What is the Towing Capacity for a 1992 GMC K1500 SLX

Question:

Hello, I am trying to find out the towing capacity of the subject truck, which also is a 5-speed manual w/Low, and has a 3.42 rear end. The trailer I am pulling is 6500 lbs., without any water/cargo, etc. I have spent hours trying to find this information, and have had no luck. Please help!!!

asked by: Dominic

Expert Reply:

According to an old GM document I have the towing capacity of a 1992 GMC K1500 is as follows:

Regular Cab or Extended Cab, any bed style, with a 4.3 liter the capacity is 5,000 pounds. With the 5.0 liter motor capacity is 6,500 pounds. With the 5.7 liter it is 7,000 pounds. And with the 6.2 liter is goes down to 5,500 pounds.

You can also check for a sticker in the driver's side door jamb. It should list the gross vehicle weight rating and the gross combined vehicle weight rating. If you subtract the gross vehicle weight rating from the gross combined weight rating then the result is the capacity of the truck.

Basically you would take how much the truck weighs when it is loaded with fuel, passengers, and any cargo and subtract that from the gross combined.

If you need a trailer hitch I recommend # C14081 if your truck has the standard or step bumper, # 41528 if it has the 10 inch deep drop bumper. The roll pan bumper would use # 41522.

I also recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

And for trailer wiring you can use # 118315 to add a 4-Way flat to the back of the truck.