Towing capacity for 1990 GMC Sierra 2500HD?

[DaBurner87]

Can anyone tell me the towing capacity? I called two dealerships and one had no idea and told me to google it. The other took the vin, and said he couldn't find out but said "off the record 5,000 lbs, but I wouldn't tow that much with it".

Does anyone have documentation to back up the tow capacity? It's the 5.7L V8. The truck does have 4WD. It is a single cab, short bed. Any help appreciated. Thanks.

 

[stutaeng]

8 lug 2500? Short bed you say? Where do you see the "HD" on the truck? What axle ratio do you have?

What's your GVWR?

 

[GoToGuy]

You have some some things that are apples and oranges. What year, what model the actual name c1500, k1500, k5500 etc. Eng size, single cab , xcab, crew cab, short bed, log bed., 5, 6, 8 bolt wheels. Pretend were all blind then tell us whatcha got., by the way single cab short box 8 bolt, 3/4 ton. Nope not happening unless you built it.

 

[GoToGuy]

Whats on door jam labels? Whats the data labels on the glove box ratings?

 

[DaBurner87]

VIN Decoder - Chevrolet Forum - Chevy Enthusiasts Forums

Chevrolet VIN Decoder - Decode your vehicle identification number

chevroletforum.com

Thats the vin punched into the decoder. It says 2500 HD. I will get more info.

 

[DaBurner87]

The wheels are 8 Bolt.

 

[stutaeng]

VIN Decoder - Chevrolet Forum - Chevy Enthusiasts Forums

Chevrolet VIN Decoder - Decode your vehicle identification number

chevroletforum.com

Thats the vin punched into the decoder. It says 2500 HD. I will get more info.

Um, it didn't bring anything up when I clicked on it...

You must be registered for see images attach

You'll need to know the GVWR, engine size and axle ratio. You have posted the engine size, but towing is also dependent on the other variables. I personally have never seen a K2500 (8 lug) with a short bed (6.5' bed) regular cab in the year you have, but they did make (pretty rare) K2500 (8 lug) in extended cab/6.5' bed configuration. For reference, the 2500-series trucks were 8,600 GVWR. 3.73s and 4.10s were common, but could be as low as 3.42s.

The only exception was the C6P RPO code on the 2500 trucks (8 lug). I believe those have a GVWR of 9,200 lbs, same as the 3500 SRW trucks. I do think on some literature they were referred to "2500HD."

 

[GMCTruck]

The RPO C6P 2500s were GVWR 8600 lbs. As far as I know, the heavy 3/4 ton didn't come in a short box until 96 or later. When I bought my K1500 is 95, only the GVWR 7200 3/4 ton was available in a short box, but only extended cab. All heavy 3/4 tons were long box in 1995.

 

[DaBurner87]

Um, it didn't bring anything up when I clicked on it...

You must be registered for see images attach

You'll need to know the GVWR, engine size and axle ratio. You have posted the engine size, but towing is also dependent on the other variables. I personally have never seen a K2500 (8 lug) with a short bed (6.5' bed) regular cab in the year you have, but they did make (pretty rare) K2500 (8 lug) in extended cab/6.5' bed configuration. For reference, the 2500-series trucks were 8,600 GVWR. 3.73s and 4.10s were common, but could be as low as 3.42s.

The only exception was the C6P RPO code on the 2500 trucks (8 lug). I believe those have a GVWR of 9,200 lbs, same as the 3500 SRW trucks. I do think on some literature they were referred to "2500HD."

When you click the link I posted it puts the Vin in the box, hit Decode and it tells you everything just about. It is indeed 8 Lug pattern, single cab, and I believe its the short bed. Could be regular size bed, but it looks small to me.

 

[stutaeng]

When you click the link I posted it puts the Vin in the box, hit Decode and it tells you everything just about. It is indeed 8 Lug pattern, single cab, and I believe its the short bed. Could be regular size bed, but it looks small to me.

Ok, gotcha. I see 131.5" wheelbase, so I'm pretty sure you have an 8' long bed...(LOL, you think a long bed looks short?!) Haha! You need to look into a truck with a 5.5' bed! Sorry!

I can't find a 1990 spec, but it looks this source lists a 1991 with 8,500 lb towing capacity with 4.10s and some other things: https://trailers.com/tow-capacity/i.../GMC&model=K2500 Pickup (4WD)&template=normal

One note is that you have the automatic, you have the TH400 3 speed vs a 4L80e 4 speed that was introduced in 1991. Although those 2 units are essentially close in strength that I don't think it matters.