Towing 8,000Lbs this weekend.

[agallant80]

Towing back new boat and trailer this weekend. All and all with fuel, trailer and boat I am thinking about 8,000. My current boat is around 5,000. Any advice for the extra weight? By the way truck is 2012 Silverado.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Towing 8,000Lbs this weekend.

!!!Brakes!!!

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Towing 8,000Lbs this weekend.

Class III hitch and Ball! Check it!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Towing 8,000Lbs this weekend.

silverado what? half ton, 3/4 ton, one ton? which engine? which final drive ratio?

Class III hitch or Class V hitch?

2013 Chevy Silverado 1500 Full Size Pickup Truck | Capabilities | Chevrolet

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Towing 8,000Lbs this weekend.

It should be set up from the factory for 9500 so go slow and get used to the extra and you should be just fine.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Towing 8,000Lbs this weekend.

It should be set up from the factory for 9500 so go slow and get used to the extra and you should be just fine.

9500lbs is the CGWR. That is; the truck and trailer combined.
After subtracting the truck that leaves 5400 lbs with the V6 and 7200 lbs with the V8.
This all assumes the ideal 3.7 rear end.

You are going to be over capacity.
But seeing as you are going to do it in any event;
Go slowly, Be careful, and don't go doing it again on any regular basis.

I see a bigger truck in your future!

 

[tazrig]

Re: Towing 8,000Lbs this weekend.

Class III hitch and Ball! Check it!

Actually, if he's towing 9,000 lbs it should be a class 4 hitch:

Trailer Hitch Classes Review | etrailer.com

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Towing 8,000Lbs this weekend.

MMM of course it depends on the exact truck, but most of the silvarados with the 5.3 and the Z 71 one package and the factory towing package are rated from to 9500 towing capacity not CGRW thats 14,000. They come with a class IV. At 8000 he will be just fine.


Truck and SUV Towing Capacity Charts

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Towing 8,000Lbs this weekend.

advice... uh yeah... check your tire pressure and make sure it is at MAX on all tires.... eat a good breakfast, travel a little slower and stop a little sooner... nuff said

 

[etracer68]

Re: Towing 8,000Lbs this weekend.

I have to agree, about BRAKES! Hope they work well on the trailer.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Towing 8,000Lbs this weekend.

Any advice for the extra weight?

Yes, go slow and don't wreck the thing . . . Stopping distance is 2X, at least . . .

When towing a load that is close to the vehicle's capabilities, I have found that it helps to accelerate slightly while going over bumpy or uneven pavement areas, as the trailer tends to effect the vehicle a bit less.

 

[Splat]

Re: Towing 8,000Lbs this weekend.

Its only 8k#. Relax, take your time and don't do anything exceptionally dumb and you'll be fine.

Its like listening to the news sensationalize the weather around here sometimes.

Bill

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Towing 8,000Lbs this weekend.

9500lbs is the CGWR. That is; the truck and trailer combined.
After subtracting the truck that leaves 5400 lbs with the V6 and 7200 lbs with the V8.
This all assumes the ideal 3.7 rear end.

You are going to be over capacity.

OP hasn't stated what truck, so its entirely likely he is well within capacity yet. Also, I'm willing to bet those trucks probably have the same brakes across all models, so the limits are more powertrain capability. The important factor, stopping, is the same.

 

[rbh]

Re: Towing 8,000Lbs this weekend.

If it has electric brakes remember to set up the pendant controler a little bit more to make up for for the extra weight.

 

[ricohman]

Re: Towing 8,000Lbs this weekend.

8K?
Just drive. Anything under 15k is no problem with your dmax. I can't even tell the difference between 10k and 15k with my F350.

 

[jestor68]

Re: Towing 8,000Lbs this weekend.

Seeing as how I have no idea what Silverado you have, the best advice would be to consult your owner manual for the tow rating of your particular model.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Towing 8,000Lbs this weekend.

If it has electric brakes remember to set up the pendant controler a little bit more to make up for for the extra weight.

People actually still use controllers with pendants in them! That's like 90's technology

 

[hungupthespikes]

Re: Towing 8,000Lbs this weekend.

As above check for Class 4 hitch and the truck's capacities.

Try to bum the links below if you can, till you find the right drop for your set up.
(you need something that you can adjust first time.)

Convert-A-Ball Cushioned, Adjustable Pintle Mounting Bar for 2" Hitches - 10 Holes - 10,000 lbs Convert-A-Ball Ball Mounts AMPC3

Pintle Hook Combo with 2-5/16" Ball Draw-Tite Ball Mounts 63012

Big jump when the boat/trailer is more than 5000, but you'll be fine. Just take your time and give yourself more room than you do with the old boat for stops and turns.
You'll like the bigger trailer, the duel axle handle better than the single axle on the road.

We need pics of the boat!!!!
huts

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Towing 8,000Lbs this weekend.

People actually still use controllers with pendants in them! That's like 90's technology

It's not the 90's any more?????

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Towing 8,000Lbs this weekend.

Any advice for the extra weight?

Bring some extra tie-downs just in case you need them and a call to your insurance company with the new information on the boat and trailer would not hurt either.


That's what I did with my Sea Ray that comes in over 9k depending on how much fuel is onboard.

Mark