Towing Issues: Boat towing, reese hitchs, gmc web

Question
Hello Don,
I need some advice on towing a Boat,motor and trailer weighing between 3700#'s and 4000#'s.  
I have a 2004 GMC Sierra 1/2 ton pickup,4.8 liter(285lbs torque?),4x4.
 Can this setup tow the boat safely,and if, at all?
If so, what type class frame hitch should i get?
Thanks.

Dick


Answer
The GMC web site seems to indicate that no matter what configuration (with some exceptions for the "performance" versions), the capacity should be plenty to tow what you have indicated.

Here is their web site:

http://www.gmc.com/sierra/1500/specsDimension.jsp

Also, as for hitch capacity, a class IV hitch is usually what I recommend, that takes up to 750 pounds of tongue weight, and up to 7500 pounds of gross trailer weight.

I highly recommend a Weight DISTRIBUTING hitch with sway control.  Some might say this is overkill, but when your trailer is over half the weight of the tow vehicle, and the cost of a top of the line hitch is only a hundred or so more bucks, think of the value of your truck and boat/trailer, not to mention the occupants inside the truck!  

Reese is one company that I trust, but Draw Tite also makes great hitches.  Read up on them.  Here is one site with good information:

http://www.trailerlife.com/rvtech/glossary.cfm

Also check out Reese at:

http://www.reese-hitchs.com

A good trailer dealer can guide you in this also.  

I also like to see a good auxilliary transmission cooler if you don't already have one.  Since you are asking about hitches, then I suspect your GMC does NOT have the HD towing package.  YOu might want to check with your GMC dealer to see what they recommend.

Don