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.
Products Referenced in This Question
Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Vehicle Suspension
- Towing/Load Leveling
- Air Springs
- Heavy Duty
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Air Lift
more information >
Air Lift WirelessAIR Compressor System for Air Helper Springs - Remote - Bluetooth
- Air Bag Compressor Kit
- Wireless Control
- Dual Path
- Digital Display
- 100 psi
- Air Lift
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- 5th Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 13-1/2 - 17 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Video: How to Set Up Your Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs on a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
- Shop: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle
- Search Results: air suspension compressor kit
- Q&A: Weight Distribution System Needed for Towing a 6,800 lb Dry Weight Trailer with a 2018 GMC Sierra
- Q&A: What is Towing Capacity of 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 When Using Weight Distribution
- Shop: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Shop: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Video: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Rear Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers Review
- Search Results: suspension enhancement
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: Best Way to Prevent Sagging Suspension When Towing a Trailer
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Search Results: air bags
- Q&A: Does Air Lift LoadLifter Fit 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 Alpine Rocky Ridge Edition
- Shop: Air Lift WirelessONE Compressor System for Air Helper Springs - Remote - Bluetooth - Single Path
- Video: Choosing the Right Vehicle Suspension Upgrades
- Article: Choosing the Right Suspension Kit for Your Truck and Trailer
- Search Results: air bag compressor kit
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Video: Let’s Check Out the RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit-RAS34FR
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
on 5th Wheel Hitch
