What can we tow?

[monroes_99]

We have a 2003 chevy k1500. 5.3L longbed with a tow package. We would like to buy a travel trailer but we're not sure on the weight issues. We're supposed to be able to pull up to 9000 lbs total combined with h2o, etc. We have several telling us no not a good idea. Can anyone tell us what a good size trailer would be for us to pull. We're in Colorado so there's a lot of mountain driving. Thanks.

[badkelly]

stop by a travel trailer location and ask them for better specifics. i remember when i had my hotrod truck (rcsb) they were telling me a 19ft trailer would be about as big as i wanted to go.

edit: it would also depend on if it was occasional or all the time pulling, but a trailer place will have the best specifics. i would think. there's a thread where jester was asking about pulling with a 2-dr tahoe and he was getting a half-dozen different answers based on opinion.

[DMANbluesfreak]

My family had a 96 Suburban that we towed a 26 foot trailer with a slide out with. Never had any problems. It clocked in at about 8000lbs loaded. We did have upgraded shocks and brakes, however - but this is a 96 suburban. A 2003 will be much more capable than this due to the newer technology.

Like badkelly said - definitely go to a trailer dealership and talk to them. They definitely know what they're talking about.

[smokinsilverado]

Like has been said check with a RV dealership and see what they say. I would look at getting a weight distribution hitch or do a fifth wheel if your going to be pulling that much. Keep in mind that's at the trucks max capability so I would step it down to something around 7000lbs or less. If your going to be climbing that's going to be harder on the tranny and brakes those are going to be your weak links

[Underpowered]

you can to 9000 lbs. but that is with all the proper equipment. weight distributing hitch, trailer brakes, sway control. not just a simple hook up and go.

stopping is always the biggest issue with towing. sure, you can pull anything you hook to, but can ya stop it? trailer brakes and a good brake controller is something i would highly suggest.

as others have said, go to the local RV dealership, they can tell you what your truck can haul.

[kcb37]

In my opinion you should have a 3/4 ton. Unless you want a pop up camper.
Reason being, you put water, sewage, food, camping stuff, ect... it adds up quick. A TT is also going to be big, maybe not huge, but you will be pulling a parachute. If you have a side wind, your going to have fun with a parachute behind you.
Add to all that a 1/2 trans, and diff. Your going to wear out your truck.

If you stick with a bumper pull, before you ever hook on to it, get a hitch, and get rid of the factory junk. If you are going to use a weight distribution hitch and keep the factory hitch, keep an eye on your mirror for when you lose the trailer.

As far as an RV dealer goes, depends on the dealer. They are a salesman, alot of them will tell you that you can pull alot more then you should be.

[SteppinLo]

Keep doing your homework on this subject. The salesman may just tell you to tow the biggest camper he can get financing for!

Let me tell you from experience that towing at the max weight is never fun. Whether it is an S-10 or a class 8 commercial truck, they are all hard to stop loaded.

There is another website that has really helpful people. WWW.IRV2.COM

Look around at comparable RV's and see what the owner is towing with. I have come to love my heavy trucks simply because I don't worry about what most things weigh when I tow them.

Regardless of what you end up with, common sense will help you to arrive with everyone safe and your underwear clean!

Good Luck

Ronnie

[vcrazy8]

http://www.trailerlife.com/images/do...owingguide.pdf
This is the best info out there. You can go to http://www.trailerlife.com/output.cfm?id=4217 to find other years

[chemist]

I've gotten relatively good help from my Chevy dealer service desk when towing with my previous Astro van. All they needed was the vin.

[jimmy_dong]

go to a rv dealership and talk to tech or supervising tech. dont talk to a salesman. we are in the process to do the same thing just full time.

[desrtrat]

one thing you have to remember also. that when a vehicle manufacture rates GVWR it is based on a lot of factors. the one i always look at, and most people do not is the rating of your TIRES. you can have a GVWR of 12,000 lbs. and change your stock tires to a different load class, or a lower load capacity weight, your asking for trouble...like stated above, research before you buy.

good luck and have fun