I have a 2004 silverado c 1500 h.d. crew cab, 6 ft. bed, 2 wd. with tow pkg. It has a 5.3 engine with a magnum supercharger, 3:73 rear axle ratio.
I'd like to know what if anything I can do to allow it to tow a 35ft. fifth wheel camper legally and safely.
I currently tow a 30ft. travel trailer and am satisfied with the handling, and performance.
Wife want's another camper and I don't want the expense of another truck.
Any solid or proven advice is greatly appreciated by me and my wallet.

 

what is the weight of the 5th wheel?

 

10,587 dry
Truck sticker's say 13,000 GCVWR, also say's max trailer weight is 8,600, I'm assuming that's because of the tow pkg.
Now remember I want modification's to tow it, I don't think I should try as the truck is.
Thank's for any comment's and suggestion's.
Mike

 

the gcvwr includes the weight of the truck so take approx 5000 lbs off that number.

I don't have the answer you want to hear. Your way overweight. IMO The stock trans won't take it for prolonged use. Get a 2500 with a 4l80E and 4.11 rear end. Not to mention the stock braking system. 2500 series trucks have monster sized brakes for this purpose.

 

Agreed ^. You may be comfortable with towin what you have now, but it's still way over weight and not safe if somethin were to happen.

 

tech2 what is the 4180E?
2500 hd or 2500 hd with toe pkg or does tow pkg matter with a 2500?
any particular year better than another, what year to stay away from?
is a 2500 duramax, allison tranny, crew cab, 2wd. 8ft. bed, year 2004 okay, I see a local add for one but I don't know if it's h.d. or not, does that matter?
Thank's alot everyone!!!!!!
Mike

 

4L80E is a stronger transmission
4speed
longitudial mounted in vehicle
80 torque capacity
E electronic controls

Its stronger than the 4L60E or 4L65E in your present truck.

for the 2500 series gas engines the 4.10 rear end makes a big difference...get it.

Diesel and allison trans will definitly haul *** but the engine is expensive to repair so get a good one. Second gen duramax would be better than a first generation. Not sure when the 2nd gens started production.

my 2006 2500 hd with 6L engine, 4l80E and 4.10 rear end could pull anything. My regular loads were only 5000lb but I couldn't even feel the trailer. Passing uphills was no effort whatsoever.