You can get easy and safe towing performance with your Silverado 1500 if it is adequately equipped. The model already has tremendous towing capabilities, which is the main reason to buy Silverado 1500. Yet, you can increase the towing ability so the truck can handle the heavier load you want, and you do not have to rely on something else.
However, it is a tricky and challenging job to pull extra weight than recommended. Do some modifications to your Chevy to handle more weight, and remember, you can only increase the small amount of towing capacity.
Steps and Guide on How to Increase Towing Capacity Silverado 1500
Increasing towing capacity of Chevy Silverado 1500 needs some precise steps and guidance. Check them here:
Know the Weight Numbers and Find the Differences
The first thing you have to do is find the current towing capacity and trailer weight of your Chevrolet 1500. The engine cylinder head can crack anytime, especially when driving on rough terrain if you can carry more than maximum weight without modification.
Measure the differences between your truck towing capacity and the amount you wish to tow. If the amount is two times more than the Chevrolet 1500 capacity, you surely need a different truck.
Use the Right Hitch
Using the correct type of gear and making the proper electrical connection for your Chevrolet 1500 is essential when towing extra weight.
The trap should adequately handle the trailer hitch, so purchase the weight distribution, frame-mounted hitch to distribute the weight to the overall area of the trailer to balance it. It also reduces pressure on the suspension to pull more weight.
If the trailer is 40+ feet or longer, attach the fifth wheel hitch to get more space in the Chevrolet 1500 bed. Attach the hitch receiver properly to the truck to handle the weight better.
Upgrade the Programmer
The truck is already set to give the best performance through horsepower and torque, fuel economy, etc.
Update the programmer of 5.3 Silverado engine to increase the power by adjusting the settings to the truck computer so your Chevy can get more horsepower and towing capacity to tow a boat or travel trailer.
It also can switch some parts from your truck to handle more weight and a smoother ride.
You can increase the fuel ratio, transmission system, etc., but it also reduces the fuel efficiency.
Upgrade the Radiator
Towing heavy weight means the engine has to work hard, which makes it hot. The radiator keeps the machine and other parts cool while towing. Install an enormous radio so it can cool the engine properly and reduce stress.
Even if your Chevy has two radiators, replace them with a larger version to tow larger loads. Also, use new lube and transmission fluid to adjust the radiator power for better cooling.
However, the radiator won’t increase the towing capacity, but it can cool down the engine faster to handle more strain.
Upgrade the Axle
Overloading the truck means overloading the front and the rear axle, which is dangerous for the Chevy where more horsepower and torque won’t work.
Replace the axle with a heavy-duty one with heavy-duty parts to handle the trailer’s weight that matches your vehicle’s curb weight. You can use RV parts as they are made for heavyweights, also suitable for your Silverado 1500.
Enhance Suspension Capabilities
Using the weight distribution hitch is not enough to reduce the pressure on the suspension. If the suspension parts are not robust and heavy-duty, only a hitch cannot help much longer.
Here are the shocks you can use to enhance suspension
However, upgrading the suspension is costly yet essential. You can upgrade the entire truck suspension or replace only the rear spring as the truck gets most of the weights in its back end. Like jeep Rubicon lift, Chevy lift kit come really handy if it has a good suspension.
A heavy-duty suspension also makes your Chevy smooth riding. When the weights are distributed on the overall spring, the truck won’t stagger on the road much, and you can control the steering well.
Use an air suspension system or heavy-duty spring to absorb the shock and keep the truck level all time to ride it any terrain. Also, install a coil shock absorber for driving straight.
Change the Braking System
Another crucial part that needs to change is the braking system. A heavily loaded truck takes time to stop completely. Upgrade the brake pads and rotor to handle the stress and control the vehicle and trailer brakes.
An electronic braking system can handle the extra pressure and can stop the truck quickly. You can also use a trailer braking system so it won’t push your truck forward and can control the trailer itself.
Use a Longer Truck Bed
You cannot put more weight if the truck bed is small. The towing capacity also depends on the length of the bed, so use a longer bed to maximize the towing capacity to get more room in the back. You can quickly put long bedding components on the larger bed of your Chevy.
Enhance the Intake and Exhaust
Enhance the intake and exhaust system so the engine can take breaths better with extra loads. Install a larger air filter, use dual exhaust, and replace stock parts with high-end ones to increase the engine performance.
Replace the Frame and Chassis
Another part you should update is the frame and chassis. A strong and havier frame won’t twist or break while towing extra loads. Use body on edge for your truck to handle the added weight. Also, replace the engine oil to keep the truck fit.
Use Bed Racks
Mount bed racks on one side of the truck so you can free up some space in the bed to get additional storage space and enhance the towing capacity. You can also install a perfect Silverado lift kit, to have the precaution to run on a rough road.
You can also make horizontal storage space with bed racks to keep large items on the bed so the truck can handle the combination of the weight. However, the bed rack won’t bear more weight, but it maximizes the towing capacity.
Silverado 1500 Tire Pressure When Towing
When you add heavy loads to your truck, it is the tire gets excessive pressure. Tires have existing psi that can handle the extra stress. If you can use the right shocks for Chevy, then the stress on the tires and the body will decrease.
For example, if the tire of your Silverado has 35 psi and 51 in the sidewall, it can carry nearly 600lbs of tongue weight. But the rear tire should be 40psi with a WD hitch so that the load won’t be bad for the tire.
Keeping other tires 35psi cold is also great, so they can turn into 40psi while moving. Check the tire pressure after towing for some time. A 40 to 42psi gives a better safety margin, and the pressure should not cross 51psi.
How Much Weight Can a 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 Tow
A 2018 Silverado 1500 is a powerful truck with a 1,739 to 2,018 lbs payload capacity and 5,500 to 9,400 lbs tow capacity. It can pull pretty good weight comparing other engines.
The engines are 4.3 L V6, 5.3 L V8, 6.2 L V8 with 285 to 420 horsepower. The gas mileage is 18 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
How Much Weight Can a Chevy Silverado 1500 Pull
The latest version of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 can pull up to 1,750 to 2,280 lbs, a tremendous feature of the truck as the truck has a V8 engine and reasonable steering control. The steel of the frame is high strength which is a good part of this light duty pickup.
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