Towing Questions

[SMOKEEATERFF]

I have asked this question on another forum with no response. I have a Silverado 1500 5.3 L 3.42 gears 2wd Ext Cab reg bed. I am looking at purchasing an 18 ft bumper pull tandem axle with brakes on both axles. I have a Ford 4000 which ways around 4800 lbs and a brush cutters that weighs around 750 lb. The trailer weighs around 2400 lb. My truck is rated to tow 9600 lbs. I come in at around 7950. I know I am safe as far as being under 9,600 lbs but do you think I will have any problems? This is what I have to work with. The furtherest I will tow is about 35 miles which will be twice a year everything else will be around 15 miles or less. And I won't be hauling butt either.

 

[George2615]

Make sure the trailer you buy is rated to haul your 7950 lb load (probably a 10K trailer). Your truck should have a transmission cooler. If not, then you should add one. Get a good quality trailer brake controller for the truck and adjust it properly. If the truck has tow mode function use it. Towing almost 8K will require higher shift points to prevent lugging the engine. Take your time and leave plenty of braking distance. By towing sensibly I don't see where you would have any problem.

 

[Diamondpilot]

What year is your Silverado? Reason I ask is unless its a very late model the 3.42 geared trucks are just not rated for that much.

The 5.3L is a good motor but is way down on torque and this makes them a pig. I have never owned one but I have friends who do and we travel in groups of upto 20 at a time 800 or more miles and my Titan and F-150 I had would flat eat them up merging on the highway, on the hills, ect. These are 2004 to maybe 2008 model years. None of them own any GM products anymore. When they did tow they would get in the 8mpg range with 7,000# or so behind them.

As for a trailer you will need a 10,000# rated trailer. It will weigh about 2,500# empty and leave you with a honest 7,500# to get the job done with. If your are is flat you will be fine for short hauls but if hilly or going long distances you will be wanting a bigger truck real quick.

Chris

 

[SMOKEEATERFF]

Yes I have a towing package with heavy duty cooler. My truck is a 2011 according to my manual the 3.42 gear setup will let me tow 9600 lbs. I will purchase a good trailer brake to go along. The trailer I was looking at was rated for 10,000 lbs and the dealer said the weight was 2400 lbs. After crunching numbers I should be good. Just trying to make sure I have my bases covered. No real steep areas. Short hauls, longest would be 35-40 miles one way twice a year at most. I'm not going to be in a hurry hauling that much weight.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Yes I have a towing package with heavy duty cooler. My truck is a 2011 according to my manual the 3.42 gear setup will let me tow 9600 lbs. I will purchase a good trailer brake to go along. The trailer I was looking at was rated for 10,000 lbs and the dealer said the weight was 2400 lbs. After crunching numbers I should be good. Just trying to make sure I have my bases covered. No real steep areas. Short hauls, longest would be 35-40 miles one way twice a year at most. I'm not going to be in a hurry hauling that much weight.

You should be good to go. I looked up your truck in my book and you are right, a 2011 ext cab 2 wd reg bed will tow 9,700#. So much has changed with GM and Ford since they steeped upto 6 speed gear boxes. Used to be a 3.42 truck was limited to 6,500# or so.

You will surly need a WD hitch also so add $250 or so into the budget for that. Dont forget about some quality chains and binders. For that load I would recommend you go to Lowes and buy 2 of the 20' Campbell 5/16" grade 70 chains and have them cut into 10' sections. This is the best price going on these chains and they are American Made. Get 4 more hooks for the other ends and you now have 4 10' chains and you can secure all 4 corners. Once loaded set the mower down and put a 2" ratchet strap over it holding it secure to the deck and you will be all legal.

Chris

 

[Hollow]

You should be fine, make sure you set the proper hitch weight. Generally you'll want to pull the tractor forward until you set the rear of your truck down about 2 1/2" to 3". If your truck is equipped with a transmission monitor then keep an eye on the temperature. Good luck and have fun. :thumbsup:

 

[SMOKEEATERFF]

Hey Chris how important is a wd hitch. I know the purpose and all. Just never used one before. It seems if I secured the tractor in the proper spot on the trailer I would be okay. I may be missing something, like I said I haven't hauled anything large enough to warrant using one. Thanks for your help.

 

[Hollow]

Hey Chris how important is a wd hitch.

You won't need one unless your pulling something that the weight can't be adjusted like a camping trailer.

 

[deerefan]

I have asked this question on another forum with no response. I have a Silverado 1500 5.3 L 3.42 gears 2wd Ext Cab reg bed. I am looking at purchasing an 18 ft bumper pull tandem axle with brakes on both axles. I have a Ford 4000 which ways around 4800 lbs and a brush cutters that weighs around 750 lb. The trailer weighs around 2400 lb. My truck is rated to tow 9600 lbs. I come in at around 7950. I know I am safe as far as being under 9,600 lbs but do you think I will have any problems? This is what I have to work with. The furtherest I will tow is about 35 miles which will be twice a year everything else will be around 15 miles or less. And I won't be hauling butt either.

I have that exact setup but mine is 4x4. It tows well and the engine is smooth. It does not hunt gears like my 05 did. Some people refer to it as gutless but notice they do not have or drive them. I like how the 6 speed handles the load. I have pulled 7-8k about 6 times, averaging 60 mph on some flat and some hills, mainly backroads and average right at 10mpg. Remember, it does not matter how fast you get there just get there safe. I put an electric brake box in mine and it stops fine. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[Catfish Man]

Getting the weight distributed on the trailer right is the key, be sure you buy a trailer that is long enough to let you adjust the position of the tractor as needed.

A weight distributing hitch is nice, but not a requirement, if the load is balanced correctly.