2018 Silverado 1500 5.3L Trailer Towing Capacity

Question:

do you know the max trailer weight I can tow with my 1500? 2018 with 5.3L.

asked by: Herschel

Expert Reply:

The trailer towing capacity for your 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 depends on the specific combination of features the truck has and on the type of trailer. These features include the engine, of course, but the towing capacity also depends on the drivetrain (2WD or 4WD), the transmission, cab style, bed length and rear axle gear ratio. All of these things affect towing capacity.

The owner's manual for the truck lists starting on page 302 all of the combinations of features and the resulting maximum trailer weight each version of the truck can tow.

For example, the 1500 Series 2WD Regular Cab Standard Box with 5.3L V8 and 3.42 axle ratio can tow a conventional trailer of up to 8900-lbs. But the same truck with the 3.08 axle ratio can tow only 6900-lbs.

Ratings for 5th wheel and gooseneck trailers are different and these capacities are also included in the manual. If the truck is a long bed that has a 5th wheel hitch like # RP30047 and the 3.73 axle ratio then it can tow a 5th wheel trailer that weighs up to 10,700-lbs.

While you can't "bolt on" additional towing capacity to a vehicle with accessories you can improve your towing experience with certain enhancements. For instance, the long bed version can use a rear axle air bag kit such as AirLift # AL57211 to level and support the rear suspension if it sags from trailer weight. This kit can be used along with a compressor like the WirelessAIR # AL74000 which offers remote-controlled operation.