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BlkHrtBlnd's avatar
BlkHrtBlnd
Explorer
Jun 15, 2016

Help - I don't want to kill my truck with my trailer...

Hi there! Long time reader, first time poster...

I've been digging and mathing etc et al and based on what I've read here, your Good Minds can probably help me figure this better than I can, so here goes -

I have a 2014 GMC sierra 1500 with the 5.3 v8, no max tow package but other tow-specific features, a slightly modified ARE camper shell, and a business training gun dogs. Total living cargo: me, my assistant, my two 85lbs labradors and a passel of other dogs - let's say three others with a total weight of 175 lbs. The trailer is a Winnebago 2455 (5320/7000) with all the bells and whistles but very little physical cargo outside water/food/personal electronics.

The trailer was unexpected and I am not in the market for a new truck - I'm looking for thoughts - is this too much for my gmc? Can I do anything to the trailer to lighten the load? Any advice, suggestions, would be appreciated - have been told it's no biggie and, of course, also the exact opposite...do I have to mention that this is, in fact, my first rodeo? :)

Thanks in advance!
  • OutdoorPhotogra's avatar
    OutdoorPhotogra
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2016
    Another vote on watching tongue weight. I have run the numbers every which but Sunday on my older F-150. I have max tow package and can stay below limits on everything but TW. 6,500 loaded is my max with a 900 lb limit and 100 of that is eaten up by weight distribution hitch.

    My hitch has a 900 lb limit I but when I run the numbers on cargo weight, it's around 900-1,000 lbs anyway and that's with a max cargo. I am carrying more people but your truck may not have a as much payload.
  • 301TBS's avatar
    301TBS
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2016
    Agree with 2012coleman. Most important to check your yellow sticker and get it weighed! I'm sure you will be way over. Tongue weight will surprise you as well. A good wd setup is very important. I have been there and sold my trailer for a smaller one once I saw the scales.
  • JCR-1's avatar
    JCR-1
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2016
    I have an Avalanche with 5.3 engine and yes it will be sluggish going up hills and mountains.After towing 3500 lbs I had to put in a new differential , but that was doing a lot of mountain pulling and long highway stints.Great motor ,tough, but not strong enough when going up .Rear end ..not so tough ??
  • 2012Coleman's avatar
    2012Coleman
    Explorer II
    Jun 15, 2016
    I'm thinking with the above numbers, you'll be close to good.
    Not sure what side of good this would be.

    Here are some things you should know or find out - yes it is a big deal.

    Your going to have close to 900 lbs tongue weight.
    Did you check your receiver to see what it is rated for?
    Do you have a weight distributing hitch?
    There is a sticker on the door jamb that says something like total weight of cargo and passengers should not exceed xxxx lbs. How many pounds?
    Does the stuff the truck is going to carry - tongue weight, cargo, passengers, camper shell, exceed this?
    What kind of tires do you have on the truck?
    What tires are on the TT, and what is the data code on them?
    How much does your "slightly modified ARE camper shell" weigh?
    What other accessories does your truck have that add weight? The camper shell adds weight.

    Google Cat Scale Locator to find one near you. Hopefully you have LT tires on the truck - make sure you fill them to max cold psi when towing.

    Good luck.
  • kyle86's avatar
    kyle86
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2016
    bobndot wrote:
    The 5.3 will do the job. You might not have a 3.73 rear gear ratio without a tow package, therefore it might seem a little sluggish ascending hills.
    Tranny cooler. Don't cook the tranny.
    LT tires to carry the combined load.
    7 way harness on the truck , for trailer lights and charging the trailer battery.
    Trailer brake controller in the truck to operate the 12v elec. trailer brakes.



    THIS. Especially the tranny cooler. A big one, get the Tru-Cool 40k. Pull it in 3 all the time or lower. Maybe get a mail order tune to firm up the shifts. If you use your gears, the motor can handle it. It's the transmissions that are the weak link in the 1/2 ton trucks. That and the rear axles. But just so long as you don't go over your rear axle's "GVWRR" on the door sticker, you should be alright. These newer 1500 trucks seems to be built tougher than the older ones.
  • bobndot's avatar
    bobndot
    Explorer II
    Jun 15, 2016
    The 5.3 will do the job. You might not have a 3.73 rear gear ratio without a tow package, therefore it might seem a little sluggish ascending hills.
    Tranny cooler. Don't cook the tranny.
    LT tires to carry the combined load.
    7 way harness on the truck , for trailer lights and charging the trailer battery.
    Trailer brake controller in the truck to operate the 12v elec. trailer brakes.



    To lighten the TT . ( doing the following will help a little, water being the heaviest item)
    Run with holding tanks empty.
    Carry as little water as you need to flush the toilet. Don't forget the water heater holds 6 gals. Its up to you if you want to drain it .
    Downsize propane tanks to one single tank or a pair of 20# tanks.
    Use the smallest 12 v battery on the tongue.
  • pira114's avatar
    pira114
    Explorer II
    Jun 15, 2016
    Here's what I found for your model:

    Exterior Length 27'11"
    Exterior Height 10'6"
    Exterior Width 8'0"
    Interior Height 6'5"
    GVWR (lbs.) 7,000
    Dry Weight (lbs.) 5,320
    Carrying Capacity (lbs.) 1,680
    Axles (lbs.) 2 @ 3,500
    Tire Size ST205/75R14C
    Fresh Water (Tank Only) (gal.) 37
    Black Tank Caacity (gal.) 25
    Gray Tank Capacity (gal.) 41
    LP Capacity (lbs.) 40
    LP Capacity with Upgrade (lbs.) 60
    Awning Length 19'
    Slideouts 1
    Furnace (BTU) 25,000
    Water Heater (gal.) 6
    Sleeping Capacity +6

    Based on all that, you just need to go weigh it to see what the real weight is. I'm thinking with the above numbers, you'll be close to good. Which means you'll need real numbers to make sure.

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