Can my k2500 pull 8000 lbs?

[lawspr]

I need some towing information:

1992 k2500 (3/4 ton) Silverado Pickup Extended Cab
VIN 2GCFK29KXN1193791
5.7 L v8 gasoline engine w/"performance chip"
4 speed auto transmission 4x4
axle ratio 4.1
oil and transmission coolers
6.5 ft bed

I want to pull a 5th wheel...Total loaded weight will be 8000 lbs

1. Any problem with that trailer weight?

2. I know a 5th wheel is better used with a long bed, but the trailer is tapered at the end, so if jack-knifing when backing is avoided, is there a problem?

Thanks

[TXiceman]

We tried a 1994 2500 Burb, 5.7L and 4.10 axle for towing a 28' Silver Streak (looks like an old Air Stream. I was not happy and we wound up keeping our 1 ton diesel dually.

The Burb was rated to pull the trailer (8500 GVWR) and it struggled on the slightest hill, it would not maintain 65 mph except on the flats and NO WIND. We got 7.2 mpg.

It would pull it, but just barely.

A higher profile like the 5er will have a lot more wind drag and be even worse on performance.

Ken

[JIMNLIN]

I had a '90 chevy 2500 5.7 TB 2wd 4.10 axle auto tranny with a big aux cooler. I bought the truck new and put 235000 miles on the truck. I double towed a 26' 8600 lb 5er and a 3500 lb bass boat for 8 years. Out of 12-13 2500/3500 SRW and DRW trucks I' ve owned it was one of the most inexpensive truck from a maintenance standpoint I've owned.

Consistantly ran 10-11 mpg towing and a steady 16-17 non towing.
I still have the Chevy '90 model truck brochure. The '90 K2500 had a 13500 GCWR and a 9500 lb tow rating with the C6P chassis (8600 GVWR) 4.10 gears with 6000 lb RAWR. I would say the '92 may have a bit higher tow ratings.

Althought the 5.7 is a TB engine its peak torque for the 2500/3500 5.7 came at 2400 rpm which made it great for towing for that era. The '90 model came with a 210 hp amd 300 ft lbs torque. The '92 may have a bit more power.

You won't have any problems pulling the 8k trailer or carrying its pin weight with that truck. Just remember its a 17 year old truck so it won't keep up with the fast lane new gen high hp smallblock trucks. Just take it easy and run a good maintenance program.

[lawspr]

Thanks for the feedback. My manual does not actually give a tow rating. I have looked from cover to cover. It says something to the effect that maximum towing is 13000 lbs or less depending on your vehicle configuration, contact your dealer for specific information. The dealer can't help me with such an old vehicle.

What is a TB engine?

My door sticker gives the GVWR as 7200 lbs, so that would give me a 1000 lbs less towing than yours, wouldn't it? Do you still think I could pull 8000 lbs with adequate performance?

This vehicle is nearly brand new. It has been parked in the garage at a vacation home in an arid climate since 1992 and has only 6100 miles on it. It appears brand new inside and out.

[lawspr]

Thanks for the feed back. What is a "burb"?

[RustyJC]

TB engine = an engine with throttle body (TB) as opposed to individual port fuel injection.

Burb = a Suburban.

Rusty