How much can I tow comfortably

Texas Chevy

Active member
Feb 14, 2011
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Vista, Ca
Dumb question but ill ask anyways. How much can my lml 2500 cc/lb 4x4 comfortably and safely tow? Looking at getting a 5th wheel and want to know my limits. Also what weight should airbags be used and any other upgrades for the LML. I know twins and all that but it's a LML
 

Hoojs12840

New member
Jul 13, 2013
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Maryland
GM says 14,700 with a fifth wheel. Which I would say is not uncomfortable or unsafe for these trucks, but as long as you stay at or under that its up to your comfort level. With your truck you will have plenty of options to pick from in the 5th wheel class that will not exceed 14.7k. Airbags are not needed but will make your ride better, depending on your 5th wheel. Might be better to wait until you decide on that before adding airbags. Buy a nice hitch. As for engine add ons, I can't help you. Stock ,this truck will pull that weight without issue.

We have been rv'ing for years and its the best decision we have ever made. Good luck!
 

Dozerboy

Well-known member
Jun 23, 2009
4,892
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We go over 30K GVWR regularly. Just retire our last chevy it was an 06 with 260K+. Never had a problem with it and it wasn't taken care of.
 

dracing70

SH--- GETTING EXPENSIVE!
Jun 12, 2007
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Like the first poster said. It mostly comes down to your comfort level. In my opinion air bags are a must. Get a set of air lift bags. I run them on my non dually and even with 32000 on the trailer the truck sits level. 32000 is not out of the question and can be towed, however as far as comfortably and not overworking the truck I say 18-22 k. Now the fact that it is a non dually will allow it to roll more in the corners and not be as comfortable. But my regular wheelbase hauls just as much as my dually. And actually supports the load better with air bags then my dually without. But it does not handle the same. The fact that u have a long bed is a major plus also. Once u go above 15000 trailer and load weight you will start to notice you have something behind you, but as i stated we haul 32000 safely all day. Hope this helps.
 

matt78

Finally boosted launches
Sep 10, 2012
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texas
I would not get something with a heavy tongue, as it will squat the truck down more in the back. My buddy has a 2500 with a huge 5er and the bed squats and it doesn't ride well. My tongue weight is 2000#, mine rides great, its 12, 000#, and we add another 1-2000 # worth of stuff, plus 5 people. My buddy is going to buy a dually to fix his problem
Good luck with your 5er, what brand you thinking about?
 

Hot COCOAL

May the farce be with you
Jun 9, 2012
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I have only towed about 10.5 but barely noticed it. I have air bags in the rear and swaybars from hellwig front and back(big wig's) and words cannot describe how awesome those bars are, even if you don't tow I see the value in those bars as a mandatory upgrade, they are awesome:thumb: with bags and bars a 5k tongue weight should be no problem.
 

jevanb

New member
Feb 28, 2011
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montrose, michigan
How much can my lml 2500 cc/lb 4x4 comfortably and safely tow?
up to the manuf rating on the truck, anything else is plane dangerous, to those around you.. IMO.. can it be done YES should it be done NO. get into a accident and you will have question to answer if somebody else is involved and hurt. but to each is own..




my rig:2500lb pin weight, 12.5k loaded for camping, I have bags but did not need them, it squat to level without..total combined weight @ 19.5k out of 22k total
 

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Texas Chevy

Active member
Feb 14, 2011
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Vista, Ca
I would not get something with a heavy tongue, as it will squat the truck down more in the back. My buddy has a 2500 with a huge 5er and the bed squats and it doesn't ride well. My tongue weight is 2000#, mine rides great, its 12, 000#, and we add another 1-2000 # worth of stuff, plus 5 people. My buddy is going to buy a dually to fix his problem
Good luck with your 5er, what brand you thinking about?

No specific brand yet not even sure if we will get a 5th wheel. Just stopped in at a rv show/sale in San Diego and they had a 2013 coachman (brand new ) for 38. And the bumper pull we liked was a 2014 10 feet shorter for 48. Never considered a 5th wheel but now it's a good possibility. Lots of good sales on the thirteens though
 

05greendmax

dyno and drag numberssoon
Dec 26, 2009
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put airbag on it just for more support i hsve yet to find a load these trucks cant handle

load it up and u bee the judge on what your truck will do every trucks different
 

Texas Chevy

Active member
Feb 14, 2011
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Vista, Ca
Yeah I appreciate all the help. I'm comfortable with my truck. Ill put it to the limits jut don't want to be at its limits every time I pull
 

matt78

Finally boosted launches
Sep 10, 2012
924
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texas
Yeah I appreciate all the help. I'm comfortable with my truck. Ill put it to the limits jut don't want to be at its limits every time I pull

Thats how I am, sure the these trucks can pull anything but I dont want to load it up all the time, so I went with one that is 12000#. But get what you want, good luck with the camper shopping. Fwiw my wife had the last say in ours, imagine that, lol
 

McRat

Diesel Hotrodder
Aug 2, 2006
11,249
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www.mcratracing.com
I towed a 14-16k bumper pull all across the US many times. Run in 4th or 5th gear. Have lots of rear spring rate. Watch oil temp/pressure on grades. Back off as necessary. We towed up some serious grades up to 11,000ft and the truck runs strong after 90k miles.

We also go 80mph on flatlands, and run a 502rwhp tune with a Mike L trans.