what do you need to add to get more towing capacity

You should look for a bigger truck. The 2500 is not suitable for this type of load.

You can handle it with a 2500HD no problem. Make sure you get the diesel. Airbags in the rear would also help keep it level, and invest in a good electronic brake controller.

We have a 2001 2500HD and we pull our bobcat trailer and that full loaded is about 14000 lbs so you shouldn't have a problem pulling your fifth wheel, but it helps if you get a performance chip which increases the horse power and putting a exhaust system to let the engine breath more.

get a programmer if u want more towning cap. and that should be all u need depending on what u are trying to haul

2006 General Motors PICKUP Chevy Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab 6.6L V-8 TD 12,000 2006 General Motors PICKUP Chevy Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab 8.1L V-8 12,000 2006 General Motors PICKUP Chevy Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab 6.0L V-8 9,700 2006 General Motors PICKUP Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 6.6L V-8 TD 12,000 2006 General Motors PICKUP Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 8.1L V-8 12,000 2006 General Motors PICKUP Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 6.0L V-8 9,900 unless the truck you are looking to buy is the 6.0L v8 the you should have no problems towing 12k......I work for a chevy dealership and the numbers i am showing you came straight out of the general motors tow ratings

that truck is definately under rated for a 12000 lbs 5th wheel.your truck should always be over rated.just cause you might get away with it doesent mean its right.its not safe.the air bags and programing and extra horspower are great but it still doesent change the rating of the truck.if you run with the holding tanks empty and dont take much firewood youd probable be close to your rating but i would say buy a lighter 5er.always leave a margin for error.and its best if its on the good side.the last thing you need while traveling is be worried and uptide about you rig.makes for a real long haul.just my 2 cents.

That truck will be fine to pull that trailer recommend airbags in the rear. I use my 06 chevy Silverado 2500hd 6.0 with a 5th wheel and almost 300,000 on motor and I have no issues

The GCWR (Total weight of truck and trailer) for a 2006 K-2500, 4x4, extended cab, with 6.6 Duramax is 23,200 pounds when pulling a 5th wheel trailer. Truck base weight is just under 6000 pounds, so that leaves about 17,200 of available towing capacity. This directly from page 4-78 (towing section) of the vehicle's manual. Pin weight (weight on the bed) cannot exceed 3000 pounds.

There's lots to check before choosing a truck. Not mentioned above is axle ratings. E.g., you need to know the pin weight of the trailer and all of the other stuff that might be in the bed (firewood, hitch, water, etc.) as well as in the cab (people). As with the tow rating, you want, in my opinion, about a 25% margin. You also need to look at bed clearances and whether you want to deal with a sliding hitch and such. At 12,000 lbs surely you are looking at diesel.

This guy has it rite

I tow a fifth wheel loaded at approx. 9800 lib. with 2100 pin weight, 2005 chev 2500HD 6.0 litre gas and 4:10 works good. Works hard in mountains and strong headwinds. Would recommend more capacity for heavier trailer.

16K lbs from Texas to Canada no issues

towing anything over 10k you need a CDL

You do not need a CDL when towing 10,000 lbs. GVWR can not exceed 10,000. This is the vehicle by itself. GCWR can not exceed 26,000 lbs. That is the combined weight of truck, trailer and all cargo.

If your GCWR is 26,001lbs or more you need what they call a recreational class A cdl not over 10k

I just purchased a used 5th wheel rated at 12,100 for trailer and cargo. I started out looking at 2500's, thought they would be plenty. But after looking a payload capacity, along with what I would like to carry in the bed, there is no way I would consider a 2500HD now. That isn't even getting the the tow capacity. I learn long ago that some things you do take to the edge, better off and safer having some cushioning room. But, that's just me and being able to still be alive and kicking because I learned my lessons well. Currently search for a good used 3500. I never liked the idea of the cart pulling the horse, most definitely not went the cart is right behind me.

Shut the F@$! Up... I see you “people” pulling a 20 to 29 foot fifth wheel or bumper pull with a dually that is so not needed at all! You guys or gals are way over doing it. I’ve been pulling a 2004 37 ft Sierra sport fifth wheel toy hauler fully loaded with 4 dirt bikes in the garage for years. My tow vehicle is a 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD crew cab long box 6.0L V8 gasser. Pin weight rating is 3,100 lbs. The truck has over 200k miles. 4 to 5 people are always riding in the cab when towing. RPM’s vary between 2,000- 2,800 depending on the speed. I have the 480LE tranny. Few upgrades are a second tranny cooler, Firestone airbags, brake controller, slotted and drilled rotors all the way around, and Very frequent oil and tranny fluid changes just for a good piece of mind. 60-70mph on flats and 40-45 on hills like the grapevine which is a 6% grade. People always say oh you might be able to pull it but good luck stopping. That’s is such bull shit! I have no problem slowing down or stopping instantly when someone pulls out in front of me randomly. Down the grapevine I shift down to 3rd or 2nd gear and I’m sitting 40-50mph no problem. Pulled it from Southern California to Mammoth/Yosemite multiple times up that long steep bishop grade. Know how to drive your tow vehicle and treat her right. She’ll surprise you and reward you.

I have an 07 GMC 2500HD with the LBZ. We pull a 40’ Landmark with it. Going on 3 years with 0 trouble.

Ok my turn I have an 07 lbz 4 door short bed 6.6 swr you think I could pull 5er 42’ triple axle toy hauler ? Weight is about 16 k pin weight 3300 Trucks on nitros 33” leveled lmk

i have a 2017 GMC Denali and it pulls my 2017 Montana, loaded weighs 16k have been on extreme hills in colorado and blue ridge mountains, on extreme inclines the pedal was to the medal and the Duramax did have to work hard for less than 5 minutes, never dropped speed under 45 - 55 mph very short period of time.

04 LB7 4 door short box D Max towing a 29 ft 12K 5th wheel 170K miles. Love the D Max , We went from a 97 dodge V10 in 04 and never looked back! PU has PPE tuner, PPE boost stick , 4in exh. Cold air intake. 21mpg empty 14 towing.

every one talking about needing a safety cushion between ratings and actual. the engineers build in large safety cushions in to every thing they design to cover their ass. the only concern you have to have to think about is insurance lawyers not wanting to pay out. every truck out there are rated by the rear tires on the truck when you buy it. every other component on the truck is rated far above what those tire or any tire made for that matter can handle.

If you don't have experience hauling/towing/pulling a trailer then you need to stay under the "recommend limit" fast moving weight + inexperienced driver= dangerous fast moving heavy battering ram. But if you have time/experience hauling my dad has a 2006 2500hd duramax since new. Programmer and bigger up and down pipes drilled and slotted rotors. His has hauled well over limit tractors concrete cars you name it. No problems except steering gearbox and line but there are upgrades for them. Great truck now I own it and still hauling 180k

The truck has a 16200 pound fifth wheel rating. everyone saying it isnt enough is completely wrong. Period.

Buy a bigger truck: 3500HD single or dually.

I have a 7” lifted 09 2500HD 6.6 duramax on 35s and I pull a 40’ float with my mini ex and my bobcat skid steer on it daily with no issues