chevy 4.8 engine

Sale it...

I'm no lawyer, but "sold as-is, where-is on (insert day here) located at (insert location here)for (insert selling price here)". What happens after that is not your issue.

I had a 2007 with the 4.8 and it would probably tow that trailer safely, but not enjoyably. Would have been way under powered at anything over 55 MPH.

I'd sell it. Wouldn't even have asked. What's it too you what he wants to pull it with. None of your business really.
However, if he asked for your advice on a tow vehicle that's a whole different story.

For what it's worth my Dad has a 2000 Chevy (I think) with the 4.8. When his 6,000 pound Bobcat needs service he loads it onto a 4,000 pound flatbed trailer and tows 6 miles to the dealer with his 4.8L.

I used to pull a jayco 26BH with a Chevy that had a 4.3 . The 4.8 has 100 more HP I think it will be fine.

I had a Silverado with the 4.8 engine. It was economical and quick, when empty. Towing a trailer almost killed it. Good that you are thinking of your fellow man instead of just the cash.

I never ask what some one is doing with anything I sell. You want it you buy it

I had an '03 4.8. He will get home safely and be fine on short, local trips, if flat'ish. But he will quickly feel the need to upgrade. We towed right at 4k with ours. On the rolling hills of I-26 through South Carolina, I would have to play every hill to keep it in the power-band. The good old days. :)

As far as your responsibility...I would have told the buyer what I just stated above as my experience. It would be off my worry, and likely not change the buyers mind, as once excited about it, he/she will be optimistic about their truck. In all reality, his truck is more capable than most any tow vehicle around a few decades ago. I think it's our tolerances that have changed. You know Dezi had her wound up in "The Long Long Trailer". :)

It's admirable that you're concerned about his towing combination, but in the end what he tows the trailer with and in what manner is not your responsibility. I'm not trying to justify dealers here, but how many times have we heard someone come on the forum asking 'Can I tow this...' or 'My rig doesn't tow my new RV right...' after a salesman has told them 'Sure, you can tow this, you have a V8'?!?!? :S

For your own peace of mind, you can inform the buyer of the overall trailer weight and tongue weight. If the buyer asks 'can my truck tow this' you can help them to understand the GVWR and GCWR of the truck. Once informed, it's up to the buyer to decide if that is acceptable to them. If they are okay with it, sell them the TT.

I have a coworker that was telling me how he pulled his single axle hybrid TT with his new Ram 1500 with 5.7L. His complaint was how much the trailer sways when he pulls it at 80MPH. I 'informed' him that ST rated tires are spec'd for 65MPH and that was most likely the problem. He shrugged his shoulders and continued his search for a WD hitch with sway control to fix the problem.

In this situation I would prefer that he adhere to the ratings, but in the end, how he uses his equipment is his choice and decision. The same needs to be true of your buyer. They can be informed, but ultimately the choice is theirs.

KJ