2014 Silverado Towing Capabilities

danny68327 · October 18, 2013

I have a 2014 Silverado 1500 with 5.3 and 342 gear ratio. I would like to tow a 24 ft travel trailer (27.9 total length) that weighs 6,300 dry and has a GVWR of 8,200 lbs. Tongue weight fror the trailer is 850 lbs and the max payload on the door of my truck says 1639. I will be towing on mainly flat ground 100-150 miles 2-3 times per year. I used to tow this trailer with a 2000 3/4 ton suburban that had 180,000 miles on it and it towed fine. Also, I plan on changing from a 31.6" tire to a 32.2" tire. Will this make a significant difference? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

CKNSLS · October 18, 2013

That's too much trailer for your truck. The trailer's weight is not "ready to camp" nor do I assume that you will be camping by yourself. You need a lighter "Ultra Light" Filon (fiberglass) over aluminum frame trailer. And no slides (those are 300 pounds a piece) if at all possible.

There are PLENTY of trailers that come in between 5,000 and 5,500 pounds that will provide a much better towing experience.

Some would say that since there are no hills and your only going to tow two or three times a year to "go for it". But when your family's safety is on the line as well as those around you on the road I will not say that.

JMHO.

music · October 18, 2013

I'll disagree. Our camper is longer, but maybe 1k lbs lighter. The op has about 150 more lbs of payload, which at 15% tongue weight, gives ~1000 more lbs of trailer ability. He may be right on the edge, but fine imho if the setup is right. If I'm reading right, you already have the truck and camper, so I'd get a good wd hitch like the reese dual cam, and give it a go.

6.2max · October 19, 2013

I have a 2014 Silverado 1500 with 5.3 and 342 gear ratio. I would like to tow a 24 ft travel trailer (27.9 total length) that weighs 6,300 dry and has a GVWR of 8,200 lbs. Tongue weight fror the trailer is 850 lbs and the max payload on the door of my truck says 1639. I will be towing on mainly flat ground 100-150 miles 2-3 times per year. I used to tow this trailer with a 2000 3/4 ton suburban that had 180,000 miles on it and it towed fine. Also, I plan on changing from a 31.6" tire to a 32.2" tire. Will this make a significant difference? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Your truck will tow that trailer - no problem. Even loaded up right to the max GVRW. Just get a good WD hitch like Reese or Eqaulizer brand (1200#) and you are good to go. I towed a 30 foot travel trailer (9000 lbs) all summer long with a 2009 (5.3 - 4 Speed - 4.10) and did not have a problem. Just need to make sure the WD and the trailer brakes are set up properly.

With the short trips you plan on making - I do not see a problem.

Bassboats · October 21, 2013

With the 3.42 gearing you should be within the 1500s maximum tow rating of 9,700 pounds using a W-D hitch in the factory GM receiver. But you'll find going to the taller tires will definitely have an adverse affect on your Silverado's acceleration and fuel economy. Even without trailer-in-tow, taller tires on today's pickups can drop 2-3mpg.

BTW, saw this article on the term "conventional towing": http://www.propickupmag.com/conventional-towing-defined/

danny68327 · October 22, 2013

With the 3.42 gearing you should be within the 1500s maximum tow rating of 9,700 pounds using a W-D hitch in the factory GM receiver. But you'll find going to the taller tires will definitely have an adverse affect on your Silverado's acceleration and fuel economy. Even without trailer-in-tow, taller tires on today's pickups can drop 2-3mpg.

BTW, saw this article on the term "conventional towing": http://www.propickupmag.com/conventional-towing-defined/

Good info. Thanks

2017HD · October 24, 2013

You should be fine - these new trucks have good tow ratings - considering the new 5.3 has the same TQ and HP as my 07 6.0L

CKNSLS · November 1, 2013

With the 3.42 gearing you should be within the 1500s maximum tow rating of 9,700 pounds using a W-D hitch in the factory GM receiver. But you'll find going to the taller tires will definitely have an adverse affect on your Silverado's acceleration and fuel economy. Even without trailer-in-tow, taller tires on today's pickups can drop 2-3mpg.

BTW, saw this article on the term "conventional towing": http://www.propickupmag.com/conventional-towing-defined/

It's not only trailers weight but THE TRUCKS PAYLOAD!

My Truck · November 6, 2013

Put it to ya this way buddy:) I know this is way different but it will give you and idea horsepower, gear, ect.. I have a work truck that is a 2002 2500 hd with the 6.0 and 4:10 rearend. It is a 2wd ext cab. 300hp 360tq. Gm says it will tow 10,300lbs. I have over 250k miles on the motor with one trans rebuild at 200k, Maybe it's a freak but I tow 10,000lbs three times a week on average, over 80 miles for the last 5 years. before that I towed a smaller Track loader 7500lb total weight. So, with your truck only towing a few times a year with a little bigger tire you should be fine. I have a very good trailer with good Brakes! The real test will be how well the shocks and springs hold up on the 1500. I'm sure rating the truck to tow over 9k they did their homework. With you having 55 more horsepower and the tq being about the same as my truck. you're still lighter so with the 3:42 gear and stock tires you should be fine. Hope that helps:)