Hitch is rated to tow 6000lbs
Hi I am wondering something. Our hitch on
our 05 GMC Sierra C1500 truck has a hitch
saying it can tow up to 6000 lbs with tongue
weight of 600 lbs. But our truck is only rated
to tow 5100 lbs. So my question is what
weight can we tow at safely? We are looking
at purchasing a travel trailer in a few months
and just are not sure on what the weight we
can actually tow.
12 Answers
Go with the lower value. The hitch is only the hitch.
Ok that what we was thinking just wasn't sure. Thanks
Yup it is 6 cylinder. We got it not thinking bout towing at the time but now that we are getting ready to purchase a travel trailer we are trying to get all the information correct so we are not unsafe when towing.
Make sure your cooling system is in shape and change the transmission fluid. You may want to upgrade to a V8 after your first steep hill!
Keep in mind that all the stuff you put in the trailer needs to be factored in. Water is heavy!
We planned on getting the truck serviced. Right now can't afford a V8 but in future we are looking to upgrade to be able to pull a bigger rig. This is just going to get us started.
Keep the load down and keep your speed down. You may want to install a deep oil pan on the transmission and a transmission temperature gauge. Make sure you have trailer brakes and a brake controller.
If you do not have a transmission cooler separate from the radiator I highly recommend installing one.
Also check to see if the weight rating is with or without a weight distributing hitch.
Ok we will. I don't think it has a transmission cooler on it that I know of. We bought not used from a used dealer and hadn't had any issues with it. But I wasn't sure. It is an automatic transmission and we have the tow/haul button on the shifter
Good luck! If my answers were helpful give me a thumbs up. The pay here is terrible ;)