Question on towing capacity or rating of a truck->

[Jeff H]

I think the brake rating based on the VIN says it falls in the 6000-7000 lb class. The SS454 actually has the heavier frame even though it's considered a 1/2 ton. I'm more worried about the legal aspect of things. If my registration says it can tow 6000 lbs, is there a legal way to increase it's towing capacity to say 7000 or 7500 so it could legally tow an enclosed trailer and car? The engine and transmission should have no problem towing either of those weights, but if your weight exceeds the paperwork, hello fine! And the truck has the 4.10 rear with the 4L80E overdrive trans so it's set up great for occasional towing.
[img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/laugh.gif[/img]
I just found the ratings for the truck and with the 4.10 rear it's towing capacity is 10,000 lbs. The 3.73 rear is rated at 9500. It looks like I'll be buying this truck, what a cool daily driver with some muscle.

[Rat_Pack]

Jeff, check your local and state laws. Your tow vehicle and trailer must be legal there unless it is going to be used for commercial use. Still check with a local truck dealer about upgrades that would increase the GVWR. You are better off though buying a 3/4 ton truck or even and extended cab 1/2 that has a bigger towing capactiy than that SS454. You will be borderline using that truck, especially the brakes, they stink! My 98 Tahoe does pretty good pulling my Camaro but stopping is another story, even with electric brakes on the trailer. Below is a link to where this was discussed before......................RatPack...............

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/show...o=&fpart=1

[Jeff H]

The truck is now sitting in my garage, I bought it. The SS454 is built on the 3/4 frame. I'm not too concerned about it yet, my car won't be done for another year. I know that the Tahoe's have bad brakes and they weigh a bit more. One of our local racers uses his Tahoe to tow his 97 SS. Thanks for the info, since the truck will be my daily driver, I didn't want something that was too long or a pain to deal with and this should serve the purpose well.

[Rat_Pack]

Good purchase Jeff, I would highly recommend changing the front brakes and adding discs to the rear. Those 88-98 trucks used the same crappy brakes as the Tahoes and Suburbans did. My 2001 Suburban will stop in 2/3 the distance my Tahoe will when towing my Camaro.................RatPack..............

[NWYENKO]

I have learned over the years that the best way to save the truck brakes is to make sure the trailer does most of the slowing. If the brake controller is properly set you can take it a lot easier on the front truck brakes. We tow about 6000 miles a year up and down mountain passes and the trailer brakes are vital. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Jim