1/2 ton towing advice
Hello - I have a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 with 5.3L and 3:42 gears. The owners manual indicates a max towing capability of 9500 lbs for my model but I'm looking for some user advise as to what I can r...
Forum Discussion
I am one of those advocates for getting the heftiest truck you can possibly afford to tow a tear drop! ;) And I still basically am.
But this last Summer we've done a lot of camping at a lot of different campgrounds across Indiana, from North to South, and I am amazed what folks are towing with. Every conception of the 1500 / F150 has been blown out of my "personal waters!"
I for one, would never feel comfortable towing something that large with a 150 / 1500, but that is just me. Evidently, a lot of people are towing with these, and even towing with vehicles smaller than this. I'm really amazed at the SUV's, the Suburbans, and some vehicles, I have no clue what they are, that people are towing with.
Now, I honestly do not know what kind of towing experience they all have, but evidently they are doing it.
My advise now would be ... go ahead and try towing with your vehicle of choice. But if the experience is unpleasant, don't hesitate a second to trade for a "heftier" vehicle. (or) spare yourself the uncertainty and just "go for the throat" and go "Hefty" right out the gate!
Here's a little word of advise: If you have doubts, your doubts are probably correct! When you start driving the roads with $75,000 - $100,000 worth of vehicles you are in control of behind the steering wheel, there is no room for any "doubt". You need to have 100% confidence that your tow vehicle and your camper are adequately match and you have no hesitation from the very first moment.
But this last Summer we've done a lot of camping at a lot of different campgrounds across Indiana, from North to South, and I am amazed what folks are towing with. Every conception of the 1500 / F150 has been blown out of my "personal waters!"
I for one, would never feel comfortable towing something that large with a 150 / 1500, but that is just me. Evidently, a lot of people are towing with these, and even towing with vehicles smaller than this. I'm really amazed at the SUV's, the Suburbans, and some vehicles, I have no clue what they are, that people are towing with.
Now, I honestly do not know what kind of towing experience they all have, but evidently they are doing it.
My advise now would be ... go ahead and try towing with your vehicle of choice. But if the experience is unpleasant, don't hesitate a second to trade for a "heftier" vehicle. (or) spare yourself the uncertainty and just "go for the throat" and go "Hefty" right out the gate!
Here's a little word of advise: If you have doubts, your doubts are probably correct! When you start driving the roads with $75,000 - $100,000 worth of vehicles you are in control of behind the steering wheel, there is no room for any "doubt". You need to have 100% confidence that your tow vehicle and your camper are adequately match and you have no hesitation from the very first moment.
