Towing Capacity of a 1993 GMC Sierra 3500 Diesel and Do I Need a Transmission Cooler

Updated 04/01/2014 | Published 03/30/2014

Question:

Hello! I just bought a very well maintained 1993 GMC 3500 Sierra 6.5 liter dually. It is a diesel . It has 398,000 km on it but it is in amazing condition. I wondered about the towing capacity? I have a 8085 GVWR horse trailer and a 7850 GVWR travel trailer that I would like to haul with it. Both are bumper pull. Do I need to add an additional transmission cooler to haul my trailers. I will always be hauling on flat ground and not long distances. Also, I was planning to take it in for check ups every three months or is that overkill? Thanks

asked by: Jodie

Expert Reply:

There are a couple of ways to obtain the maximum towing limits for your 1993 GMC 3500 Diesel. Towing information can typically be located in your owner's manual or by contacting a GM dealer and providing them with your VIN. You can also locate the GCWR found on a plate or sticker fixed to the door jamb of the driver's door of your vehicle. The gross combined weight rating (GCWR) is the maximum weight allowed for the truck, trailer, and all contents combined.

When determining whether you can safely tow a trailer, the following calculation should be made.

Gross Combined Weight Rating (Maximum Weight Allowed for your Vehicle) - The Gross Vehicle Weight (Vehicle + Passengers + Contents) = The Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (Trailer + Contents)

Installing a transmission cooler is always a good idea when towing. Overheating is one of the main causes of transmission failure. My personal recommendation is that if you are towing at 75 percent or greater weight capacity, I would definitely recommend a transmission cooler. The Derale Transmission Cooler, # D13504, would be a great option. It would help to prolong the life of the transmission, improve overall performance, and prevent heat-related failures. I have included a video and help articles which may be of help to you.

As for recommended maintenance intervals, there are many variables to consider, so I would talk with your mechanic to see what their recommendations would be.

expert reply by: Leah S