re: How heavy is too heavy for a 1500 truck?

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It also more about stopping it then pulling it.

Does the new boat trailer have brakes?

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This is the real issue. A modern 1500 can pull a lot heavier than you'd think but stopping is another story...

Braking is more important than towing. Had some tailgating friends that nearly died on 85 heading to an Auburn game because their GMC 3500 couldn’t stop their toy hauler. Husband drove to Texas and got a small semi.

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If you have good trailer brakes you can tow a tank. Without good trailer brakes you’re chancing it.

I’ve towed a skid steer 2.5 hrs to place in MS with zero issues but trailer has electric over hydraulic disc brakes.

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My existing trailer has the surge/hydrolic brakes. I fully intend on getting electric brakes on the new boat/trailer. I may just keep the 1500 until I get the new rig and just try it a few times. If I feel uncomfortable with it, I will just got replace the truck. I do have brake controls on my Silverado so I will be ready for the electric brakes


Id really like to still with the 1500 if I can. Just fits the rest of my life driving better.

"forget the tow rating and find the GCWR." Tow rating/capacity is a marketing tool. Generally you can't safely tow the rating/capacity weight.

(Gross Combined Weight Rating) is the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle and the loaded trailer, including all cargo and passengers, that the vehicle can handle without risking damage.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating "GVWR" is maximum weight a vehicle can carry when fully loaded. This includes the weight of the vehicle itself, fuel, passengers, cargo, and trailer tongue weight. Distribution hitch doesn't enter into the picture. Vehicle brakes are typically designed for the GVWR.

The Gross Combined Weight must never exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating.

FYI for my vehicle to stay within the GCWR I'm 1,650lbs. less than the towing capacity/rating.

An old camping rule of thumb is tow no more than 80% of tow rating/capacity. New rule never exceed GCWR.

I have a 23 model 7.3 gas 250. It’s been a great in between for me. Gas mileage isn’t the best but it’s still cheaper than diesel and not all that much less than the half ton. It’s my favorite truck I’ve ever had. I think it would work well for your situation

if you dont want a 3/4 ton. Put some air bags on the 1500 and make sure to get trailer brakes. pressure wash the brakes after you get the boat out of the water.