Tow rating for 88-93 Silverado

[mr breze]

A buddy doesn't want to buy a new truck to pull a new 8000 lb boat. Will his pick up do it? I think the 350 was rated at 210 hp and 300 tq. at that time.

Any guesses. By the way its a 1/2 ton 2wd extra cab w/ 8' bed. What is our tow rating anyway?

[dcairns]

This site only has back to 1999 online

TrailerLife Tow Ratings

But you can email them for older ones, at a cost of $3.95 each. (see fine print at the bottom of the page).

Now that I think about it, I ought to print out 2003, it will drop off in a few more years

 

This website

http://www.trailerboats.com/towrating/

gives these results for a 1993 1500:

Tow Limit 8500 lbs

1993 Chevrolet K1500 Pickup (4WD) 5.7 V-8

Requires Z82 Trailering Special Package.

Requires automatic transmission.

Requires engine-oil cooler.

Requires transmission-oil cooler.

Requires weight-distributing hitch.

Requires 4.10:1 axle ratio.

 

It goes down to 7500 for the 2 wheel drive model

 

 

So, at a guess, I would say that 8000 lbs is somewhat over the max for a 1/2 ton. But boats are easier to tow (more aerodynamic than a brick shaped trailer), so the engine should not be the limiting factor.

 

The 1999 1500 with 5.3 engine aned 3.73 axle ratio, was rated at 8200 lbs.

The 2003 SS is rated for 7500 lbs but the 2003 1500 EC with 5.3 is rated for 8000 (with 3.73 axle ratio)

 

Since it looks like your friend will be towing close to or above the limits of his truck, check the axle ratio of the truck. 3.73 or higher would be good for towing. Add a big transmission cooler (assuming an automatic transmission).