Can a 2004 Chevy Silverado 1500 with 5.3L Engine Tow a Trailer with GVWR of 5,860 lbs

Question:

I have a 2004 silverado 1500 ls short bed with the 5.3 engine and I found a travel trailer I might get the dry weight on the camper trailer is 4050lbs gross weight is 5860 lbs and the trailer is 25 foot can my truck haul this without any modifications

asked by: Denny S

Expert Reply:

I took a look at the online version of the owner's manual for your 2004 Chevy Silverado 1500 and it looks like the 5300 V8 engine has a range of 6,800 lbs - 8,700 lbs depending on axle ratio and cab size.

With this being the case your Silverado can tow the trailer as is but I do recommend looking into using a weight distribution (WD) system. These are recommended when the trailer weighs at least half of the curb weight of the tow vehicle.

If the GVWR of your trailer is 5,860 lbs then I recommend using the Reese Steadi-Flex # RP66559 which has a tongue weight range of 500 lbs - 1,000 lbs. Since a WD system takes into account the loaded tongue weight of the trailer as well as any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle this range should be perfect for your application. All you need is a hitch ball like the 2" part # A-90 or the 2-5/16" part # 19286.

Attached is a review video of this WD system as well as some helpful articles on WD systems for you to reference.

expert reply by: Jon G