Towing Capacities

Asked by droohs Feb 09, 2009 at 08:00 AM about the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 Work Truck

Question type: General

Hi all, can someone please help me with the following question :- I have a 2008 GMC 1500 Sierra WT with the 8' box. It has the 4.8 V8 Vortec engine, and the 3:23 rear end.the truck is fitted with the Tow package Tranny cooler, heavy duty springs etc
When I purchased the truck the dealer showed me the catalogue and it said the truck could pull 8000lbs. Further research and discussions with GM indicate it can only pull 5200lbs.
My question is, is there anything I can do to increase the towing capacity of the truck, ie weight distribution hitch etc. What problems should I expect if I pull a trailer that weighs say, 7000lbs ? Will I blow the transmission ?
Is GM erring massively on the side of caution here ? The trailer dealers tell me the truck can pull 8000lbs no problem, but they would say that wouldn't they.
Does anyone have any experience using this as a tow vehicle, and is it capable of towing a larger trailer, or even maybe a 5th wheel ??

Thank you all very much.

Andy.

3 Answers
2,315

97drexelgrad answered 15 years ago

I have the 5.3 engine in my 2008 4 wheel drive with the 3.73 rear and the towing capacity is 7900 pounds. I think that your truck is capable of towing more, but I wouldn't think that your tranny and/or engine woiuldn't last real long towing 7000lbs.

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Richard answered 12 years ago

andy, move up to the 5.3 v-8 with the 3.42 if you are going to tow that heavy- you can always add springs, etc so the truck doesn't squat. but that doesn't address the problem you will have with the transmission long term or the problem of stopping your overloaded truck safely- your tow rating for that rig is only about 5100 lbs., not 8000- they are trying to sell you the trailer, remember that- you need to be able to stop safely, and that truck won't.

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Dave answered 11 years ago

Axel ratio will up your towing, my 08 4.8 litter with 4:10 is rated at 7500 with the tow package

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