Towing Capacity of 2004 Chevy Silverado and Recommended Hitch for Towing Enclosed Trailer

Question:

I have a 2004 Silverado LS and I want to purchase that 8 1/2 x 24 enclosed trailer I put helper springs on the back and I’m going to use it for my lawn care business the whole my mowers can my pick up pull that

asked by: Matt

Expert Reply:

In order to find the correct towing capacity for your 2004 Chevy Silverado, you're going to want to consult with the owner's manual; from what I was able to find, you'll be able to tow between 7500 and 9100-lbs depending on the exact model and specs on your truck. If the Silverado is four-wheel drive and has a 3.73:1 axle ratio, the capacity is 7,800 lbs (extended cab) or 8,200 lbs (regular cab); if it is four-wheel drive and has a 4.10:1 axle ratio the towing capacity is 8,800 lbs (extended cab) or 9,200 lbs (regular cab).

If your Chevy is two-wheel drive and has a 3.42:1 axle ratio, the towing capacity is 7,100 lbs (extended cab) or 7,500 lbs (regular cab); if the truck has a 3.73:1 axle ratio, the capacity is 8,100 lbs (extended cab) or 8,300 lbs (regular cab).

In order to find out if you'll be able to tow your enclosed trailer, you'll need to find the weight of that trailer as well as the weight of all of the equipment you'll be carrying. As long as the total is under the weight specified for your model truck, you'll be able to tow the trailer.

If you need a hitch for your truck, there are a number of different options depending on what style bumper you have. There are a number of trailer hitch receivers I recommend for your '04 Chevy Silverado starting with the Curt # 13322, which has a Class III rating with a tongue weight of 600 lbs and a towing weight of 6,000 lbs (if you use a weight distribution system the ratings go up to 1000 TW and 10000-lbs towing). If you need to tow above 6000-lbs, you'll want to use a tongue weight scale like the etrailer # e99044 to determine exactly what your trailer's tongue weight is and then choose a weight distribution system that puts your tongue weight somewhere in the middle. For reference, the Reese Steadi-Flex # RP66560 would likely be a good fit since it has a range of 600-1200lbs.

If you also need a wiring harness to connect the trailer lights and don't have any existing wires from the towing package, you'll need to use the # C58044 to install a 4 way connector. You can add a 7 way connector for your trailer with the # ETBC7. If you have the towing package with the US Car Connector you'll want to use the # C55384 to install a 7 way.

I've linked installation and information videos for many of these products that you might find helpful and you can use as a reference when you go to install them.