Maximum Towing Capacity of 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD SLE 4x4 Crew Cab 6 Foot Bed
Question:
I am very confused on how much hitch weight of a travel trailer this truck can tow. Can it handle 1130 hitch weight of a travel trailer that has a dry weight of 8575 fully loaded would be max 9930. With the right kind of hitch can it handle it if so what type of hitch?
asked by: AnnaShaw
Expert Reply:
Because trucks can be equipped in a multitude of ways, it's not always easy to pin down the actual towing capacity. However, there is one sure-fire way to find the max towing capacity of your vehicle.
Look for the vehicle ID sticker in the door jamb for the driver's door. Look for the GCWR, which is the gross combined weight rating. This weight represents the maximum combined weight of the truck and trailer. From that figure, subtract the GVW, the gross vehicle weight. The GVW represents the curb weight of the vehicle, plus the weight of all the cargo and passengers. You can easily find this out at a truck scale at a local truck stop or material supply. The result will represent the maximum trailer weight you can safely pull.
If your truck doesn't currently have a hitch, I'd recommend the B&W Class V hitch, part # BWHDRH25182. This hitch offers a large 16,000 lb towing/1600 lb tongue weight capacity an a reasonable price.
Due to the rather heavy tongue weight of the trailer, and its 35 foot length, I'd highly recommend you go with a weight distribution system with sway control. The weight distribution component will transfer a portion of the trailer's tongue weight to the front truck axle, leveling out the ride height between the front and rear axle. The longer the trailer, the more susceptible it is to trailer sway caused by crosswinds and turbulence caused by oncoming or passing traffic.
To choose a weight distribution system, you'll need to first determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer. To that figure, add the weight of any gear stowed in the cargo area of the truck bed behind the rear axle. I've linked to an FAQ article that explains how to do this. These combined figures comprise the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your set-up. The TTW of your trailer should fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the weight distribution system you choose.
I'd recommend a Reese Strait-Line system which combines proven weight distribution performance with the Dual-Cam sway control that will prevent trailer sway before it can occur. If your trailer's fully loaded tongue weight is less than 1200 lbs, I'd recommend the # RP66084. If the tongue weight is greater than 1200 lbs but less than 1500, go with # RP66130. The RP66084 includes the weight distrubting shank, but for the # RP66130, the # RP54970 shank is sold separately. You'll also need the 2-5/16 inch trailer ball, part # 19286.
I'll link you to some FAQ articles about weight distribution. I hope you'll find them helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
B&W Heavy-Duty Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class V
- 1600 lbs TW
- 16000 lbs GTW
- 16000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 1600 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- B and W
more information >
Reese Weight Dist Shank - 12-1/4" Long - 2" Drop to 6-1/2" Rise - 1,500 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Shanks
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Round - 2 Inch Drop
- Trunnion - 1 Inch Drop
- Round - 5 Inch Rise
- Trunnion - 6 Inch Rise
- Reese
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 15K GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1100 lbs
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- 1400 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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on Weight Distribution Hitch
