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kdeerman's avatar
kdeerman
Explorer
Dec 09, 2014

Best sized rv for GMC Sierra 1500 gas w/5.3 Litre engine

I am new to RV'ing, and looking to purchase a used rv to pull with my GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab 4WD gas burner w/5.3 Litre engine. I have two daughters, age 11 & 12, so it will be for a family of 4. I've never owned a cawper or RV, so just looking for any advice to help me make the right decisions. Probably only short trips, 600 miles or less, but not necessarily traveling that far in just one day.
Thanks

34 Replies

  • Pay more attention to the payload capacity of your 1500 - and understand what contributes to it. Payload will be reached/exceeded before towing capacity. You have 4WD and a Crew Cab, so I would expect it to be on the low side. Plan on a weight distributing hitch and carry as much as possible in the TT instead of the bed. Axle ratings and GVWR ratings are available on the door jamb sticker - post a picture of it and you will get lots of good advice.
  • So far as you have described things, I could suggest nothing more than 5000 pounds GVWR trailer for your needs. Maybe up to 7000 pounds if you provided more information
  • What year is the truck?

    Heavy duty towing package?

    Final gear ratio?

    Maximum Payload?

    Factory Hitch?
  • You should be able to get the towing specifications from your GM dealer who sells GMC. You should be able to safely tow the maximum specifications as determined by the manufacturer. Just be sure you know how those specifications work.

    Any trailer must be under ALL of them with the most important being axle ratings and GVWR ratings because those are safety related specifications. Of less importants but still important for towing satisfaction is to stay below the maximum trailer weight ratings and our understanding that those maximum ratings are for a completely empty truck. Adjustments would have to be made to account for any other weight in the truck (cargo, passengers, non factory installed accessories etc). One last thing you need to keep in mind is that brochure weights for an empty trailer have nothing to do with what you can tow unless you plan on towing a completely empty trailer. Even options installed on the RV will change those weights as they are not accounted for in the brochure. Its always best to base towing decisions on the trailers GVWR (the most it can weigh). If you can't tow it fully loaded, it's too much.\

    Good luck and do your homework. Remember that even within the model year and truck brand, there are many DIFFERENT specs depending on how your truck is equipped. / Skip