Silverado towing capacity

[mjones12]

My Silverado 1500 4WD extended cab LS, 2005, 4.8 liter V8 supposedly has a towing capacity of a little over 7,000 pounds, according to the dealer at the time I purchased it. In looking over the specs of a new 2010 Silverado that seems almost identical to my current model, the towing cap is listed at 5,500 ("when properly equipped"). Same engine, same rear axle, same everything. No towing package on either one. I just added the class III hitch and tranny cooler to the 2005.

Can any of you Chevy guys figure why there would be this difference in towing capacity? Was I mistakenly given wrong information when I bought the 05, or is there a misprint on the 2010 Chevy site?

The gross weight of my camper is a little over 5,000 pounds and I figure I tow it at about 4,000. I figure I'll be okay with either truck, but I like the safety margin better on the old one. Any ideas? Thanks.

[tentcamper1]

I would go to your owners manual and check it there. there will be a difference from the 2005 to 2010. need transmission and axle info. if you don't have the manual try this web site
2005 Chevrolet Silverado Owners Manual | Owner's Manual Source
I think there are tranny, h.p and other differences in the models including body styles, options that might increase or decrease the weight, etc of the vehicle.

[mjones12]

Originally Posted by tentcamper1

I would go to your owners manual and check it there. there will be a difference from the 2005 to 2010. need transmission and axle info. if you don't have the manual try this web site
2005 Chevrolet Silverado Owners Manual | Owner's Manual Source
I think there are tranny, h.p and other differences in the models including body styles, options that might increase or decrease the weight, etc of the vehicle.

Thank you so much for providing me with that link. It says that the towing capacity is 6,300 or 7,300, depending on the axle. Why the new model would drop to 5,500 is something I guess only the dealer can explain. My 2005 has never had a problem towing my trailer, and I suppose the new one can tow 4,000 pounds just as well. I will let everyone know if I get an answer on why there is a difference. It might be helpful to folks considering a new truck. And thanks again for your thoughtfulness. I appreciate it.

[tentcamper1]

Your welcome and FWIW I don't trust anything the dealers tell me.

[mjones12]

You are right on that, but the original guy must have gotten it about right. Also, correction: the towing weights on the 2005 are 6,700 and 7,700, depending on axle ratio. I looked at the wrong model.
I think on the 2010's the next largest V8 would take me from 5,500 to about 9,600 pounds towing capacity, and I think that would be too much margin for towing approximately 4,000 pounds. I'm not sure it's worth the money when I have no plans to go to a larger trailer.