Towing capacity of '87 1500 2WD 5.7?

[Evans Ward]

Anyone know what is the max towing capacity for the 1987 1500 series 2 wheel drive with the 5.7 350 TBI engine? Just wondering what I might be able to haul on the bed and/or tow on trailers. Thanks in advance!

 

[jetman]

I have an '83 k10. With a 3.08 rear gear, it seemed to start to get unhappy if the gross load (truck and trailer) got over 10,000#. Around my property I sometimes "dolly around" 12,000# 5th wheel trailers with no issues.

At the end of the day, maximum load is kind of limited by several things, including but not limited to:

1) Rear gear ratio, bigger gear numbers help bunches to move bigger loads.
2) Terrain - any hills along the way?
3) Trailer brakes - I am a big fan of some extra stoppers out back when towing; have had too may close calls without them.
4) How big a hurry are you in? Are you moving fast down the expressway or just putting along on a farm-market blacktop? Moving fast means more hp required, it all going thru the gear boxes out the rear end.
5) How far are you going? across a small town or across several states?

 

[CSFJ]

The factory rated capacities should be listed either on a sticker in the door jam, or if that's missing the owners manual.

 

[lwilson77]

In my experiences, the truck usually will tow more than it can stop. Get trailer brakes or go easy on the halfton.