Chevy Silverado 2500 Trailer Setup Guide

What Factors Determine a Silverado’s Towing Capacity?

Chevy, among other manufacturers, utilizes several metrics to determine a vehicle’s towing capacity, including:

• Engine configuration

• Power output

• Axle gear ratio

• Cab configuration (regular, extended, or crew)

• Bed configuration (short box or long box)

• Drive configuration (2WD or 4WD)

• Transmission type (automatic or manual)

What Is My Silverado’s Towing Capacity?

Towing capacity varies significantly depending on the year and the factors outlined above. To determine your particular Silverado’s towing capacity, locate the Safety Compliance Certification Label, typically adhered to the driver’s-side door jamb. This label often features critical information like your Silverado’s towing capacity; however, if not, you can always find the value in the owner’s manual.

Can I Exceed My Silverado’s Towing Capacity?

Never, under any circumstances, is it safe or legal to exceed the towing capacity outlined by the manufacturer. Towing capacity isn’t just based on your Silverado’s powertrain and physical ability to tow heavy loads, but on doing so safely; remember, just because you can, doesn't mean you should. 

Towing loads above your Silverado’s towing capacity isn’t just ill-advised, but dangerous, typically resulting in poor stability, reduced braking performance, excessive stopping distances, and other driveability issues that can cause significant mechanical damage to your vehicle or injury to yourself and other drivers on the road.

B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch

If you plan to tow a bulky gooseneck or oversized 5th wheel, you’ll need a rugged hitch to match; introducing the B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch: the #1 selling gooseneck hitch in America! B&W is a long-time provider of heavy-duty hitches, renowned for producing the finest quality 5th wheel, gooseneck, and conventional hitch receivers. The B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch is no exception, featuring a rugged steel construction, a corrosion-resistant powder coat finish, and a solid, one-piece machined receiver socket for superior strength. 

The B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch features a vehicle-specific fitment, mounting to existing holes in the frame for an easy installation. This product requires you to drill only a single 4-inch hole in the frame for the hitch ball; when the trailer’s back in storage, simply remove the hitch ball and enjoy access to your Silverado’s entire bed floor!  

This product is manufactured right here in the USA and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty, ensuring top-tier manufacturing and a lifetime of reliable service.  

Features: 

• The #1 selling gooseneck hitch in America

• Custom-fit for your Silverado

• A hitch when you need it, a level bed when you don’t

• Solid, one-piece machined receiver socket

• Durable powder-coat finish

• Includes a solid, machined 2 5/16" ball

• Bolts to existing holes in the frame

• Requires only a 4” hole in the bed

• Flexible latch pin handle attached to a spring-loaded 5/8” steel locking pin

• Options available include B&W Gooseneck Balls, Extenders, Eyelets, Kingpins, Helpers & Plugs.

• Exclusive 5th wheel add-on: B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch

• Compatible with spray-in bed liners

• SAE-J2638 certified

• USA-made

• Limited lifetime warranty

B&W MultiPro Tow & Stow Ball Mount

The B&W MultiPro Tow & Stow Ball Mount is the ultimate ball mount for your Silverado, especially current-generation models with the new Multi-Pro Tailgate. GM’s innovative modular tailgate design, while useful, poses an issue for tow-behind ball mounts. With the primary and inner gate lowered, some hitches aren’t properly clearanced to accommodate the inner gate, leading to contact with the tailgate and potential dings, dents, and scuffs! 

Upon noticing the need for a GM-friendly adjustable ball mount, B&W engineered a MultiPro-friendly version of its popular Tow & Stow Ball Mount! This rugged, high-strength steel ball mount is built to last, featuring a corrosion-resistant powder coat finish and stainless steel pins. It’s available in 2-ball and 3-ball configurations, along with variable drops for different height suspension setups and tongue heights. 

The B&W MultiPro Tow & Stow Ball Mount is manufactured right here in the USA and backed by a limited lifetime warranty, ensuring years of reliable service. 

Features: 

• Designed to work with the GM MultiPro Tailgate

• Machined cutout for tailgate clearance

• Multiple ball sizes eliminate the need for multiple ball mounts

• Available for 2” & 2.5” receivers

• Available in 2.5” or 4” drop for 2” receivers & 7” drop for 2.5” receivers

• Available in dual-ball & tri-ball combinations

• Manufactured from high-strength steel

• Durable black powder-coat finish

• Easily stows while not in use which provides access to the step feature

• Stainless steel pins

• USA-made

• Limited lifetime warranty

Curt PowerRide 30K 5th Wheel Hitch

If you’ve recently upgraded your 5th wheel, be sure to step up your 5th wheel hitch to match with the Curt PowerRide 30K! This heavy-duty 5th wheel hitch is compatible with puck-style bed systems, as found in heavy-duty Silverados. With a substantial 30,000-pound gross trailer limit and 7,500-pound tongue limit, this hitch can handle far beyond the capabilities of most ¾-ton pickups, ensuring compatibility with your current trailer and any other trailer you purchase in the future. 

The Curt PowerRide 30K 5th Wheel Hitch is manufactured in the USA and backed with a limited lifetime structural warranty. 

Features: 

• Fits select Chevy, GMC, Dodge & Ford trucks with puck system 

• Rugged cast steel main body

• Textured dark gray Teridium finish for lasting rust resistance

• Ergonomic, self-resetting handle for easier use from the truck bed

• Multi-directional, cast yoke head for smooth rider & less strain on the truck

• Strategic grip points for ergonomic moving & handling 

• Patented interlocking jaws for full kingpin contact & coupling security

• 30,000 lb. gross trailer weight & 7,500 lb. tongue weight

• 4” height adjustment for greater versatility versus 3” options 

• No welding or fabrication is required for the installation 

• Includes hitch head & legs

• Limited lifetime warranty (one-year for parts & finish)

Trail Ridge Towing Mirrors

Visibility is critical when towing; if your Silverado is running factory paddle-style mirrors, consider upgrading to a set of Trail Ridge Towing Mirrors, offering exceptional visibility, a factory-style fit and finish, and a simple, plug-n-play installation! 

Trail Ridge Towing Mirrors are available with various options, including manual or power adjustment, manual or power folding, and chrome or black mirror caps to complement your ride. Installation is quick and easy, as Trail Ridge mirrors feature factory-style mounting posts and connectors for a simple, bolt-on installation; no cutting or drilling is required.  

Features:

• Vehicle-specific fitment

• Improved visibility & damage prevention

• Direct bolt-on, plug-and-play installation

• Manufactured from the highest quality materials that prevent rust & peeling

• Heavy-duty construction meets or exceeds OEM standards

• Rigorously tested to ensure superior fit, function, & durability

• Constructed with galvanized or stainless-steel internal parts

• Sold individually or in pairs

• Power or manual glass, folding, & telescoping options

• Huge variety of features & finishes to choose from 

• Option to upgrade your factory features on select vehicles

• Hardware & wiring included, if applicable

• DOT & SAE approved 

• 2-year limited warranty

Curt Trailer Brake Controller

If you plan to tow a trailer heavier than 1,500 pounds, most states require integrated trailer brakes to reduce stopping distances and increase safety; however, you’ll need a quality trailer brake controller to interface with your trailer’s electronic braking system. That’s where the Curt Trailer Brake Controller comes into play–a high-quality, easy-to-use trailer brake controller with a plug-and-play connector. 

We offer three select models–the Discovery, Triflex, and Venturer–ensuring flawless integration and braking performance in your Silverado.  

Features: 

• Four models to choose from

• Durably constructed to last

• Choose from time-activated or inertial-activated braking

• Inertia controllers are self-leveling and may be mounted up to 70°

• Compatible with anti-lock brakes & cruise control

• Backed by a lifetime warranty

Trimax Hitch Locks

Especially if you’re staying in a hotel overnight or leaving your trailer unattended, proper security is crucial to prevent the theft of your goods, tools, or even your entire trailer! Before your first outing, invest in the security of a locking hitch pin, like the Trimax Hitch Lock.

Trimax offers various lock styles and sizes, ensuring compatibility with your Silverado’s hitch. Each hitch lock features a theft-proof heavy-duty locking mechanism with a 7-pin security key, protective rubber cap and O-Ring to keep dirt and grime at bay, and two keys. 

Trimax locks are tested to exceed forces over 32,000 pounds–well above your Silverado 2500’s towing capacity. The lock also features 5,800 pounds of head pull strength; let the average thief attempt to break that!  

Features: 

• Heavy-duty locking mechanism

• O-Ring keeps water, grime, and dirt out of the locking mechanism

• Protective rubber cap protects keyhole from water, grime, and dirt

• The patented dual lock lug design offers over 5,800 pounds of head pull strength.

• Tested specifications exceed 32,000 pounds.

• Strongest lock on the market

• Includes 2 keys

• Includes a 7-pin high-security key

• Many finishes & styles are available

• Limited lifetime warranty

SuperSprings Solo SumoSprings

SuperSprings Solo SumoSprings bring the functionality of extensive airbag systems without the lengthy installation or risk of failure. These maintenance-free air springs utilize air trapped within micro-cellular urethane bumpers to dampen impacts and reduce spring sag, cushioning your Silverado’s ride and increasing stability with a trailer on the hitch. 

SumoSprings come in three colors–blue, black, and yellow–each with a different density and recommended use. For a heavy-duty Silverado 2500, we’d recommend black -47 density or yellow -54, ideal for medium–heavy loads.  

Features: 

• Sold as a pair

• Maintenance-free

• Enhances load-carrying ability

• Reduces and stabilizes sway

• Improves driver control and comfort

• No leaking or rupturing

• Made from micro-cellular urethane

• USA-made

• Limited 2-year warranty

SuperSprings Suspension Stabilizers

Stabilize your Silverado 2500’s rear suspension with a pair of SuperSprings Suspension Stabilizers, offering increased driver control, reduced wheel hop, and maintenance and adjustment-free service. These suspension stabilizers only engage when your Silverado is loaded, ensuring a comfortable and compliant ride without cargo in the bed or a trailer on the hitch. When loaded down, the stabilizers engage, stiffening your rear suspension for far better stability.

Installation is quick and easy, requiring nothing more than tightening a few nuts and bolts per side; no cutting, drilling, or modifications are required. 

Features: 

• Makes towing or hauling cargo safer

• Reduces wheel hop & fish-tailing

• Increases driver control

• Never needs to be adjusted

• Simple installation takes less than an hour for most vehicles

• Sold in pairs

• USA-made

• Limited 5-year warranty (2-year in commercial applications)

ReadyAIR Load-Leveling Air Bag Kits

ReadyAIR Load-Leveling Air Bag Kits are the next generation of airbag systems, featuring an auto-leveling, ride-frequency-maintaining design that auto-adjusts for maximum comfort, whether loaded or unloaded. Even with uneven loads and heavy trailers, ReadyAIR Load-Leveling Air Bags provide exceptional comfort and stability. 

All ReadyAIR kits feature a convenient no-drill installation, including clamp-around vehicle-specific brackets; installation takes approximately half the time as conventional kits. Unconvinced? ReadyAIR airbags are backed by the confidence of a lifetime warranty; if it breaks, you’ll get a replacement! 

So what are you waiting for? Order your ReadyAIR Load-Leveling Air Bag Kit to experience the next generation of load assistance!

Features: 

• High-endurance air springs

• Maintains your factory ride quality

• Offers enhanced stability with uneven loads

• No drill, simple bolt-on installation

• Lifetime warranty