Can a 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 Tow an 8K 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

I have a 2016 1500 Silverado 5.3 V 8 4 wheel drive dbl cab standard bed with trailer package. Can I tow a fifth wheel with a ship at of 8063lbs? Thank you

asked by: Calvin W

Expert Reply:

According to the online owner's manual for your 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 you can tow the following with these axle ratios:

3.08 - 6,200 lbs
3.42 - 9,200 lbs
3.42 - 10,800 lbs (8-speed automatic transmission with enhanced towing package)
3.73 - 10,900 lbs

So as long as you have the 3.42 or 3.73 axle ratio you can tow the 8,063 5th wheel trailer dry, but the problem is going to be when you go to load it up. Most 5th wheel trailers have anywhere between 1,000 lbs - 2,000 lbs of cargo capacity so you need to make sure that you account for that when you choose your 5th wheel trailer.

For a 5th wheel trailer hitch I recommend the Reese 16K # RP30075 because it is a middle-of-the-road trailer hitch that uses the round tube sliders so you won't have a binding issue like with the square tube sliders. You will need a rail and bracket kit to use this trailer hitch. I recommend the part # RP50064-58 because it is a custom kit so you don't have to drill into the frame of your pickup.

If you don't already have a 7-Way in the bed of your pickup then I also recommend the Bargman # 50-97-410 which makes it easier to connect and disconnect your 5th wheel trailer wiring.