Community Forums

jlr44 · 02-21-2019, 05:17 PM

Does a 2017 Chevy 1/2 ton pickup with towing package have a transmission cooler ? Can I pull a 26 ft. travel trailer ?

kdemaria · 02-21-2019, 06:04 PM

Quick answer is, if it has the factory towing package, then yes. But, there are several engine models, and varieties. You could take a look here for more information. https://www.nimnichtchevy.com/chevy-...ering-package/

aether_one · 02-21-2019, 06:10 PM

If it has a V-8 the answer should be "YES" to both questions, but there are a lot of variables to take into account with the second question.

Reevesfamily · 02-21-2019, 06:42 PM

A lot of variables in your question. Look on the front of the radiator and see if there is a transmission cooler there. A factory tow package would have it. Regarding the trailer, gotta be a little more specific, weight will come into play for you. Length is fine.

Randy the sly old fox · 02-21-2019, 07:59 PM

Look at the RPO codes on the plaque in the glove box.

NHT is the code for the Max Tow package
Rear Axle Ratios are:
GU4 - 3.08
GT4 - 3.73
GU5 - 3.23
GU6 - 3.42

KC4 - engine oil cooler
KNP - transmission oil cooler

Most of the time the NHT will include either the GT4 or GU6 and both KC4 and KNP.

cdoorider · 02-21-2019, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlr44

Does a 2017 Chevy 1/2 ton pickup with towing package have a transmission cooler ? Can I pull a 26 ft. travel trailer ?

What do you mean by towing package? Many Chevy Trucks come pre wired with plugs and receiver for hitch but that doesn't mean they have the heavy NHT towing package, that one is a rare bird.

I have the 16 and it had the receiver, brake controller, oil and tranny cooler but it's still not the heavy tow. The NHT has a heavier rear axel which allows more payload, always your wakest link. For my particular truck my tow rating is 9400 but for some with the NHT. it can be as high as 12,500.

I've pulled a 26' trailer and it was right at my limits. Having many years trucking I'm comfortable near my limits and drive accordingly. As a general rule for the none NHT trucks, with the V8, a 24' trailer is about the biggest I can say works most of the time but it varies widely. Staying within so specs some 26-27' trailers will work and some won't, it will be close. Don't listen to the dealers they are mostly ignorant of specs or just want the sale.

If you do in fact have the NHT package the larger rear axle gives you enough payload to tow most 26-27' trailers. If you have the 5.3 you will actually have a greater payload than the 6.2. There are plenty of folks on this forum who can help you but you will need to be specific about your trucks specs.

Happy Trails

bryan2101 · 02-22-2019, 12:55 AM

Does a 2017 Chevy 1/2 ton pickup with towing package have a transmission cooler ? Can I pull a 26 ft. travel trailer ?

Depends.........

Whats you GVCR and GVWR?
Whats the trailer weight?

I assume you have the "Full Trailering Package." Which means you have tow/haul, trailer brake. Most half tons will tow over 8,00lbs but depends on you axle ratio.

For an example.. My truck is a 2012 Silverado w/full trailering package with 3.42 gears(Higher shift points). I can tow 9,600lbs but my GVWR is 7000lbs. You need to consider tongue weight/hitch weight which is 10-13% of trailer weight.My 26ft Keystone Cougar is 5,940lbs but with the gear it is 6,600lbs. A lot to consider and would need numbers to know what you can tow. I believe your Silverado can tow 12,500 (Google search). So, I would say yes since my 2012 silverado can tow a 26ft tt which is what I got with a slide out, Yes!

bryan2101 · 02-22-2019, 01:20 AM

Does a 2017 Chevy 1/2 ton pickup with towing package have a transmission cooler ? Can I pull a 26 ft. travel trailer ?

Yes, your Silverado can tow 12,500lbs. Also depends on gear ration and GVCR and GVWR. I tow a 26ft Keystone Cougar with a slide out and it weighs 5,940lbs. It weighs 6,600 loaded. My 2012 Silverado can tow 9,600lbs but you need to consider tongue weight.

My Silverado GVWR is 7,000lbs
Towing max weight is 9,600lbs
My 26 trailer weighs 5,900lbs
My weight of truck is 5,300lbs w/me in it (Need to add passengers and gear (wife, 2 kids and cargo-600lbs)=5,900lbs

Loaded tt weight is 6,500lbs with tanks empty-(No Water)

Tongue weight is 680lbs plus 50lbs hitch weight=730lbs + (tt weight)=7,230LBS

So, my truck is 5300lbs =600LBS(passengers and cargo) =5,900Lbs +730lbs(Tongue Weight)=6,630lbs. (370lbs below 7,000lbs max GVWR)

TT weighs 7,230LBS +6,630=13,860lbs (15,000lbs) GVCR(Max weight for trailer and truck weight) I am 1,040lbs below max weight

I towed it 3-4 hours from Oregon to Washington State and had no PROBLEMS whatsoever. Towed great, drove the speed limit and easily could do more. Since the trailer tires are rated at 65mph I did not drive over that limit. My half-ton towed fantastic! I got 9-11mpg but hey, that's towing with a gas truck.

Believe it or not, your 1/2 ton can easily tow that. Take in consideration I added a custom black bear tune so my truck does not cut off to 4cylinders on highway speeds, it always runs on 8 cylinders and I have higher shift points then stock. You want to add air bags and a TRUCOOL4K trans cooler to keep your trans temp down and you be good to go.

jlr44 · 02-22-2019, 05:40 AM

Thanks Bryan 2101. I am asking for my daughter and son in law. This is their first try at RVing. They have the same setup as your truck only in a 2017. They are looking at the 26 RBS Cougar 1/2 ton. I think they will be fine. Thanks for all the info.

toshayar · 02-23-2019, 06:28 PM

I have a 2017 Canyon Denali lb 3.6 with tow package.sway bar etc . Tow haul mode 4x4 that can tow up to 7000 lbs and I tow a 2010 Forest river 26 ft travel trailer just fine ! I solo travel so I don't haul a lot of extra baggage ( wife -kids-misc ) Longest tow 700 miles one way just stopping for gas and rest stops and it pulls like a charm . Just make sure you don't over load and you should be fine .