towing 5th wheel with 4.8 liter GM

[LindellProStaf]

I just put this in the Auto forum. Who tows a 5th wheel with a 4.8 liter engine? I found a cherry 2002 GMC 1500 but has the 4.8. My neighbor pulls his 26' with one and says it is just fine. Mine is 24' and is a Lite. I am thinking it will be fine but would like to hear some comments.

[hamms-scooter]

I have an 03 with 4.8 and have no doubt it would do fine. Great trucks

[woodsmanmn]

This is really a math problem, and the numbers don't lie. Start by googling what-can-i-tow and read that article.

Get the numbers right and you will have no doubts. Don't rely on "It should be ok". You're putting too much money and fun time into this to get it wrong.

[LindellProStaf]

I did put a lot of thought into this. I really liked the truck with the 4.8 engine. My 5th wheel that we just bought used last fall has the hitch on back to haul a boat or trailer with wheelers. May not do that often but would be fun to do. I decided to pass on the 4.8 and found a real nice shape 2003 GMC 1500 Z71 with the 5.3. I should get it tomorrow. I am happy with my choice.

Thanks for the info everyone. That is what I really like about this site. Good bunch of guys to bounce things off of.

Now I can't wait for spring and some camping weather.

[hamms-scooter]

Glad you found what you wanted. There is a 20 hp difference between the 2 motors. Maybe a 6.0 is more what you may need if hauling the extra trailer weight and 2 more tires on the road... I have the 03 and like that model year. The tow haul button is going to be your friend!

[LindellProStaf]

I moved snow with the ol WD tractor yesterday and hooked up the 5th wheel to my new truck. Worked great. Pulled it out into the open. Will have the heat on today to check it out. We are pumped and ready to go. Great weather coming too. Heck it is already here. I will try to post a pic later.

[hamms-scooter]

It's getting beautiful out. Getting the itch to get my camper out of storage as well. Just don't want it out and then get snow

[Borch]

Pulled my 27 foot lite with a chev 1500 hd with a 6.0 ltr engine for 3 years. Sometimes pulling my 18 ft boat behind. Worked pretty well as long as it wasn't too hilly. Adding good air lift bags helped a lot too smooth the ride when the road got rough.

I switched to a 1 ton diesel dodge last summer and really like the extra towing power.

[hamms-scooter]

Pulled my 27 foot lite with a chev 1500 hd with a 6.0 ltr engine for 3 years. Sometimes pulling my 18 ft boat behind. Worked pretty well as long as it wasn't too hilly. Adding good air lift bags helped a lot too smooth the ride when the road got rough.

I switched to a 1 ton diesel dodge last summer and really like the extra towing power.

Now I bet that felt like an upgrade! Totally different animal with the Cummins