Ok here goes easy on the newbie I have a 2008 silverado crew cab Z71 package with the 5.3 litre and 343 gears I know I can tow up to 7800 pounds. My question is what is my GCVWR? I scaled my travel trailer today. Total was 13260 pounds. with the axles of the truck just off the scale I was 6060. the trailer alone unhooked from the truck was 7100 pounds. Just wondering if im in the ballpark for towing capacities? Also while im here what should the tranny temp run at? today on the way home it was about 210 degrees Thank you in advance for the answers.....Bakes

If your truck is rated to tow 7800 lbs, and your trailer is 7100, then you should be fine.

Your trans temp should be less than that. Do you have a tow/haul switch? If you do, use that.

Install a trans cooler in your truck. Your tranny will thank you later.

i would guess it already has one and those temps are inline with normal, thats a good load for a half ton. and its been hot lately. dont know where you are but yesterday when i pulled my camper home it was 90 ambient, that and the grades by you make a big difference. your gcvwr is everything combined, truck/trailer/load, what you measured at 13260

You sound to be to in right area for what you have.

To be completely honest, with that much weight you'll greatly benefit by stepping up to 1/2 ton with a 6.0 in it. You'll REALLY feel the difference if you step up to a 3/4 ton with a Duramax, those don't come cheap though.

That'* way too hot for good transmission life.


You need a cooler capable of keeping the trans temp around 180f. If your transmission decides it'* had enough halfway through a long trip you will be looking at a big recovery bill as well as a spoiled vacation.

Roger.