Can 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 Handle Towing 7800 lb Camper

Question:

So I have a 2014 Chevy Silverado LT 1500 standard bed 2WD. I’m looking to buy a camper that weighs 7,775 lbs dry weight. My gear ratio is 3.42, will this truck tow it with out tearing up transmission.

asked by: Jason D

Expert Reply:

From what I'm reading in the 2014 edition of he GM Towing Guide, a 2014 Silverado 1500 with the 3.42 rear end can tow up to 9300 lbs for a regular cab, 9900 lbs for the double cab. Both these figures assume the V8 engine. Crew cab models with the V6 can tow 5900 lbs for the double cab or 9800 lb for the crew cab with the V8.

Long story short, if your truck has the V8 engine, it can handle the trailer as long as its loaded weight is below the towing capacity.

To protect your transmission, I'd urge you to install a supplemental transmission cooler. I'd recommend the Derale # D13503 which would install directly behind the grille. The cooler is installed inline of the return line from the radiator to the transmsission as you can see in the video I've linked showing a typical install. I'll also link to some articles about transmission coolers that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L