Towing Capacities for 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD for Fifth Wheel

Updated 02/17/2020 | Published 10/24/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Semi-Custom Fifth Wheel Bracket Kit for Ford F150

(4)

$149.05

B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K

(5265)

$1699.00

Question:

I have another question. would air bags mounted under truck increase the payload ? Its probably a silly question but thought I would ask.

asked by: Daryl C

Helpful Expert Reply:

I found Chevy's online trailering guide for your 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD with the Duramax diesel and the fifth wheel towing capacit is 18,100 lbs. The payload capacity (truck bed capacity) looks to be 3,204 lbs.

The pin weight capacity is different since the payload is the weight capacity of the truck bed and the fifth wheel trailer pin weight is capacity of trailer weight that essentially bolts to the frame of the truck. The pin weight capacity would be right at 3,620 lbs.

If your truck has the factory in-bed rail kit you'd only need the B&W Companion slider hitch part # BWRVK3770 which you'd slide back as you make tight turns to give you the turning clearance needed.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Daryl C.

10/24/2018

I have another question. would air bags mounted under truck increase the payload ? Its probably a silly question but thought I would ask.

Jameson C.

10/24/2018

Suspension enhancement can help you tow within the vehicle's towing capacity safer but it will not add additional towing capacity. So the Firestone Ride Rite kit part # F2702 will fit your truck and work great to help it tow it's current capacity but beyond that it would give you more capacity.

Gary A.

2/5/2020

I have the same truck, 2018 2500 Duramax Diesel 4X4 short box. When I looked up the trailer guide, it stated 14,500 Max for a 5th wheel? Am i reading it wrong?

Jason S.

2/7/2020

For the 2018 2500 Double Cab Standard box 4x4 with the 6.6L Diesel I see 14,400 lbs as your max capacity for 5th wheel and 13,000 as the max capacity for conventional towing. This is for the 3.73:1 gear ratio.

Leta B.

2/15/2020

2018 2500 hd Silverado ext cabHow much trailer weight can my truck handle 5th wheel fully loaded?Hitch weight in the bed?Ty

Jason S.

2/17/2020

You don't give me enough info to help with specifics. If you look up the 2018 Chevy Trailering and Towing Guide you will be able to see what your truck is rated for based on engine, transmission aspect ratio, and cab style and box size as well as if it is 2WD or 4x4. Page 11 will show your conventional towing capacity and page 12 your 5th wheel capacity. Your payload weight is not the same as your pin box and hitch weight because payload is dispersed over the entire bed where the 5th wheel hitch rails or pucks are mounted to the frame and more secure. That weight isn't rated, so if you can pull it the pin box at normally 20-25% of the weight won't be an issue.