So confused with tow capacities
We are currently looking into a GMC 1500 Sierra or Chevy 1500. We want the max trailing package but the websites are so confusing. The trailer we are looking to pull weighs 8100lbs dry. It is impos...
Forum Discussion
Like others are saying, look at your truck's payload.
We are towing a loaded 7500-8000# trailer with a so-called "half-ton" but our payload is 2050#. It's a 4x2 and an extended (not full crew) cab.
Unfortunately, the ride in most "half-tons" is too soft when fully loaded, the suspension is really tuned for "grocery-getting". So we upgraded the suspension of ours and switched to LT tires.
We are very happy with the rig now. It's a stable ride; I only put on my friction anti-sway bar in case of emergencies. And am pretty sure I'm under all the truck's weight limits (but close to the rear GAWR and hitch receiver ratings). Will be going to the scales again soon to confirm.
In the future, we may trade in our 4x2 for a heavier 4x4 as we want to spend more time off-road. I will then probably go for Ford's "heavy half-ton" option (HD Payload option) as that includes the tires and suspension (and rear axle) really needed to carry a full load.
Or if we were ever planning on getting a new trailer with loaded weight greater than 8000#, or a fifth wheel with heavier pin weights, I would probably move up to a 250/2500 truck. But as we are very happy with our current trailer, I don't think this will happen.
We are towing a loaded 7500-8000# trailer with a so-called "half-ton" but our payload is 2050#. It's a 4x2 and an extended (not full crew) cab.
Unfortunately, the ride in most "half-tons" is too soft when fully loaded, the suspension is really tuned for "grocery-getting". So we upgraded the suspension of ours and switched to LT tires.
We are very happy with the rig now. It's a stable ride; I only put on my friction anti-sway bar in case of emergencies. And am pretty sure I'm under all the truck's weight limits (but close to the rear GAWR and hitch receiver ratings). Will be going to the scales again soon to confirm.
In the future, we may trade in our 4x2 for a heavier 4x4 as we want to spend more time off-road. I will then probably go for Ford's "heavy half-ton" option (HD Payload option) as that includes the tires and suspension (and rear axle) really needed to carry a full load.
Or if we were ever planning on getting a new trailer with loaded weight greater than 8000#, or a fifth wheel with heavier pin weights, I would probably move up to a 250/2500 truck. But as we are very happy with our current trailer, I don't think this will happen.
