My wife and I are considering buying a boat. We have several in mind, but first I'm trying to figure out exactly what my truck is capable of towing. My owner's manual says, as far as I can tell, that my truck, as is, has a max towing capability of 5000 lbs. It's a 1998 Chevy full size with the 4.3L V6 engine. Rear axle ratio is 3.42 and I don't believe it has any sort of "tow package" on it, as I wasn't intending to tow anything when I purchased it. <br />The boats we are considering are in the 18 foot range, bow rider whatever. Most seem to have a dry weight of around 3000, including trailer. Add gas, battery, anchor and other things and I figure I can add about 300 lbs to that for a total of 3300. Keeping within the 85% rule which would be 4200 lbs in my case, I seem to be okay, but the majority of trips we go own will probably be camping trips, where I would have an unknown amount of extra weight in the bed of the truck. If I'm pulling say...3300 lbs, I have about 900 lbs. to play with. With all the camping gear, two adults and two small children in the truck, I think I'm right near the threshhold of 4200 lbs. <br />My question is (finally)...<br />Is there equipment I can add to my truck that will increase that 5000 lbs, without getting an entirely new engine and transmission? Say like the tranny cooler or other things that I might not be aware of? And will these things actually increase my towing capability or will it just make towing my 5000 lb. capacity a little more efficient? Also, I noticed on the standard equipment sticker from when I purchased my truck it says "6,200 LB GVW Rating". What is that?<br />I apologize for being so ignorant and thanks in advance for you help.<br /><br />BTW...<br />The boat we are considering is either the Stingray 180 BR or the Four Winns Horizon 180.<br /><br />Erik
