I need a bigger engine to pull a fifth wheel Would it be possible and practical to switch out the current engine for soething more powerful in my Silverado 1500 2002 model?

The 1500 came at best with a 10,300 lbs tow rating. You need a bigger truck. Its more than just engine, its gearing, its cooling, its suspension and its stopping. Even so a 5.3 should have the grunt

Look at the cost of upgrading your truck, engine, transmission, towing package, suspension, mirrors and the list may go on. Compare it to a trade up to a 2500 diesel, or Ford and God forbid, even a Dodge diesel. They are already equipped for towing larger packages, you may even find and enjoy the newer upgrades or equipment options offered. What'd you spend to fix up old Betsy, and if you p;ut it on a charge card, you'd pay 16% interest? Car loan are far cheaper. Now is the time new models are coming out, so there are great deals on still new ones or trade ins that other people took advantage of lower prices for new trucks. There is a good resale market for your truck, but you start to up upgrade, change engine, your constantly fixing what needed to be done in the upgrade, and the trade in value goes down. .

Thanks very much for your responses. Good advice.