Maximum Towing Capacity of 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD SLE 4x4 Crew Cab 6 Foot Bed

Question:

I am very confused on how much hitch weight of a travel trailer this truck can tow. Can it handle 1130 hitch weight of a travel trailer that has a dry weight of 8575 fully loaded would be max 9930. With the right kind of hitch can it handle it if so what type of hitch?

asked by: AnnaShaw

Expert Reply:

Because trucks can be equipped in a multitude of ways, it's not always easy to pin down the actual towing capacity. However, there is one sure-fire way to find the max towing capacity of your vehicle.

Look for the vehicle ID sticker in the door jamb for the driver's door. Look for the GCWR, which is the gross combined weight rating. This weight represents the maximum combined weight of the truck and trailer. From that figure, subtract the GVW, the gross vehicle weight. The GVW represents the curb weight of the vehicle, plus the weight of all the cargo and passengers. You can easily find this out at a truck scale at a local truck stop or material supply. The result will represent the maximum trailer weight you can safely pull.

If your truck doesn't currently have a hitch, I'd recommend the B&W Class V hitch, part # BWHDRH25182. This hitch offers a large 16,000 lb towing/1600 lb tongue weight capacity an a reasonable price.

Due to the rather heavy tongue weight of the trailer, and its 35 foot length, I'd highly recommend you go with a weight distribution system with sway control. The weight distribution component will transfer a portion of the trailer's tongue weight to the front truck axle, leveling out the ride height between the front and rear axle. The longer the trailer, the more susceptible it is to trailer sway caused by crosswinds and turbulence caused by oncoming or passing traffic.

To choose a weight distribution system, you'll need to first determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer. To that figure, add the weight of any gear stowed in the cargo area of the truck bed behind the rear axle. I've linked to an FAQ article that explains how to do this. These combined figures comprise the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your set-up. The TTW of your trailer should fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the weight distribution system you choose.

I'd recommend a Reese Strait-Line system which combines proven weight distribution performance with the Dual-Cam sway control that will prevent trailer sway before it can occur. If your trailer's fully loaded tongue weight is less than 1200 lbs, I'd recommend the # RP66084. If the tongue weight is greater than 1200 lbs but less than 1500, go with # RP66130. The RP66084 includes the weight distrubting shank, but for the # RP66130, the # RP54970 shank is sold separately. You'll also need the 2-5/16 inch trailer ball, part # 19286.

I'll link you to some FAQ articles about weight distribution. I hope you'll find them helpful.