Determining Size of Trailer that 2004 Chevy Silverado 1500 Can Pull

Question:

Say I was wondering I got a 2004 Silverado half ton 5.3 L Vortech and I was wondering if you can pull at eight and half by 24 in close trailer from my lawn business

asked by: Matt

Expert Reply:

As long as the loaded weight of the trailer you are looking at falls below the capacities for both the trailer hitch and your Silverado 1500, you will be able to pull the enclosed trailer safely for your lawn business. It isn't so much the size in terms of length and width, but its total weight that you will want to be concerned with.

The actual towing capacity for a truck like yours can vary greatly depending on what it is equipped with (engine size, axle ratio, cab size, etc) so you will want to check your copy of the owner's manual for its specific limits. You can also visit a local Chevy dealer with your VIN and they will be able to look up your truck's specs.

If you don't yet have a trailer hitch on your Silverado, I recommend the Curt Class IV Receiver Hitch # C14332. This Class IV hitch will use existing holes in the truck's frame for a no-drill installation. It features 2 inch receiver opening and has a 10,000 pound towing limit. You will still need to follow the towing capacity of your Silverado if it is lower.

I have attached the installation instructions that you can take a look at.

expert reply by: Chris R