Wow...towing capacity opinions abound...had a 95' Sub...never really knew what the tow cap was, bit I now know I exceeded it alot and often. Got 285K miles out of her with zero issues and sold her for a grand. Now I have a 2011 2500HD w/3:73 rear end 6-speed tranny crew. Spec says 9500 lbs tow cap...I know my boat and trailer are at least 11K...I've towed it and te truck runs like a champ...no drag no lack of power. Don't think I'll stop towing with this truck but, 1.) I wonder why they made an HD with only a 9500 tow rating, 2.) what is the "get nervous" temp for the tranny temp display?

the tow rating has just as much to do with stopping the truck in a safe distance as it does the power, also, if you had the 4.10 rearend you would be o.k. as that is rated to tow about 12k. 9500 GVW is almost as high as the old 1 ton single wheel gvw, which was 10000. It is all about being safe towing and having your equipment last. If you get in an accident and your truck is overloaded, they will come after you first. In MN they are getting much more strict about enforcing towing stuff. typical range on the trans is between about 195-210 degrees- your truck will warn you if it is getting too hot. I hope this helps.

Richard is "spot on" about towing safely. Also if you are truly towing 11,000 Lbs make sure your HD has the Class V Receiver Hitch and not the Class IV. Class IV hitches are only rated for 8,000 lbs maximum. The Class V is rated for 12K.

I tow 11,000 with a mini van. Is that safe? Will my van split in half and my engine blow up?