Forum Discussion

marksz71's avatar
marksz71
Explorer
Oct 20, 2016

Truck/Trailer Capabilities/safety - Newb here....

When I say newb...very new. In fact, we don't have a trailer...yet. We're about two years out from getting the trailer, and as we look around to determine what we want...the trailer gets bigger. We want a toy hauler, and I would prefer a 14-16, which of course reduces the living space which is what my wife wants. Regardless, what we want/will get will end up being a triple axel 45 foot trailer. If I recall...they come in around 16K - 18K pounds and 20K-22K GVW. Here is the problem...I have a 2013 Denali 2500 HD with Duramax. I assumed when I bought it, it would be fine to tow whatever we bought...now concerned that may not be the case. Obviously I'm not concerned about power, it's the weight. I have zero desire to own a dually...sorry; I just can't see driving a dually around when I'm not towing a big trailer. My first concern in safety for the family while driving of course. so here goes...can I safely tow that large of trailer with a 2500? I have been looking at airbag systems...would this make it safe and much more likely? Can I upgrade to a 3500 single and add air bags? Would wider tires help with the footprint enough to make a difference? Am I stuck with a dually only for this application? Can the experts provide some mentoring? Thanks! Mark
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Oct 20, 2016
    Don't want to drive a dually...
    What to keep/use current 2013 2500/////

    Then stop kidding yourself.

    Your truck is a capable tow platform but you don't have the payload capacity, the GVWR, the RAWR for those trailers.

    Realistic that 2500 SRW is good for 13K--14K GVWR 5th wheel trailer.
    Figure 20% of 5vrs GVWR for wet pin and stay under 3000# MAX (which is the maximum pin wet your truck can 'carry')

    Real world........not mfg. magical marketing numbers.

    What is payload (max cargo carrying capacity) listed on YELLOW Tire Data sticker on YOUR DENALI drivers door jamb
    Less then 3000#

    What is YOUR DENALI GVWR.........9500#

    What is the MAX Load Rating of YOUR DENALI rear tires?

    Payload, RAWR/Rear Tire Load Rating & GVWR....those are your limitations with your truck (any truck)
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Oct 20, 2016
    Nothing you do to your current vehicle will increase the carrying capacity by one pound. The axle capacity along with the tires max load have set the payload capacity of that vehicle. A glance at the Trailer Life towing guide for 2013 shows that SUV has a max towing capacity of 7900 pounds: Link

    Look at the sticker on the driver's side door post for the actual numbers for that SUV.

    You need a newer one ton pickup with dual rear wheels to even think about hauling a 45 ft TT. I say newer since the trucks starting around 2011 have seen a major increase in towing and payload capacities.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Oct 20, 2016
    Tow? Sure, no problem. Safely tow? I wouldnt, but I an not you. Been there, done that with much less. It is no fun arriving after a day of fighting to keep the load coralled. Really honestly you need to decide on what you need, then decide on a truck sufficiently large to comfortably handle the intended load. Anything else, you will simply be fooling yourself.
    Others will argue, but I feel anything over about 14K loaded should have a dually.

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