Can a 2011 Chevy Silverado 1500 4.8L V8 2wd Tow a 3,500 lb Travel Trailer

Question:

I own a 2011 silverado 1500 work truck 2wd long bed 4.8 v8. My understanding is that the tow capacity is 4700 lbs. I was wondering if it is reasonable to tow a 3500 lb travel trailer? Is a 2wd truck sufficient, and is it safe and manageable?

asked by: William S

Expert Reply:

Assuming your towing capacity is 4,700 lbs, you can safely tow a 3,500 lb trailer. In fact, 2wd trucks typically have a higher towing capacity than 4wd trucks and long bed trucks, or trucks with longer wheel bases, hold up better to towing issues such as trailer sway and traction control.

I checked the owners manual for your truck and it only discusses the towing capacity for the 6.0L engines, but according to Trailer Life Magazine's towing guides, your truck should have a 4,700 lb towing capacity. The best way to find your truck's actual towing capacity would be to contact your local Chevy dealer with your VIN. They can give you your exact specs based on how your truck was equipped.

A few other things that you may want to consider are a weight distribution system or suspension enhancement to help with squatting and trailer sway and a transmission cooler to ease the burden on your transmission.

A weight distribution system is typically recommended when the trailer weight exceeds 50 percent of the tow vehicles gross weight. When choosing a weight distribution system, it is best to choose based on the total tongue weight of your towing setup. The total tongue weight is the loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer plus anything loaded in your truck bed behind the rear axle. If your trailer is going to weigh 3,500 lbs loaded, then I recommend with the Equal-i-zer System, # EQ37060ET, or their more economical option, the Fastway E2, # FA92-00-0600, because they will offer sway control along with weight distribution. The Fastway system will need the hitch ball, # EQ91-00-6080, and the Equal-i-zer system comes with one. Both options will get the job done for you.

If you don't want to go with a weight distribution system, the SuperSprings Solo Helper Springs, # SSR-209-40, are a great economical option that requires no maintenance and it will help reduce squatting when towing your trailer. I've attached an installation video for you to check out on a Silverado 1500.

Finally, I recommend a transmission cooler. The number one killer of transmissions is overheating and towing will do just that, heat up the transmission fluid more than normal. The Derale Series 8000 Cooler, # D13503, along with the GM fitting # D13035, are just what your truck will want to ensure your truck keeps running for years and years. I've attached an installation video of this as well.