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Tyandkate's avatar
Tyandkate
Explorer
Nov 05, 2017

Towing with a older truck

Okay so here it goes I’m towing with a 2001 Chevy Silverado 1500 extended cab. It’s got the 4800 v8 auto it’s rated to tow up to 6,000 pounds and our camper is below that rating loaded up and ready to hit the road. My question is, are there any precauntionary things I should do to my truck to make the task easier? It has a factory installed transmission cooler it’s about 3” wide and 12” long. I had the transmission checked out and my mechanic says everything looked okay. Just seeking some advice from
More experienced people. I’m not wanting to upgrade my truck. I know it’s old but it’s still running like a brand new one

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  • morphrider's avatar
    morphrider
    Explorer
    Nov 05, 2017
    Open your glove box, RPO codes are there. Google chevy RPO codes and there is a site that will state what they all mean. I run a 2500HD gasser and upgraded my transmission cooler. I would do the same with yours, it's cheap and easy.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Nov 05, 2017
    Ty, don’t dismiss the advice of time2roll and rbpru. What is your truck’s payload max? My quick internet search says 1,424 to 1,787 lbs.
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Nov 05, 2017
    Tyandkate wrote:
    Okay so here it goes I’m towing with a 2001 Chevy Silverado 1500 extended cab. It’s got the 4800 v8 auto it’s rated to tow up to 6,000 pounds and our camper is below that rating loaded up and ready to hit the road. My question is, are there any precauntionary things I should do to my truck to make the task easier? It has a factory installed transmission cooler it’s about 3” wide and 12” long. I had the transmission checked out and my mechanic says everything looked okay. Just seeking some advice from
    More experienced people. I’m not wanting to upgrade my truck. I know it’s old but it’s still running like a brand new one
    The tow rating as it actually applies to most 1/2 tons and TTs is basically fiction.
    You will most certainly run out of payload well before you get to the "MAX" tow rating.

    That said, if you fall under all of the numbers, and the truck is in good shape... Give it a go.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Nov 05, 2017
    Regular service, fliit changes, good inspection. Depending on miles on the clock it could go farther.
  • Tyandkate's avatar
    Tyandkate
    Explorer
    Nov 05, 2017
    The GVWR is 6200 pounds not including any trailer. I’’m heading to the scales soon it’s weird I can’t find GCWR in the door of my truck any clue where I could find that number with my truck?
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Nov 05, 2017
    Hardly call 2001 old ;) Nothing special, just go. Don't ride it too hard.
  • rbpru's avatar
    rbpru
    Explorer II
    Nov 05, 2017
    You need to know your trucks cargo capacity and tongue weight.

    A trip to the scales can tell you what your axle load is.

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