99 Sierra 2500 6.0 / 8500lb fiver

The 8,500 lbs is the dry/empty weight of that FW. It will likely be closer to 10,000 lbs loaded to camp. That wt would give you about 2,000 lbs of pin wt, plus the hitch.

It all depends on condition of your truck, the 6.0 is a strong puller. If the transmission is good, the cooling system good, etc.

I think the truck could work, but I'd probably not take it across the country.

Welcome to the forum! Maybe someone with a similar truck, will chime in with their experience, towing a FW of that size.

Jerry

It will work, and the 6.0 having those miles is nothing if it's been taken care of. I had an 02 with the 6.0 and 4 speed tranny and pulled the same weight around with it without any issues. The engine is rock solid! However, I will say that the 4l80e only was strong as well except the TC went out on mine. When it was pulled all out and rebuilt, the clutches still looked great in the tranny and only a few were weak. The TC had cracking in in which caused it to go south...Drivetrain wise the truck should be fine, make sure that u replace the fluids. With the 4 speed you will be pulling in 3rd most of the time. Now on any steep hill u will hit 2nd gear. Don't let the RPMs freak you out. You will see 4-4500 during 2 no gear climbs. All in all I don't see any issues, if you have kept up with the truck and know it well then no worries. A lot of people have pulled that weight with there 6.0 or more.. Enjoy your vacation.

Btw my current setup works well, I pull about the same weight. But I have the newer 6 speed which works better for me in my opinion.

8500 pounds? Don't kid yourself.

Specs say 11,740 GVWR and I would assume it will weigh well above 10,000 before you hit the road.

Towing capacity is close to 10,000 so it is your call. I think you will soon be over capacity if that matters to you.

314BHS
8465
3275
1580
35' 4
12' 0
45
38
76
60
225/75D15D
Fifth Wheels

The older 6.0s with the 4speed were not a great setup for towing. I had an 02 and was never impressed with its pulling power or lack there of. If towing on level ground it will do the job but pulling any hills youll be spending a lot of time in 2nd gear pulling 5500RPMs all while getting 6-7mpg. Not a great towing experience IMO.

I had the 2000 Sierra will a 6.0. Loved the truck and it did a great job pulling my 29ft 5er.
They are thirsty and loud which is the power zone. Moved to a 06 D/A combo and will never tow gas again.