Towing a travel trailer

[GodFather]

Hi all,

I have a 2012 GMC Sierra SLT crew cab 5.3L 4WD. All Terrain Z71 package. The GVWR on the door jam says 7000. Will I be able to safely tow my 5000lb travel trailer with this truck using only weight distribution bars? It has the stock tow package that came with it. Trailer dealer says I can pull up to 11,500 but I think he wants me to just buy a bigger trailer.

Any info is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[pondscum]

Vehicle weight, your weight and truck loading AND trailer total loaded weight all is to be counted.

Not just the trailer.
Check on GMC site, I recall a chart there. If max towing capacity for the SLE 1500 is 11,500, for example.

 

[pdholz]

I have the 2014 version of your setup, the only difference being the newly upgraded 5.3 engine. My setup is rated to 9,500. Yours may be slightly less, assuming you have the same 3.42 rear gear, but it should easily handle 5,000 pounds.

That said, follow pond scum's advice and check all numbers. Lots of good info available in this forum, or Google the topic.

The dealer's remarks about your towing 11,500 are very questionable, unless you have a special low (high numerical) rear end.