Forum Discussion

cowtownup's avatar
cowtownup
Explorer
May 15, 2016

Can I tow this TT?

This will be our families first TT purchase and we are primarily going to be weekend warriors within the state of NC possibly SC and VA. We are tent campers now and want something we can still camp with should the weather not be the best.

I have a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado LT with a 5.3L V8
GVWR = 7000 lbs
GAWR = 3950 lbs (both front & rear axles)
Max towing capacity = 7500 lbs
Combined weight of cargo & occupants not to exceed 1507 lbs.

My truck weighs 6250 lbs with my family in it and full of fuel.


Looking at the Wildwood 26TBSS which is:
825 lb = Hitch weight
5828 lb = UVW
1987 lb = CCC

Also looking at the Wildwood 263BHXL which is:
682 lb = hitch weight
5854 lbs = UVW
1828 lb = CCC

Here is my math and how I understand what I've read on here...
7000 lbs subtract the 6250 lbs my truck weighs = 750 lbs
This 750 lbs is for hitch weight and anything else I put in the back of the truck. (also for the hitch should a add WDH)
This makes me think I'd already max out my towing capacity unless I did use a WDH to move some weight off the rear axle of the TV. Or do I need to move down to a lighter TT?

Thanks in advance for any advice...

Chad
  • LVJJJ's avatar
    LVJJJ
    Explorer
    May 15, 2016
    Looks like you'll be real close if not over the max GVWR of your TV. Bear in mind that the UVW is the weight the TT leaves the factory, usually with no options or any extra weight in it. Manufacturers tend to lie about their weights, but I have heard that they actually weigh them today rather than guessing (I won't buy new anymore). Most of us tend to underestimate the actual weight of the items we install and load into the TV and TT. So, weight builds up quickly. We bought a used '04 Tahoe "Lite" that was supposed to weight 2900 lbs empty. With propane, A/C, some provisions (no water) it weighed 4300 lbs. we were shocked.

    We had purchased an '04 GMC Envoy SLT 4.2 6ci(with a 10,000 lb total weight capacity) to tow our "Lite" TT. However it turned out with the 4300 lb TT combined with the surprising 4900 lb weight of the midsize Envoy put us right at max capacity. We are now looking for an older Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon with a 350 to replace the Envoy. I'd recommend looking for a much lighter TT.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    May 15, 2016
    Yup, your overloaded long before you even load the trailer. Those numbers cited for the trailers are probably brochure dry weights. Adding things like battery, propane, water, food, pots and pans, clothes can all add to tongue weight. Start looking at trailers like Rpods, Aliners, large tent trailers if you want to tow happy.

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