2011 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Towing 5th Wheel vs. Bumper Pull Trailer

Updated 09/26/2017 | Published 09/25/2017

Question:

Hi, I want to use my truck which is gas 6.5 bed 373 gears but, w/ factory tow pkg. It has 73K miles, 2 years till paid for w/ a low and is running great. We want to purchase a toy hauler. My husband thinks we need to trade it in for a larger truck. I was trying to look for either fifth wheel toy hauler or travel toy hauler. Was wondering what is the recommended weight with the recommended tow hitches for the truck? Is this truck doable? Or do we trade up for the larger truck?

asked by: Rhonda

Helpful Expert Reply:

If a 5th wheel is under consideration you will be better offer with a new long bed truck. Long beds avoid the 5th wheel turning clearance issues that come up with short-bed trucks. Short-bed pickups will need either a sliding type hitch (or a fixed hitch with a Sidewinder pin box) in order to have enough clearance to make tight turns in campgrounds. For a 5th wheel, go long bed to make life easier. If you decide to go for a bumper-pull toy hauler than the short bed truck is fine.

To determine the towing capacity of your Silverado, you will need to know the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), which is the curb weight of the vehicle plus the weight of passengers, cargo and gas, and the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCVR) which is the maximum amount that your vehicle plus the trailer can weigh. If you subtract the GVW from the GCVR, the result will be a close approximation of the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can safely tow.

The GCVR and GVW are typically listed on a sticker or plate attached to the vehicle in the door jamb on the drivers side door. Your owners manual might have additional information regarding your tow capacity.

I did some online research on your vehicle, and I found that the conventional towing capacity ranges from 9300 to 13,000 lbs and fifth wheel towing capacity can range from 9300 to 14,700 lbs depending on how your vehicle is equipped.

expert reply by: Adam R