What is the Towing Capacity of a 2004 Chevy Silverado 1500 with 4.8 Liter

Updated 08/20/2018 | Published 08/17/2018

Question:

I have a 2004 silverado 1500 with the 4.8 v8. I cant exactly figure out what the towing capacity is. The hitch on the back has a sticker that says 12,000 pounds distributed weight limit but what exactly does that mean? 12,000 pounds seemed like a lot for a half ton truck.

asked by: Evan S

Expert Reply:

The towing capacity of your 2004 Chevy Silverado 1500 with 4.8 liter motor will depend on several factors including the bed length, cab style, rear end ratio, transmission type, and whether it is 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive:

2-Wheel drive models:
Regular cab, short box, automatic, with 3.42 rear end = 6,500 pounds; long box = 6,300 pounds
Regular cab, short box, automatic, with 3.73 rear end = 7,500 pounds; long box 7,300 pounds
Regular cab, short box, manual, with 3.42 rear end = 4,500 pounds; long box = 4,300 pounds
Regular cab, short box, manual, with 3.73 rear end = 5,500 pounds; long box = 5,300 pounds
Extended cab, short box, automatic, with 3.42 rear end = 6,100 pounds; long box = 5,900 pounds
Extended cab, short box, automatic, with 3.73 rear end = 7,100 pounds; long box = 6,900 pounds
Extended cab, short box, manual, with 3.42 rear end = 4,100 pounds; long box = 3,900 pounds
Extended cab, short box, manual, with 3.73 rear end = 5,100 pounds; long box = 4,900 pounds

4-wheel drive models:
Regular cab, short box, automatic, with 3.73 rear end = 7,200 pounds; long box = 7,000 pounds
Regular cab, short box, automatic, with 4.10 rear end = 8,200 pounds; long box 8,000 pounds
Regular cab, short box, manual, with 3.73 rear end = 5,200 pounds; long box = 5,000 pounds
Regular cab, short box, manual, with 4.10 rear end = 6,200 pounds; long box = 6,000 pounds
Extended cab, short box, automatic, with 3.73 rear end = 6,800 pounds; long box = 6,600 pounds
Extended cab, short box, automatic, with 4.10 rear end = 7,800 pounds; long box = 7,600 pounds
Extended cab, short box, manual, with 3.73 rear end = 4,800 pounds; long box = 4,700 pounds
Extended cab, short box, manual, with 4.10 rear end = 5,800 pounds; long box = 5,700 pounds

The trailer hitch may be rated higher but you will still need to go by the capacity listed above for your specific configuration. Weight distributing means when use a weight distribution system. Often times some trailer hitches can have a separate, higher rating when using a weight distribution system. But you would still need to stay within the capacities of the truck.