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RoadExplorer's avatar
RoadExplorer
Explorer
Sep 29, 2017

[Help] Finding TT with specific set of features

Hi all,

I previously made a post titled '1st Time. Going crosscountry. Question for experienced folks' and learned that the TT I was looking to get was a close call for my Silverado 1500, too close for comfortable for some folks here. One option I learned is that I could get a specialty high duty hitch to compensate. Another option of course was to go for a lighter TT.

I was hoping to ask the community for help to pin point a TT that answers all of the features we're looking to get and that can be carried comfortably by our Silverado 1500.

The features we're looking for:
Length: No longer than 30'
Sildeouts: 2x in the center of the TT. See example TT below.
Sleeping: 1x Queen bed + 1x sofa that opens into a bed.
Fridge: Separate freezer and fridge sections
Food prep: Gas stove top and oven. Microwave is nice but not necessary.
Counterspace: Enough space for 2 people to work in the kitchen at the same time.
Sink: Preferably a double sink.
Bathroom: Decent countertop space for soap and stuff.

Example TT: Dutchmen Kodiak 253RBSL

I don't mind modding some of it myself to get the final result I'm looking for.

The current vehicle is: 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4x4
Engine: EcoTec3 5.3L V8
Rear Axle Ratio: 3.42
Maximum Towing Capacity Rating: 9100 lbs
GCWR: 15000
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): 7600
GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating): 15000
Curb Weight (Empty Weight): 5299
Reserve Tow Vehicle Cargo Capacity: 2301
Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR): 9701

Any recommendations for a better, lighter, or higher quality TT would be very welcome as well as any recommendations for a hitch for the Silverado so it would be able to carry a TT as big as:
Dry Weight 6,732
GVWR 9,560
Exterior Length 29' 11"
Carrying Capacity 2,828
Hitch Weight 764
Axle Weight 5,968
L.P. Gas 60 lb
RIM rated load 2,600
RIMS 15x6
GAWR 4,400
Axles per unit 2
Number of slides 2
Awning Size 16'
Tire rated load 2,540
Exterior Width 8'
Exterior Height (with A/C) 11' 2"
Tire Size ST225/75R15D

Thanks!
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Sep 29, 2017
    What candidates has your detailed search for a TT discovered? Within your comfort level distance who are the TT dealers and what do they sell? What type of camping do you seek? Winter, summer, dry/bookdocking, RV park, mountains, desert, flat etc. Without telling us what you want to do we can't offer suggestions.
  • GrandpaKip's avatar
    GrandpaKip
    Explorer II
    Sep 29, 2017
    Is that the payload per the sticker on the door jamb on your truck? Not info from the net or a calculated payload, but the real info for your individual truck. As stated in replies to your previous post, that 2301 lbs. seems kinda high.
    Upon reading the latest on your other post, I see your max payload is 1692 lbs. Now you can start figuring out what you can carry on the truck.
    For my wife and me, a 30' camper is much too long. Our 21' box is plenty for 2 people, but we spend most of our time outside. We have never felt cramped or in each other's way.
    However, that's us. Different strokes, you know.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Sep 29, 2017
    "I see your max payload is 1692 lb"

    That's puny payload. My 2015 Tahoe payload is 1,595...three rows of seats etc. I'm 22 feet Granpa and it's plenty for us too.
  • NJRVer's avatar
    NJRVer
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2017
    The Dutchmen looks pretty good except the bath is going to be tight.
  • keymastr's avatar
    keymastr
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2017
    With a 1500 I would stay under 7000 pounds gross and 26' bumper to hitch. 3.42 gears are not great for power and longer than 26' and the wind will really push you around. When your trailer starts getting significantly heavier and longer than the tow vehicle then physics takes more of a toll.

    You will have a difficult time getting all the things on your wish list without a more capable truck. And as mentioned above your numbers need to come from the door sill loading sticker on your truck and not fictional brochure numbers. Those trucks rarely exist in the real world. At 7000 pounds your tongue weight will be 850 pounds plus 100 for the weight of the hitch. Ignore the dry hitch weight. You may be able to pull 9000 pounds but you will not likely be able to carry the tongue weight it requires to prevent sway.
  • OldShu's avatar
    OldShu
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2017
    https://www.lancecamper.com/travel-trailers/2285/

    2 swivel rocker are available instead of the couch in the 2285 FYI

    https://www.lancecamper.com/travel-trailers/2155/

    These don't hit all of the list but all TT are a compromise of some sort. Never rally cared for islands in a TT. Make it seem to crowded with that island in the middle the floor.
  • 2DHoop's avatar
    2DHoop
    Explorer II
    Sep 29, 2017
    The constant in this equation is your tow vehicle, and the primary variable is the RV.

    To make the math work for you in a way that you will be safe and feel at ease with towing every time you are hitched and start moving, you will need to be honest with yourself and carefully consider your requirements concerning the attributes of the RV.

    I'm sure there are multiple RVs available that can complete this equation based upon good logic but you may have to take a step back re-evaluate needs versus nice-to-haves.

    Selecting the right tow vehicle for our dream RV is what we all would consider ideal but that opportunity is elusive.
  • MitchF150's avatar
    MitchF150
    Explorer III
    Sep 29, 2017
    I wouldn't tow that much trailer with my truck.... What do you consider a "comfortable tow"?

    I think my combo is a "comfortable tow" with my F150 for me.. But, I've been towing a long time and have been overloaded before and just prefer to stay a tad under my MAX "tow rating".. This is not to say you can't be "comfortable" at your trucks MAX.. Just that I have done it and didn't like it.. ;)

    But, with your required trailer specs, you will have to decide what is "comfortable" for you.. ;)

    Good luck!

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