08 Silverado 1500 Z71 max towing capacity

4Hyer

Recruit
Joined
Jul 6, 2012
Messages
1
Anyone have any input on max towing for a Silverado z71 with the 5.3. The truck is rated for 7400 lbs. I want to get a 26 ft sport cruiser, but am unsure if I am maxed at 24 or 25 ft safely. Most 24's I have looked at have dry weights around 5200lbs. IE Wellcraft and SeaRay. Figuring 1000Lbs for the trailer, and 1000 for fuel, passengers, junk etc.

Not looking to tow far but living in the finger lakes with lots of bodies of water and don't want to be locked in one spot like we are now.

We have a 26 ft now with no trailer, and are looking for a new boat anyway.

Thanks
 

Boydski

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 21, 2008
Messages
46
Re: 08 Silverado 1500 Z71 max towing capacity

I used to tow a 24' boat behind my 1/2 ton Silverado that was right at the maximum towing capacity of the truck. It was a bit of a "white knuckle" experience, not bad for short trips, but NOT fun on long ones. When I purchased a 26' boat, I towed it one time with the 1/2 ton and then traded the truck in on a 3/4 ton diesel. With the long bed truck and big diesel engine, I barely notice the 5 tons of weight that I am now pulling.

I discovered after the fact that the hitch on the Siverado was only rated for 5000 lbs (Class III) and that towing anywhere near the maximum towing capacity will put you well over the GCVWR (Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating) of the truck. Having that much weight behind the soft-sprung Chevy will really push the truck around, even with air bags. You'd be happier towing with a bigger truck, but may have to see for yourself (like I did).

BTW, the dealer pulled the cover off the two-year-old Chevy's rear differential and it fell apart on the floor. I had always thought the transmission would go, but it turned out the differential was weaker.

Good luck,
 

TheWrks

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 15, 2010
Messages
280
Re: 08 Silverado 1500 Z71 max towing capacity

Trailer guide for 07 and TG for 2009 they did not have one for 08

Hope this helps, Engine, Rear Axle Ratio, 2 or 4WD and Cab configuration will determine the amount the truck can tow safely

Scott
 

SilverSS07

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 13, 2012
Messages
266
Re: 08 Silverado 1500 Z71 max towing capacity

Also make sure you find out how much your truck actually weighs and don't exceed the gross combined weight rating. My Dodge is rated to tow around 7800 lbs and the max gcwr is 12,500 lbs. With the 4 of us in the truck it weighs 5800 lbs. Since max gcwr is 12,500 and truck is 5800 that leaves 6700 as max for towing.
 

444

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 16, 2010
Messages
704
Re: 08 Silverado 1500 Z71 max towing capacity

I really can't see an extra 1 foot of length in otherwise comparable boats adding that much weight that it will make or break your towing capability. If you were borderline with the 25, I don't see a 24 catapulting you miles further into your safety range.
 

LippCJ7

Vice Admiral
Joined
Sep 20, 2010
Messages
5,431
Re: 08 Silverado 1500 Z71 max towing capacity

Personally I think its too close and I would go up, also another thing I tell people who are thinking of towing is that the longer the wheelbase of the tow vehicle the easier the tow at highway speeds and that should be a consideration as well.
 
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