Maximum Trailer Weight 1994 GMC Suburban and 1997 Dodge Ram are Capable of Towing

Updated 09/26/2012 | Published 09/24/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Weight Distribution - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW

(62)

$556.73

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2621)

$22.81

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3873)

$17.67

Question:

Hello, I have a 1994 GMC C1500 2-wheel drive suburban. I am looking at buying a travel trailer, but need weight distribution. The hitch on my vehicle says its rated at 10,000 lbs max distributed weight, and 1,000 lbs. max distributed tongue weight. I am looking at a trailer thats rated loaded capacity at 9,500 lbs. Can I pull this with this suburban? If so, what weight distributing hitch should I get. I also have a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4 wheel drive pickup. Its weight ratings are identical to the suburban. Would I be better off pulling a travel trailer with this vehicle instead? How heavy of a 5th wheel trailer could I pull with this pickup. I want to know my best option before buying a camper. Thanks alot.

asked by: Brian M

Expert Reply:

At first glance, that trailer might be too much for either vehicle to handle.

Since the towing capacity of a truck can vary greatly according to how it is equipped, to determine how much either vehicle can tow you will need to do some calculations. It is entirely possible that the capacity of the hitch installed on either vehicle is actually rated higher than the vehicle tow rating. You will need to abide by whichever rating is lower.

The GCWR, or Gross Combined Weight Rating should be listed either in the owners manual or on a plate or sticker in the door jamb of the drivers side door. The GCWR represents the maximum amount that the trailer AND the tow vehicle can weigh. Next, determine the GCW or Gross Vehicle Weight. This represents the curb weight of the vehicle plus the weight of the passengers and any cargo carried aboard. When the GCW is subtracted from the GCWR, the result is the maximum amount that your trailer can weigh. This formula will also calculate the maximum weight of a travel trailer that you can safely tow.

Trailer tongue weight is typically calculated as 10-15 percent of the fully loaded trailer weight, which in your case would range from 950-1425 lbs. The weight of anything stored behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle also needs to be added to the tongue weight figure. Since the high side of this estimate exceeds the tongue weight capacity of the hitches you have, I would recommend determining the actual tongue weight of your trailer by following the procedure outlined in the FAQ article I have linked you to. If you find the actual tongue weight of the trailer exceeds the 1000 lb tongue weight capacity of your hitches, I would NOT recommend towing that particular camper with either of your vehicles.

If you find that your tongue weight is under the capacity of the hitches and that of the vehicles themselves, the Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System, part # RP66561 would be a good choice for you. The system is effective on trailers with tongue weights ranging from 700-1400 lbs and provides both weight distribution and sway control. The system includes the weight distributing shank, but the appropriately sized trailer ball with a 1-1/4 inch diameter threaded shank is sold separately. For a 2 inch ball, use part # A-90 or part # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.

expert reply by: Mike L