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zed1k's avatar
zed1k
Explorer
Jun 17, 2019

04 Chev 1500 as a tow vehicle 8000lb camper

Up until this year we have had our camper setup on a seasonal site (Outback 312BH), and do to other commitments we decided to pull out of the seasonal site so we could travel with the kids sports. I spent many hours on camper forums to see if we need to trade our rig for a 2500 or if you could get by with our truck. almost every forum I read said it is a bad idea and way too much camper for our truck, and would be a very unpleasant experience. We were ready to trade for an older 2500, but decided not to. This past weekend was our 2nd trip out and we were very impressed with how well our truck did. we had no problem at all with the hills, maintained a decent speed on the hardest hills, and very little swaying. The Z71 in this year has larger disk brakes front and back than the normal 1500 so braking was no problem at all either. I really dont find towing this camper any worse than our old coachman 230bh (4500lbs). I must say that so far we really like this combination TV and camper. Thought I would share in case anyone else is in the same situation

Truck:
2004 Chev Silverado 1500 Z71 Crew cab
5.3 auto, 3.73 gears
285/75/17 10 ply tires
extra leaf, CIA and throtle body spacer

Camper:
2014 Keystone Outback 312bH
36 feet from hitch back
aprox 8000lbs loaded

56 Replies

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  • JRscooby's avatar
    JRscooby
    Explorer II
    Jun 17, 2019
    TomG2 wrote:
    Personally, I think the OP has at least 2,000 pounds too much trailer. Handling a trailer will require more control in an emergency than needed for a short trip to the campground. Also, when that puddle of transmission oil shows up under the 1500, he might wish he had gone HD. I currently tow with a half ton, but a much lighter trailer than the OP.


    Well everybody faces choices. I assume the trailer has working brakes. 3/4 ton will have bigger brakes, but also more weight to brake. Sure he is stressing his truck, but no more than many others. But unlike many others he knows he is running at limit, likely does not get in head first.
    Personally, if I had a choice, use the old half ton I bought new, maintained all it's life and tow at 120% of capacity, or buy a old 3/4ton, that I know nothing about, and tow at 80% I'll keep what I got...
  • zed1k's avatar
    zed1k
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2019
    The truck is barely working, dosn't seem like too much of a load at all. I didnt just hook onto the truck and go, I spent much time testing around town and short trips on the highway.
  • TomG2's avatar
    TomG2
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2019
    Personally, I think the OP has at least 2,000 pounds too much trailer. Handling a trailer will require more control in an emergency than needed for a short trip to the campground. Also, when that puddle of transmission oil shows up under the 1500, he might wish he had gone HD. I currently tow with a half ton, but a much lighter trailer than the OP.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Jun 17, 2019
    Yes, that is a lot of trailer for the truck, but you've added a couple things that likely help. If you are satisfied with the performance, and the handling suits you, go for it.

    Jerry
  • zed1k's avatar
    zed1k
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2019
    We do not plan on doing any cross country trips this year, usually a couple hrs from home. I Don't notice any under steer at all so far
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Jun 17, 2019
    Your good to go as long as you like the ride and under steer....drive....and the trucks and trailer axle/tire/wheel/suspension load ratings.

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