I am currently pulling a fiver with a 1500 GMC and probably at or over the ratings. Looking at a 2001 silverado 2500. The fiver is 6900 empty and I would guess 8000 loaded. Question I have is the gmc requires heavy helper springs and I am wondering if the stock springs in a 2500 would be alright with the estimated pin weight of the trailer. The Chevy is a 6 liter HD crew cab long bed. tried 5to find a build sheet for the Chevy but no luck so I can't really tell what trans' or differential. Would like to hear from others pulling with similar set ups.Thanks Tom

I recently sold a 2001 silverado 2500HD crew cab short bed that I used for 12 years to pull a 29' 5er that weighed 10200 lbs loaded with a pin weight of 2020lbs and the rear springs handled that weight just fine. If your current 5er's pin weight is about 1600 lbs I think you will be fine.

Air bags will fit and work nicely on your truck.

I wouldn't add a thing till you make a trip and then decide if the trucks needs bags or any aftermarket suspension helper. For that smaller trailer I doubt it will need any thing other than go load up and go campin'

So why don't you contact GM and get the towing specs?????????:S

rear springs on 2500s | Good Sam Community

Copperlisa
Explorer
Jul 12, 2013
We're running a 2005 Sierra 2500HD short box 4x4 6.0L with a 98 Jayco Designer 2930RKS on behind. Our Designer is a heavy girl, at 9000# empty. We are right at GVWR ready to roll when scaled. But the Sierra has no issues, and we aren't considering changing a thing. The Sierra just goes right on over the mountains.
mojoroo
Explorer
Jul 11, 2013
The biggest down fall with the 2500's is the low GCWR for the tv plus tt/5w. For the early 2000s it was only 16000#. I have a 04' and have planty of payload, and front and rear axle capacity but the combined is my limiting factor.
goducks10
Explorer
Jul 11, 2013
I have 17-1800lbs on my 2500 Ram and it drops 2". The rear is normally 3" high anyway. So it works out. I still added Timbrens because it handles better. Don't have to have them but cornering is better.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Jul 11, 2013
JIMNLIN wrote:
I wouldn't add a thing till you make a trip and then decide if the trucks needs bags or any aftermarket suspension helper. For that smaller trailer I doubt it will need any thing other than go load up and go campin'

I agree, I have a Ram 2500 and pull an 11,000# 5er, no bags not needed.
Splashers3
Explorer
Jul 11, 2013
I also agree to try it first to see how level you are before shelling out for something you may not need.
BurbMan
Explorer II
Jul 11, 2013
In terms of a build sheet, GM puts a sticker on the inside of the glovebox with the Regular Production Option (RPO) codes. Compare that list to this list and you'll know what options the truck has. Offhand, GT4 is a 3.73 rear, GT5 is the 4.10, and G80 is the Eaton locker.

Doubtful you'll need helper spring on the 2500 with that size trailer.
wandering1
Explorer
Jul 11, 2013
So why don't you contact GM and get the towing specs?????????:S
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Jul 11, 2013
I wouldn't add a thing till you make a trip and then decide if the trucks needs bags or any aftermarket suspension helper. For that smaller trailer I doubt it will need any thing other than go load up and go campin'
Norskeman
Explorer
Jul 10, 2013
X2 on the air bags
Alley_Fox
Explorer
Jul 10, 2013
Air bags will fit and work nicely on your truck.