2002 silverado 1500

Yes, you should be able to tow 8K. The misleading part...an RV trailer normally has a large frontal area, and huge sidewalls. If you are towing a flatbed trailer, with a load of bricks 8K would tow much easier.

You also need to be aware of hitch weight, as an 8K travel trailer may have 1K+ of hitch wt.

Looking to tow a TT with an older 1500 V8 3.73, I'd suggest staying at 7K or less actual ready to camp wt. If you have 4 passengers plus gear and lots in the bed of truck, that needs to be figured in too.

Jerry

I have a 2004 weekend warrior fk1900 Hitch Weight 650lbs Dry Weight 3887lbs.
Family of 4, will see 2-3 dirtbikes in the back of the trailer. Maybe a generator in the bed of the truck and the usual food and water in the tanks.

While that will likely be a load for your truck, sounds do able to me. Not sure of your travel area, but steep hills, or mountains will require lots of patience.

Welcome to the forum!

Jerry

Truck payload is likely your issue. 8K trailer is likely 1000lb hitch weight plus whatever else is in the truck including passengers.

Look on the door jam. There is a sticker that shows the payload as it left the factory.

The other thing to consider is at 20yr old, is the engine and transmission in good shape?

Pulling should be fine. Lifting the weight might not be. What’s the 2002’s payload max?

The '02 5.3 is really down on power. I don't think you will like towing a 8k lb trailer.
We had a '06 1500 chevy 4wd 5.3 4 speed auto 3.73 gears and it really struggled with a 6660 lb wet weight trailer out here in the southern plains and 35-45 mph headwinds and in the NM/CO/UT mountains.
Its doable but just take it easy and forget about staying with the flow.

While the OP is asking, "can my truck tow 8K", his actual small TH is only 3,887 lbs dry. Even if he adds his 3 dirt bikes (750 lbs) plus stuff, he likely will not weigh over 6K, ready to go.

I agree the older 5.3s were down on power, but I think it will get the job done.

Jerry

I would stay under 7,000 lbs. I towed quite a bit with an 2002 5.3 3.73 at 7,000 and I would have to hit 1st gear at times. Was better then my 93 5.7 but the 5.7 never had to hit 1st gear. When it did hit 1st, it would accelerate right back up and hit 2nd gear for a short bit. I think 6,000 lbs would work ok.

8000 lb trailer capacity less family of four, 600-800 lbs depending upon of kids are preteen vs adult sized teens. Puts you at around 7000 lbs max trailer. Maybe a bit less. To stay under factory gvwr of around 12-13000 lbs.

You can sit, as noted, you might be slowish. You won't be the first trying to pull at max, slow more than you think you will or should. Don't let motor lug, find RPM that engine seems comfortable towing at on hills. My 2014 4.3 and 2000 5.7 have no issues in the 3000-4000 relm when really loaded on a steeper 3-6% freeway grade.

Have fun

Marty

Thanks for all the feedback! My initial question was more towards the tow capacity of the truck, since the invoice sticker said it came with the heavy duty suspension. Trying to find actual info is kinda hard. I know the 5.3 is the weaker link and it has 150k miles. 6000lbs was my goal for loading, don't do much dry camping so usually will have water hook ups and a dump station in the park. Im in Washington, and going to the coast is pretty flat until you hit the coast and same with going to the mountains is pretty flat until you get there. I already know I won't keep up with my father in law in his duramax pulling his 35ft fully loaded toy hauler!