Maximum Towing Capacity for 2009 Chevrolet Silverado

Question:

I have a 1/2 ton Chevrolet Silverado 5.3LV8 the sticker on the door says GVWR 6900 and GAWR FRT3700 and GAWR RR3950. 2WD, extended cab and 4 Speed automatic and a long bed. Can you tell me how much weight travel trailer I can tow?

asked by: Timothy J

Expert Reply:

I checked the owner's manual for your 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of your vehicle is 13,000 lbs. The best way to determine your towing capacity is to load your truck with all the people and cargo that you plan to carry when leaving on a trip and then weigh the truck. You will subtract this weight from the GCWR. This number will be the true maximum towing capacity of your Silverado. I typically don't recommend towing at your maximum capacity, as this will still put a lot of stress onto your vehicle.

If your Silverado has a factory installed trailer hitch, there should be a label somewhere on the hitch that lists the hitch weight capacity. If this is lower than your vehicle's capacity, you will be limited to the lowest rated component in your setup.

If you do not already have a trailer hitch, I recommend the Curt Class IV Receiver Hitch # 14301. This trailer hitch has a 10,000 lb towing and 1,000 lb tongue weight capacity, although you will be limited to the maximum towing weight of your Silverado. This is a custom fit hitch which means there is no drilling required during installation because it will use existing holes in your truck's frame. I have included an installation video on a 2009 Silverado for you to check out.

To install a 7-Pole Trailer Connector on your vehicle, I recommend the Pollak Twist-in # PK11916. This will simply twist into the pre-existing cutout on your Cheverolet Silverado to provide a connector for your trailer's electrical functions.

You will also need a ball mount for your trailer hitch to tow a trailer. The type of ball mount you need will depend on your towing setup. I have included a link to our selection as well as a helpful article detailing how to choose the correct one.

And lastly, if you do plan on towing at or near the maximum capacity of your vehicle, it would be a good idea to consider a weight distribution system or suspension enhancement. I have included a couple of helpful articles on these products if you would like to explore this further.