How big can I go?

[Mornarr]

Hey I'm new to this forum and am super excited about putting my '96 GMC C2500 8600GVWR 454/4L80E 14bt/3.73 headers/flowmaster 30 to work.
My goal is to purchase a toy hauler to take the family on big long haul vacations. The truck is pretty stock except for the headers and flowmaster, and I would really like to know if I can handle the 34 foot 7400 lbs unloaded Powerlite toy hauler I have been drooling over. If I have done my math right my rig should have a GCVW of around 17100lbs (8600 truck+8500lbs trailer) now with some gear loaded into the trailer it will exceed my 8500lbs trailer weight by around 500lbs, but I didn't exceed the GCVW (I mean that I haven't loaded the truck itself up over 8600lbs)
With proper weight distribution and some power mods (I'm looking into a K&N intake, Maghytec trans pan and diff cover and a Firestone airbag kit) does this rig work or am I barking up the wrong tree? any help will be great.
thanx and stay heavy!
~Alex

 

[Mornarr]

I am also looking into a set of Dodge tow mirrors for this black beast.

 

[Ruger_556]

How does your truck weigh 8,600 lbs? My old Ford Diesel weighed in at like 6,200

 

[Mornarr]

my truck weighs around 4000 lbs unloaded, 8600GVWR is the max I can load the truck up (passengers, gear ect)

 

[SCOTTYINWV]

I would bump up to 4:10s and an aftermarket trans cooler. Are you going to be hauling with a gooseneck or regular hitch? 10ply tires are a must. With proper weight distribution, and the air bag kit, you could up your weight a bit.

 

[sewlow]

^^^ 8600 'GVW'. 'Gross Vehicle Weight'. That's a heavy 3/4t, (basically a 3/4t with a 1t running gear) or a middleweight 1 ton.

 

[great white]

454 with 4:10's is rated for a 10,000 lb trailer.

Not sure what a 3:73 truck is rated for.

For the trailer, if you're looking at manufacturers specs then that's a "dry" weight.

You can slap another 500-750 lbs on top of that as an unloaded weight. Only way to know for sure is to scale it. Trailer manufacturers are notorious for sticking as low a weight as possible on their products. Its so the dealers can say "sure, you truck can tow it".....

 

[Mornarr]

The trailer I want is a Powerlite 27FBXL, its a pull trailer not a 5th wheel. It weighs in at at 7520lbs unloaded and its hitch weight is 970lbs.
I have the stock trans cooler and the non-locking 14blt rear end, I would have to swap axles for the 4.10s (might as well go for the posi. if I go that far)

 

[Ruger_556]

I think you'll be fine... 4.10's would help though depending on your tire size

 

[great white]

The trailer I want is a Powerlite 27FBXL, its a pull trailer not a 5th wheel. It weighs in at at 7520lbs unloaded and its hitch weight is 970lbs.
I have the stock trans cooler and the non-locking 14blt rear end, I would have to swap axles for the 4.10s (might as well go for the posi. if I go that far)

You will need a weight distribution hitch if you're looking at a bumper tow.

That's right from the owners manual.

If you're planning to tow in any hills, you need to install the Aux trans cooler at least.