Towing Issues/Questions

[gadawg31]

Ok, I am a little confused at the specs on my 2006 Sierra Crew Cab (4.8L)(2WD). According to MSN Auto, the specs read for my vehicle the max towing is 5700lbs. However; when I look at a regular cab 2WD with 4.3L V6, the max towing is 8400lbs. Can anyone tell me why a smaller engine would be able to pull more than my V8? I just want to be able to buy the correct travel trailer for my vehicle. Thanks.

JD

 

[GMC Customer Service]

Ok, I am a little confused at the specs on my 2006 Sierra Crew Cab (4.8L)(2WD). According to MSN Auto, the specs read for my vehicle the max towing is 5700lbs. However; when I look at a regular cab 2WD with 4.3L V6, the max towing is 8400lbs. Can anyone tell me why a smaller engine would be able to pull more than my V8? I just want to be able to buy the correct travel trailer for my vehicle. Thanks.

JD

Could you send me a private message with your contact info and VIN? I would like to escalate your question to our TAC team. Thank you!

Joey, GM Customer Service

 

[Hetzelmr]

I dont think(nor would I try) to tow 8400 with my 08 4.3 According to what I have read the max for a 4.3 would be 6000

 

[max101]

4.3

i guess i beat my little 4.3 up because my trailer weighs 2000 pounds and easily when i scrap i put 5000 pounds on it…only one time which was a rough day did i do 6500 pounds on the trailer….and i didn't know if my truck was going to make it up the hill you would be surprised what those V6 can really do when you push them

 

[Z15]

My guess is you are misinterpreting the towing ratings. First of all I would not count on MSN to have to correct values, only you owners manual can provide that.

There are usually 2 figures, gross vehicle weight rating and tow weight. I am guessing 8400 is the maximum GVWR, meaning how much your truck + what you are towing and what you are hauling is 8400 lbs max. So in simple terms, say the truck weighs 5,700 lbs with all the passengers, fuel and cargo, then the trailer you want to tow can weigh not more than 2700 lbs total including all contents, not just the bare empty weight. 5700+2700=8400. Mind you I am taking a WAG at these numbers and you should only use as example but I am betting that's where the confusion is.