Hello,

I'm new to the board and new to towing.  I've just purchased a used truck and am wondering where can I find out all the towing specifications/capacities of the truck, etc.  It is a 95 Chevy Silverado 3/4 ton with the heavy duty engine (the 454).  In all likelihood, I'll never tow to full capacity.  I've also just ordered a 2 horse, GN Hawk trailer and probably won't ever tow more than that, but I would like to be knowledgable about the limitations of my vehicle.  Do I just contact a Chevy dealer?  For a 10 year old truck it's in great shape and the former owners put a new engine in it just 4000 miles ago, so I anticipate having it for quite a while.

Thanks for any insight.  I hope this question isn't completely redundant.  I did a little digging and didn't see the exact issue addressed.

As I recall, the 454 only came in the HD 2500, not the light duty 2500. But to be sure it's a HD, just pull off the rear hub cab and see if it there is pretruding axle housing with 8 bolts. That's a full floating axle with twice the bearings of a semi-float and the weight is directed to the differential axle housing instead of the axle shaft. My 454 in C30 had a 455 axle ratio and could tow a tank. To see what axle ratio you have, look at the metal tag on one of the differntial cover bolts.

Depending on what cab and if 4x4 as extra weight of these options subracts from towing capacity and Gross Combination Weight Rating. But you should be in the 11 to 12K trailer capaicty. It's hard to find older towing ratings. Check this one that goes to 1998, http://bobstravelcenter.com/98towguide.html

Chevy shoud be able to find that for you.  As long as the truck hasn't been "modified".  You know, lift kits, lowering kits, bigger/smaller tires. 

Ford was able to take my vin and find the info for me.  It was a 76 and the door sticker had peeled off years ago.  I miss that old truck.