What is my max towing capacity

[Travler]

I have a 2009 chevy Silverado 2500 HD extended cab short bed. It has a 3.73 rear end with a 6.0 gas engine.. I am confused what my towing capacity is for a another upgraded 5vr..Could someone set me straight as to how much 5th wheel I can pull..

Thanks

[Seabee]

10,200 pounds for a 2x4, 9,900 pounds for a 4x4 according to the '09 Towing Guide.

[therink]

With the 3:73 and 6.0 the above poster is correct. Another thing to consider with fifth wheel towing capacity is payload, much more so than when towing a travel trailer. The pin weight of a fifth wheel rv runs average 20%. The tongue weight of a TT runs about 13%. When calculating, use the gvwr (loaded not dry or brochure weights of the fifth wheel when estimating what the actual pin weight will be for the fifth wheel that you are considering.
Now go to the yellow sticker on the driver door jamb of your truck. What does the sticker say that "the combined weight of cargo and occupants can weigh" (lbs). Let's say it says 2700 lbs (this is the payload rating of your truck). Ok, no load your truck as is going camping without trailer and weigh it at a scale, then add 300lbs for a fifth wheel hitch (unless you already have one installed). Subtract the "calculated payload" weight on the sticker from what the truck weighs per the scale. The difference equals the max pin or tongue weight that the truck is designed to carry (payload).
Considering that the tow rating of your truck is 9900 lbs, I recommend towing any fifth wheel that has gvwr loaded weight of 10k or under. A loaded fiver weighing 10k will have a pin weight of around 2000 lbs. This is likely the best scenario for your truck.

[hemisareslow]

Originally Posted by therink

With the 3:73 and 6.0 the above poster is correct. Another thing to consider with fifth wheel towing capacity is payload, much more so than when towing a travel trailer. The pin weight of a fifth wheel rv runs average 20%. The tongue weight of a TT runs about 13%. When calculating, use the gvwr (loaded not dry or brochure weights of the fifth wheel when estimating what the actual pin weight will be for the fifth wheel that you are considering.
Now go to the yellow sticker on the driver door jamb of your truck. What does the sticker say that "the combined weight of cargo and occupants can weigh" (lbs). Let's say it says 2700 lbs (this is the payload rating of your truck). Ok, no load your truck as is going camping without trailer and weigh it at a scale, then add 300lbs for a fifth wheel hitch (unless you already have one installed). Subtract the "calculated payload" weight on the sticker from what the truck weighs per the scale. The difference equals the max pin or tongue weight that the truck is designed to carry (payload).
Considering that the tow rating of your truck is 9900 lbs, I recommend towing any fifth wheel that has gvwr loaded weight of 10k or under. A loaded fiver weighing 10k will have a pin weight of around 2000 lbs. This is likely the best scenario for your truck.

that would be hitting the nail right on the head

[chuckster57]

Only correction I would make is the hitch weight- more like 100-150 not 300.

[therink]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Only correction I would make is the hitch weight- more like 100-150 not 300.

The hitch weighs about 150 and the hitch rail kit and frame adapters weigh about 100. I have installed several. Unless he has these installed a worse case weight to add would be about 300.

[Travler]

Thanks for all the info and post...I was looking at a 2015 Cougar 288RLS and was really hoping that my truck could handle pulling that 5er.. its dry weight is 9300 lbs..Does any one think that this set up being some what over could have any issues pulling this model??

[therink]

Originally Posted by Travler

Thanks for all the info and post...I was looking at a 2015 Cougar 288RLS and was really hoping that my truck could handle pulling that 5er.. its dry weight is 9300 lbs..Does any one think that this set up being some what over could have any issues pulling this model??

The weak link is the 3:73 axle.amd 9900 tow rating. The 4:10 axle in the same truck has a 13900 tow rating. I suppose their 9900 rating is to protect the transmission. That fiver will likely weigh at least 11000 loaded.

Starting in 2015, GM discontinued the 3:73 on the HD gasser and now only offer the 4:10 as standard equipment. The 3:73 isn't even available with the gasser.

I would not recommend that fiver with your set up.

[Travler]

Yea I really liked the 28RLS but as I thought its just to heavy for my TV..I need a Deisel 2500 to get that one in my drive..Thanks for all info...will stay with the 26SAB that I have now.. Its just right for the truck...

[Seabee]

Originally Posted by Travler

Yea I really liked the 28RLS but as I thought its just to heavy for my TV..I need a Deisel 2500 to get that one in my drive..Thanks for all info...will stay with the 26SAB that I have now.. Its just right for the truck...

You don't necessarily need a diesel, just better gearing.

[CWtheMan]

By the book your limited to the truck's GCWR.

CW

[Dave-Gray]

The most accurate way to answer your question is first, weigh your truck, then use http://RVtowCheck.com.

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