2003 Chevy Trailer Towing

[123 pugsy]

Uh-oh.  

Gotta go pick up my new toy this weekend but we're not sure if my buddies truck is strong enough to tow it back. Its a 2003 GMC 1/2 ton short box with extended cab.The trailer and car should come in just under 6000 lbs. I see two leafs and the helper spring.
Its a 4.8 liter.

[Toolmaster]

How far you gota go ?
Any chance the truck and trailer have working trailer brakes.

Dont think I would want to travel the 401 through Toronto without trailer brake's. 

[Lt.Del]

If the GW is over 3500lbs, it is required to have brakes here in VA.  The tongue weight may cause the 1/2 truck to squat quite a bit---even perhaps dragging the hitch on the road.   The helper spring will "help", but, It should still be of a concern even w/ that. Any chance you can put air shocks on it?  Pump it up to about 170 lbs psi and she won't squat.   This isn't a long term remedy of course.

I would be concerned about the 4.8 litre as well.   You must have a tranny cooler if it is an automatic. 

[dumbucket1]

I towed my 72 chevelle with my 07 sierra 1/2 ton extended cab with the 5.3 and auto about 200 miles and it did just fine.

[123 pugsy]

Thanks guys. We went to UHaul and hooked up the trailer. I drove my FX45 onto it and the truck hardly went down. His truck came with a factory towing package so it looks OK.

The trailer also has brakes so no problem there.

We're going all the way to Chicago.

Hey Toolmaster. I see you love the 401 as much as we do. I'll be taking the new toll hwy 407 thru town and hook up to the 401 bypassing Toronto. Crossing at Sarnia/Port Huron and then down.