I have a 2003 Silverado 1/2 ton 4WD. Looking to purchase a 24' trailer weighing 4200 pounds. I am going to buy a weight distributing hitch (everyone says they help). I also ride atvs. Can I haul the trailer and put 2 atvs in my bed? They weigh together 800LBS. I have put the two in the bed many times, but not towing a trailer also. I will probably only take the trip 3 times a year. Is this possible? Buying a new truck is not an option. Please let me know. Thanks.

 

Not sure what the ratings are on that year model.

I have on 06 2wd and pull a 21ft toy hauler (5000lbs). Loaded with three quads, and all the stuff, I figure it to be about 7500 total. And have loaded a fourth in the bed before. Never had any problems other than gas mileage.

 

My 04' Silverado 5.3L 4x4 pulled my 3500 pound total weight when loaded with a 200 pound atv in the bed like it wasn't there. Very easy.

You've got more weight so it may work it, but it will work.

 

Also, setting up that hitch properly will be a big determining factor. I would recommend the Equal-i-zer brand and make sure the truck is loaded when you set it up if that is how you are going to tow.

 

I've pulled my 27' fifth wheel light weight camper with two atvs on a trailer behind it.I have a half ton 4x4 with a 360 motor.That much weight on my gas burner is a lot of weight but it will pull it.The way your pulling your equipment is going to put alot of weight on you rear springs.Have you considered buying some over load springs or air bags.I think you can order this stuff out of 4x4 magazines.someone on here might could tell you a better place to get them.

 

I'll say this about the "heavy duty" shocks that came on our Silverado. They squatted more than a vegetarian at Texas chili cook off. Tossed those, and got a decent set of shocks. Looked for the spring helpers, but they only listed air bags for that year model.

 

for your leaf springs, if you cant find over loads, put a extra leaf in each spring

 

The major problem I had towing with my 05 silverado was the rear end gearing. I was running a 3:42, and it was a little hard on the truck to tow my 7200 pound camper. If you have a 3:73 or a 4:11 you will be much better off. The best way I found to make it work was to tow in third gear and keep my speed around 60. Now pulling over a pass in Colorado, that was a different story, I wasn't real sure if things were going to hold together. Most of the time that I towed, I had an 800 pound Arctic Cat in the bed, and instead of an equilizer hitch, I used the Timbren suspension enhancement system, witch I would highly recommend.

 

It took some shopping around to find a model with the 3.73 rear end.

"City" dealers aren't really selling trucks that are made for work. More for looks. "Country" dealers are selling the trucks that are made for work and hauling.

Funny how I did find it. Was looking at a dealer who didn't have what I was looking for. But, he did have one that he had gotten from another dealer about 50 miles away. So he shows that one to me.

Maybe next time, they might want to make sure all the other dealers badging is off before they show it. Called that dealer and they had what I was looking for. And cheaper too.

 

5000 pounds is a couple thousand pounds below your trucks towing capacity. Your a comfortable amount of weight below your max. Go ahead and tow it.