Not sure Good Afternoon Folks, First time posting here. I am in the research phase of purchasing a toy hauler (never owned one, never owned a trailer for that matter). I have searched high and low for answers to my thousands of questions and have discovered most of them but still have some questions that need some verification. I have tried reaching out to a couple of folks on here that somewhat match my profile as far truck and wanted toy hauler but I’m guessing they do not check the forums very often or just don’t want to reply, no biggie, no grudge. Here is my situation, knowing that I would eventually like to get into the camping/trailer world I just purchased a used 2004 Silverado 2500HD crewcab, 6.0 Gas, 4.10 gear truck with a short bed. The guy owned a muffler shop 3 miles from his house so when I bought it, it had 54,500 miles on it, not bad. I did not have enough money for a diesel and quite frankly im not sure if I would need one yet……..hmm…… Anyway I am almost certain that a toy hauler would fit our needs so I started looking more towards that type rather than travel trailers. From what I have researched, It sounds like fifth wheels are a lot easier to maneuver and are better tows than travel trailers, so I started narrowing down models that are in my price range. Heres one of my issues, unfortunately my brain was running on two cylinders and really didn’t think that my 6 inch lift would be such an issue, boy was I wrong. Through my research I have discovered a couple things that I can do to somewhat remedy the lift issue but still may run into the spacing issue between the 5er and my bed rails. I’ll just have to figure it out, or is it even worth it?Second issue that I am continuously coming across is the Actual Weight of trailers??? I am finding that most of the Weekend Warriors that I am considering are questionable as far as weight. I am concerned with overloading my truck especially when the kids an wife are in the truck. I’m seeing such a large gap between numbers that it is really making me not sure about them. The SL2805, SL3005, LE3105 are showing numbers that could be doable but I would really like to know what you guys think.Am I screwed because of the lift?Are the SL3005 or the LE3105 too much of a 5er for my truck? Not hauling toys, just like the extra room and beds.Are there any other 5ers that are similar to these Weekend Warriors? Yes, I have read about the issues with WW, but then again there appears to be all sorts of issues with other trailers a side from normal wear and tear.None of my friends are into any of this type of stuff so these forums are my only hope as far as honest opinions go. Let me know what you folks think.Pete and Family

I had a forest river toy hauler work and play that I pulled with f-250 always carried a Honda goldwing trick with us never had any weight problems. It is for sale we went back to motorhome. My toy hauler is a bumper pull

You know just giving model numbers indicates you're only wanting answers from those of us who actually are first hand familiar with those models. I think the responsive replies will be very small indeed. I suggest that in order to get a better overall accounting of what you're looking for, that you might provide the weight specs for each of those models including pin weights, gvwr, and axle ratings. Also, know what the payload capacity of your truck is will help also. Have you weighed your truck? If not, know the "actual" weight of it would be very helpful.Ron

So it looks like you max tow weight is 9.900 le3105 dry weight 5th wheel trailer weight 6.875 consider you'll load gear water bikes or beds and so on I'd say 1.500 you'll be fine not sure what you going to do about 6 inch lift Maybe look at different 5th wheel hitch mounts for height's but keep in mind you don't want to drag the end of the trailer either. If you bought a trailer pull the have hitches you can adjust the heights on.

Peteys... Let's see here, I've seen plenty of people pull a fifth wheel with a 6" lift on the truck but they did spend the money on flipping the axles or adding too the fifth wheel. Now as for towing you might be pushing it on the truck. If you went bumper pull you can adjust that hitch for your truck and good to go. Also where in socal do you live?

Not sure on the models you listed but the old weekend warrior had frame issues on some of their models, might look into that also before you get set on a certain model. With a 6" lift you might want to consider a TT instead of a 5ver. I have a friend that pulls a 2015 30' outback TT with his 02 chevy with 6.0, not sure of gearing but don't think its 4.10 by any means. You might consider the XLR Hyperlite toy hauler like the 29HFS just because of your lift, right at 10K gross weight

Lost...What do you guys think | Good Sam Community

22 Replies

nayther
Explorer
Feb 09, 2017
Had a friend (BobWanderer) with a 2500 6.0 gasser and 24' Wanderer bumper pull, used to be on these forums but passed away a few years ago. Absolutely HATED towing with that truck, got somewhere around 5 mpg, had to stop 3x going to/from the desert which is less than 200 miles one way. Based on his experience.

My BIL recently sold his older 2500 big block and it towed a 30' fifth wheel fine, got around 10 mpg. No replacement for displacement.
wowens79
Explorer III
Feb 09, 2017
peteys wrote:
wowens79 wrote:
I've got the same engine, but with 3.73 gears, and pull a TT that loaded it around 7500 lbs. It does fine on the flats, but any slight grade it downshifts and turns 3000rpm, it it is rolling inclines, I just leave it in 3rd. If there are any hills, it will end up in 2nd at 45 mph. I had one hill in that I was in 1st gear at 25mph for about a mile.

The 6.0 will hang in there, and is very reliable, but it likes to spin to get it's power.

Wow! Yeah, I'd be lying if i said i wasn't a little nervous about going up the hills. Its nice to hear from someone who actually has the same engine. Have you ever considered doing anything to the engine like performance wise....supercharge or turbo?

I haven't considered a supercharger, but I have thought about a tune, and exhaust. I upgraded from a popup to the TT about 6 months ago, so it hasnt been an issue until recently. The truck has 199K on it, and I have a 13 year old son. I'll drive it another 2 years, give me son the old truck and get me a newish truck, and it will be a diesel.
kofire
Explorer
Feb 09, 2017
peteys wrote:
kofire wrote:
Hi hopefully I can be of some help as I've been in your shoes. You've allready gotten a lot of good info.
I think you can find a small enough weekend warrior, gearbox, Ragen or something similar down in a decent price range. I'd stick with something 26' or less with your truck.
I've owned three weekend warriors in all shapes and sizes and I can say they are HEAVY.
I can't speak for the quality of these models but I would consider the weekend warrior sl2805 and the sl3005. Those would probably be fine with your truck.
I wouldn't hesitate to tow with a lifted truck ( in fact that's all Ive ever towed with) just make sure your rims and tires are rated correctly. Gearing absolutely helps but is not cheap for a 4wd.
As far as a fiver all you need are flipped axles and you are good to go there. I've had three toy haulers with flipped axles and have never had a problem.
At some point you may want to just consider going be diesel route. There's plenty of good older trucks for sale in California.
I have a 10yr 6.0 powerstroke with 176k on the clock. It is an excellent tow rig. It's also lifted 8" on 37s. I've towed 40' toy haulers all over the state.
Any questions feel free to ask. Thanks and good luck.

Thanks for the info. Its nice to hear from someone that also has a lift. referring to the diesel route, i know, I probably should have gone the diesel route but didn't have money. They were all just about 4-5 grand out of reach. I looked into the 6.0 Powerstroke but was hesitant to purchase because of the issues that i read about. Sounds like you got a good one! Thanks again.
you bet. I've always been a Ford guy. The 6.0 is not for everyone but at this point the information on how to fix them is well documented. It brings the truck to a good price point then get the needed repairs done. Once bulletproofed they are extremely capable tow rigs.
peteys
Explorer
Feb 08, 2017
kofire wrote:
Hi hopefully I can be of some help as I've been in your shoes. You've allready gotten a lot of good info.
I think you can find a small enough weekend warrior, gearbox, Ragen or something similar down in a decent price range. I'd stick with something 26' or less with your truck.
I've owned three weekend warriors in all shapes and sizes and I can say they are HEAVY.
I can't speak for the quality of these models but I would consider the weekend warrior sl2805 and the sl3005. Those would probably be fine with your truck.
I wouldn't hesitate to tow with a lifted truck ( in fact that's all Ive ever towed with) just make sure your rims and tires are rated correctly. Gearing absolutely helps but is not cheap for a 4wd.
As far as a fiver all you need are flipped axles and you are good to go there. I've had three toy haulers with flipped axles and have never had a problem.
At some point you may want to just consider going be diesel route. There's plenty of good older trucks for sale in California.
I have a 10yr 6.0 powerstroke with 176k on the clock. It is an excellent tow rig. It's also lifted 8" on 37s. I've towed 40' toy haulers all over the state.
Any questions feel free to ask. Thanks and good luck.

Thanks for the info. Its nice to hear from someone that also has a lift. referring to the diesel route, i know, I probably should have gone the diesel route but didn't have money. They were all just about 4-5 grand out of reach. I looked into the 6.0 Powerstroke but was hesitant to purchase because of the issues that i read about. Sounds like you got a good one! Thanks again.
peteys
Explorer
Feb 08, 2017
wowens79 wrote:
I've got the same engine, but with 3.73 gears, and pull a TT that loaded it around 7500 lbs. It does fine on the flats, but any slight grade it downshifts and turns 3000rpm, it it is rolling inclines, I just leave it in 3rd. If there are any hills, it will end up in 2nd at 45 mph. I had one hill in that I was in 1st gear at 25mph for about a mile.

The 6.0 will hang in there, and is very reliable, but it likes to spin to get it's power.

Wow! Yeah, I'd be lying if i said i wasn't a little nervous about going up the hills. Its nice to hear from someone who actually has the same engine. Have you ever considered doing anything to the engine like performance wise....supercharge or turbo?
kofire
Explorer
Feb 08, 2017
Hi hopefully I can be of some help as I've been in your shoes. You've allready gotten a lot of good info.
I think you can find a small enough weekend warrior, gearbox, Ragen or something similar down in a decent price range. I'd stick with something 26' or less with your truck.
I've owned three weekend warriors in all shapes and sizes and I can say they are HEAVY.
I can't speak for the quality of these models but I would consider the weekend warrior sl2805 and the sl3005. Those would probably be fine with your truck.
I wouldn't hesitate to tow with a lifted truck ( in fact that's all Ive ever towed with) just make sure your rims and tires are rated correctly. Gearing absolutely helps but is not cheap for a 4wd.
As far as a fiver all you need are flipped axles and you are good to go there. I've had three toyhaulers with flipped axles and have never had a problem.
At some point you may want to just consider going be diesel route. There's plenty of good older trucks for sale in California.
I have a 10yr 6.0 powerstroke with 176k on the clock. It is an excellent tow rig. It's also lifted 8" on 37s. I've towed 40' toyhaulers all over the state.
Any questions feel free to ask. Thanks and good luck.
wowens79
Explorer III
Feb 08, 2017
I've got the same engine, but with 3.73 gears, and pull a TT that loaded it around 7500 lbs. It does fine on the flats, but any slight grade it downshifts and turns 3000rpm, it it is rolling inclines, I just leave it in 3rd. If there are any hills, it will end up in 2nd at 45 mph. I had one hill in that I was in 1st gear at 25mph for about a mile.

The 6.0 will hang in there, and is very reliable, but it likes to spin to get it's power.
peteys
Explorer
Feb 08, 2017
bpadamson wrote:
Hi and welcome,
Safety is number one, experience may be #2. Take your time and keep asking questions. A F250 does pull several 5ivers on this forum and many of them are gassers. And yes you will go slower on some hills.
So some thoughts that have been mentioned: E tires, perhaps one step smaller to reduce your height.
Depending on what you find, you may need to flip axles or do a subframe (my axles were already flipped).
Our TH has all the tanks in front of the axles, so if you load up with water or do not empty before you travel home, your hitch weight will overwhelm your rating.
If you find one with a generator installed up front, that will probably not be calculated on the yellow weight sticker (mine sure wasn't).

Good luck in your search,

Thanks bpadamson. I'm re-thinking my game plan and leaning more towards a TT. I'm glad i joined this forum. I might have made some costly mistakes if i hadn't.
peteys
Explorer
Feb 08, 2017
Blackdiamond wrote:
My friend had that same truck/engine, he struggled with the pull behind FS2600....prob close to 11,000 lbs loaded.

Wow. I'm surprised that it was even attempted. 11,000 lbs would be way over the max.I see what you are saying though. Thanks for the info.
bpadamson
Explorer
Feb 08, 2017
Hi and welcome,
Safety is number one, experience may be #2. Take your time and keep asking questions. A F250 does pull several 5ivers on this forum and many of them are gassers. And yes you will go slower on some hills.
So some thoughts that have been mentioned: E tires, perhaps one step smaller to reduce your height.
Depending on what you find, you may need to flip axles or do a subframe (my axles were already flipped).
Our TH has all the tanks in front of the axles, so if you load up with water or do not empty before you travel home, your hitch weight will overwhelm your rating.
If you find one with a generator installed up front, that will probably not be calculated on the yellow weight sticker (mine sure wasn't).

Good luck in your search,

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Lost...What do you guys think

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