Adding max trailer package to a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500SLT

Wrhs23 · May 21, 2020

I have a 2016 GMC Sierra 5.3L V8, 8 speed transmission, 3:42 axle ratio with a Z71 suspension package I want to get from the 9,100 pounds that my trucks max towload is to the max trailer package at 10,700 pounds what parts would I need to purchase and modify on my vehicle to add the “max trailer package” to it?

JimCost2014 · May 21, 2020

1 hour ago, Wrhs23 said:

I have a 2016 GMC Sierra 5.3L V8, 8 speed transmission, 3:42 axle ratio with a Z71 suspension package I want to get from the 9,100 pounds that my trucks max towload is to the max trailer package at 10,700 pounds what parts would I need to purchase and modify on my vehicle to add the “max trailer package” to it?

Welcome to the site.

Are you sure that you do not already have the NHT package, the 8 speed normally came with 3.23, and the max tow had the 3.42.

My mistake, 5.3 with the 8 speed would have the 3.73, 6.2 with the 8 speed would be 3.42.

Edited May 21, 2020 by JimCost2014

ullose272 · May 21, 2020

I have a 2016 GMC Sierra 5.3L V8, 8 speed transmission, 3:42 axle ratio with a Z71 suspension package I want to get from the 9,100 pounds that my trucks max towload is to the max trailer package at 10,700 pounds what parts would I need to purchase and modify on my vehicle to add the “max trailer package” to it?

Reguardless of what parts you put on the truck it wont change rhe legality of towing the extra weight, so if you were to get into an accident you would be liable. If you care about that

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

JimCost2014 · May 21, 2020

This what would have to be added to make it official:

NHT in 2016
Max Trailering Package, On Crew Cab and Double Cab models, includes 9.76" rear axle, (JL1) trailer brake controller, enhanced cooling radiator, revised shock tuning for increased control, heavier duty rear springs and increased RGAWR.

1LT - Includes (G80) heavy-duty automatic locking rear differential and Z82 Trailering Package. Requires (L83) 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine and (DPN) outside heated power-adjustable vertical camper mirrors. Includes (PZX) 18" x 8.5" bright-machined aluminum wheels with (RBX/RBW) 18" tires or may upgrade to (RD4) 20" aluminum wheels with either (RC7) or (QSS) 20" tires.

1LZ - With (L83) 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine, requires (PZX) 18" x 8.5" aluminum wheels and (RBX/RBW) 18" tires or may upgrade to (RD2) 20" chrome wheels with either (RC7) or (QSS) 20" tires. With (L86) 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine, requires (RD2) 20" chrome wheels with (QSS) 20" tires. Requires (DQS) Outside heated power-adjustable vertical camper mirrors. Not available with (Z71) Off-Road Suspension Package.

newdude · May 21, 2020

1 hour ago, Wrhs23 said:

I have a 2016 GMC Sierra 5.3L V8, 8 speed transmission, 3:42 axle ratio with a Z71 suspension package I want to get from the 9,100 pounds that my trucks max towload is to the max trailer package at 10,700 pounds what parts would I need to purchase and modify on my vehicle to add the “max trailer package” to it?

Nothing can leagally increase your towing capacity.

Wrhs23 · May 21, 2020

I can’t get the OEM parts to add the max trailering package to that year truck?

bigoilman · May 21, 2020

11 minutes ago, Wrhs23 said:

I can’t get the OEM parts to add the max trailering package to that year truck?

You can buy the rear axle, springs and shocks to get the important parts of the package. I think the point was that legally it wouldn't pass if you were sued in an accident that was caused by being overloaded. The odds of that happening are exceptionally remote, imo. I'd do it without hesitation. The axle upgrade is marginal, btw. I'd swap the springs and shocks and replace the axle only if it failed.

My truck is a 2016 Sierra w/ Max Trailering Package

Wrhs23 · May 21, 2020

1 hour ago, JimCost2014 said:

This what would have to be added to make it official:

NHT in 2016
Max Trailering Package, On Crew Cab and Double Cab models, includes 9.76" rear axle, (JL1) trailer brake controller, enhanced cooling radiator, revised shock tuning for increased control, heavier duty rear springs and increased RGAWR.

1LT - Includes (G80) heavy-duty automatic locking rear differential and Z82 Trailering Package. Requires (L83) 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine and (DPN) outside heated power-adjustable vertical camper mirrors. Includes (PZX) 18" x 8.5" bright-machined aluminum wheels with (RBX/RBW) 18" tires or may upgrade to (RD4) 20" aluminum wheels with either (RC7) or (QSS) 20" tires.

1LZ - With (L83) 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine, requires (PZX) 18" x 8.5" aluminum wheels and (RBX/RBW) 18" tires or may upgrade to (RD2) 20" chrome wheels with either (RC7) or (QSS) 20" tires. With (L86) 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine, requires (RD2) 20" chrome wheels with (QSS) 20" tires. Requires (DQS) Outside heated power-adjustable vertical camper mirrors. Not available with (Z71) Off-Road Suspension Package.

This is the codes mine has

JimCost2014 · May 21, 2020

10 minutes ago, Wrhs23 said:

This is the codes mine has

L83 = 5.3, GU6 = 3.42, M5U = 8 speed.

Why do you need the extra towing capacity?

Might be cheaper to sell yours and get a 2500.

Wrhs23 · May 21, 2020

13 minutes ago, JimCost2014 said:

L83 = 5.3, GU6 = 3.42, M5U = 8 speed.

Why do you need the extra towing capacity?

Might be cheaper to sell yours and get a 2500.

I found a camper with GVWR of 9300 and don’t want to push it but I can’t afford a 2500 at the moment or that would be the route I’d take

JimCost2014 · May 21, 2020

11 minutes ago, Wrhs23 said:

I found a camper with GVWR of 9300 and don’t want to push it but I can’t afford a 2500 at the moment or that would be the route I’d take

Have you had a chance to price out the parts?

How far would you be towing the trailer? If you are not going far, maybe pick up an older "mule" 2500 just to pull the trailer for the cost of the parts and installation?

mookdoc6 · May 21, 2020

Wouldn't the MAX tow be associated with a 2wd Single Cab Long bed? You have what you have and safely designed for.....Towing something like your talking about would be a 2500 anyway. I mean if your moving it to Uncle John's house 10 miles away your fine.....but your not towing that daily? Be safe, be smart.....keep to the 70-75% rule of thumb!

ullose272 · May 21, 2020

Also remember while it might say that is the tow capacity, remember you also have a gcwr, that really is what would likely go over before, when you add up people. Camping stuff, water, fuel ect. You are in 2500 territory with that trailer.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

BlancoSilverado · May 21, 2020

Along with probably selling and buying a 2500 i would install a trans cooler to hopefully save it from a meltdown.

Just my .02.

Wrhs23 · May 21, 2020

19 minutes ago, ullose272 said:

Also remember while it might say that is the tow capacity, remember you also have a gcwr, that really is what would likely go over before, when you add up people. Camping stuff, water, fuel ect. You are in 2500 territory with that trailer.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

What about a 8500 pound GVWR camper would that be fine you think?