I'm trying to figure out if I can go from a 2001 GMC 2500HD that is starting to look old to a 1500 with the Max Trailering package. I have a Cougar 30RKS. I have a Equal-i-zer 4 point hitch. I have weighed my trailer and truck. The only thing I haven't done is weigh the truck empty to see what my actual current payload is.I'd like to move away from a diesel as I have a very short commute and end up parking it for 6 months over the winter and drive a beater. I am thinking of a gas truck.Trailer weighs ~8,000 fully loaded as per my last run over a scale. Assume max load of 8,200 lbs. Tounge weight is 1,060 but weight transferred to the truck with the WD hitch set up is ~775 lbs. Weight on the trailer axles ~7,200.Truck weight while hooked up is 8,650 lbs.I know it isn't a correct comparison, but the total combined weight is 15,850. According to the brochure I looked through, the GCVWR for the 1500 with the max tow (5.3L 3.73 rear) is 7,600 KG or 16,720 lbs. I am below that now with the diesel so I can't see how I would be over the weight with the gas truck etc. So, best I can tell is I would be under the tow rating (~11,000), under the combined (16,720) and the only question is would I be under the payload (~2,200).The other option would be stepping up to another diesel and I just don't see that happening. I like my truck but don't pull enough to really need it and more often than not am driving 5 minutes to work.Hope this makes some sense.Who is towing with the Max Trailering package and what are you towing?

You are going from an approx 9,200 lb GVWR down to a 7,xxx lb GVWR truckFrom a rear GAWR of approx 7,000 lb GAWR down to something in the 4,xxx lb GAWRI've found that Ford does not make/offer a true fake half ton anymore. It usedto be a 8,xxx GVWR truck and is now a 7,xxx GVWR truck. Rear GAWR used tobe close to 6,xxx RGAWR and now 4,xxx RGAWR...so making the assumption thatGM likewise no longer offers that fake half ton...Use those numbers for you researchGVWR 7,xxx lbsRGAWR 4,xxx lbsCargo/payload will be GVWR minus curb

Yes, I have a 2011 with the NHT package. It is a 6.2L with 3.73 gears and the integrated trailer brake. It comes with larger axles and brakes. The payload is just shy of 2K and I routinely tow 8K to 10K in the mountains of the west. I have 4 ¾t and 1t PSD trucks available on the ranch to use for towing and much prefer the Silverado NHT package over any of the PSDs. It will more than do the job you want.

I don't think you would want the 5.3... even the new 5.3 with the max trailering package with that heavy of a trailer. I would go with the 6.2l and max trailering. That's a heavy trailer.I think you will be borderline on payload and maybe rear axle ratio on any 1/2 ton. The new GM and Ford 1/2 tons can get near the 2000lb payload range with their corresponding max towing packages but as BenK said you still have a lower rear axle ratio that is limited by the 1/2 ton platform.

First, I think I might have confused GVWR and CGVWR. I think it's 7,600 lbs GVWR and not 7,600 KG combined. Problem working with US and Canadian brochures, I get confused.The 6.2 Max Tow has a lower payload rating than the 5.3 Max tow. 2,270 vs 2,110 for double cab 4x4.Rear axle payload rating is 4,300 lb. Rear axle weight on my current setup is ~4,700 lbs. Current truck has a canopy and boat rack. I'd move to a tonneau and us a trailer for my boat so wouldn't bother with the boat rack.I think I need to weigh my truck empty to see what I am using for payload now. My guess is I will be close.

Why not just get a 3/4 ton with a gas engine? Problem solved.

Anyone have a GM 1500 with Max Trailering? | Good Sam Community

24 Replies

gmckenzie
Explorer
Aug 04, 2015
First, I think I might have confused GVWR and CGVWR. I think it's 7,600 lbs GVWR and not 7,600 KG combined. Problem working with US and Canadian brochures, I get confused.

The 6.2 Max Tow has a lower payload rating than the 5.3 Max tow. 2,270 vs 2,110 for double cab 4x4.

Rear axle payload rating is 4,300 lb. Rear axle weight on my current setup is ~4,700 lbs. Current truck has a canopy and boat rack. I'd move to a tonneau and us a trailer for my boat so wouldn't bother with the boat rack.

I think I need to weigh my truck empty to see what I am using for payload now. My guess is I will be close.
astraelraen
Explorer
Aug 04, 2015
I don't think you would want the 5.3... even the new 5.3 with the max trailering package with that heavy of a trailer. I would go with the 6.2l and max trailering. That's a heavy trailer.

I think you will be borderline on payload and maybe rear axle ratio on any 1/2 ton. The new GM and Ford 1/2 tons can get near the 2000lb payload range with their corresponding max towing packages but as BenK said you still have a lower rear axle ratio that is limited by the 1/2 ton platform.
The_Texan
Explorer
Aug 04, 2015
Yes, I have a 2011 with the NHT package. It is a 6.2L with 3.73 gears and the integrated trailer brake. It comes with larger axles and brakes. The payload is just shy of 2K and I routinely tow 8K to 10K in the mountains of the west. I have 4 ¾t and 1t PSD trucks available on the ranch to use for towing and much prefer the Silverado NHT package over any of the PSDs. It will more than do the job you want.
BenK
Explorer
Aug 04, 2015
You are going from an approx 9,200 lb GVWR down to a 7,xxx lb GVWR truck

From a rear GAWR of approx 7,000 lb GAWR down to something in the 4,xxx lb GAWR

I've found that Ford does not make/offer a true fake half ton anymore. It used
to be a 8,xxx GVWR truck and is now a 7,xxx GVWR truck. Rear GAWR used to
be close to 6,xxx RGAWR and now 4,xxx RGAWR...so making the assumption that
GM likewise no longer offers that fake half ton...

Use those numbers for you research

GVWR 7,xxx lbs
RGAWR 4,xxx lbs

Cargo/payload will be GVWR minus curb

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Anyone have a GM 1500 with Max Trailering?

24 Replies

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