can my chevy express g1500 pull my camper ?
My 2001 chevy express g1500 has a v8 5.8L and can pull up to 6600 lbs according to manual. My camper is a 1998 Forest River Wildwood 24fb and weighs 4500 lbs and a tongue weight of 410. I feel I am ...
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Being as you are in a flatter lower elevation part of the world. You should do ok. You will not be a speed demon off the line, but will do ok. You can probably go 45 or so in first gear if need be to get the trailer up to speed. I can go that with my 4.10 geared rig, but have a taller 1st gear than you. Hills you will be in 2nd, you may find on level ground going 55-60 that locking out OD and drive in 3rd will give you the best power AND economy/ie fuel mileage. Many 3.42 geared GM rigs with gas motors have gotten .5-1 mpg more staying in direct vs OD. If you can drive 65 or more, mpgs go way down, you should be able to hold OD. If you have 4.10's, then you could hold and do ok in OD!
Reality is, the axel ratio is not always the true factor as to if you are safe or not. Staying under all the axel ratings is the main key, along with being balanced on your loading of the trailer and van. I've driven many miles over a manufactures gvwr/tow rating and never felt a hint of white knuckle issues. BUT, I've been under, incorrectly loaded trailer, and had many a white knuckle issue towing.
Marty
Reality is, the axel ratio is not always the true factor as to if you are safe or not. Staying under all the axel ratings is the main key, along with being balanced on your loading of the trailer and van. I've driven many miles over a manufactures gvwr/tow rating and never felt a hint of white knuckle issues. BUT, I've been under, incorrectly loaded trailer, and had many a white knuckle issue towing.
Marty
