the 2500. Why is that? The comparisons (off the Chevy) website are as follows:
Silverado 2500 GVWR=9500 payload=3347 Max trailering(3.73=) 9700 GCWR(3.73)= 16000
Silverado 1500 GVWR=7200 payload = 1947 (2500 wins here)Max trailering = 11300 GCWR = 16700

I don't understand that comment about a "1500 maxing out payload first". My 6000+lb. TT has a tongue weight of 650 lbs. That leaves 1350lbs still avail payload in the Silverado 1500. If 2 pax = 400 lbs. that leaves 900 lbs in the bed. I figure my generator, compressor, truck junk, golf clubs, TT pads,etc. will weigh 300lbs. So- I can't understand about a "1500 always maxing out payload first". Not arguing, just confused.
If a new 1500 w/ max trailering pkg will trailer 11300 & its GCWR is 16700; it "seems" that my 6000 TT & a 7200lb truck (that's maxed out weight-GVWR), leave me safely at about 75% of my "factory max capability". What am I missing ? thnx again-everyone!

Jim,

Comparing the 1500 and the 2500HD, I would think it is only fair if trying to compare the max tow ratings, to compare the 4.10 gears in the 2500HD to the 3.73 in the 1500.

The 4.10 give you these numbers trailering: Max "conventional" trailer- 13,000lbs, max 5th wheel- 14,200lbs. GCWR- 20,500lbs.

Now as I understand, most people recommend 12-15% tw, so many would say your ~10% tw is light, BUT if it tows without any sway issue, then that helps with a 1500 payload!!!! Now with that said, if you had a 9,000lb trailer, for argument sake, lets use a 13% tw, which would be 1,170lb tw, 1,950-1,170= 750lb payload left. 2 passengers, rough estimate 400lbs, leaves you with 350lbs left for coolers, firewood, generator, etc. This doesn't even inclued any truck accessories like spray in bed liner, truck cap, etc. And the 9,000lb trailer is still 2,300lbs below the max trailer rating. An 11,000 trailer, 13% tw- is 1,430lbs, just 500lbs short of max payload before any passengers.

Hope this helps as to why in most situations the 1500 will run out of payload as others have posted before the max trailer weight is reached. I also think the 1500 is rated to tow such a high amount because of the 1500 truck wars. Just a crazy thought!!!

Now from the sounds of it for your 6,000lb+ trailer, even with a 13% tw of 780lbs (figuring on high side!), you still would have 1,170lbs of payload left. If your looking into a new truck, if you don't see a new, BIGGER trailer in your future, it looks like it would be a great combo!!!!

Chris