Help with TV concerns - new to towing trailer
Hello All, I'm new to towing a trailer and this is my first post. We have a 1999 GMC Sierra 5.3l with tow capacity given at 8200lbs. I checked as many blogs as I could, asked GMC dealership and towi...
Forum Discussion
The issue with towing RVs is not the weight you pull its the weight you carry. Even packing lightly your trailer will likely be at 6500 lbs. and with 12% tongue weight will add 750 lbs to your truck.
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Best thing you can do is make a trip to the scales when you are fully packed and weigh the truck and trailer, and see where you stand with all your truck ratings. As was said I think you'll probably be OK with this set up weight wise, but you certainly won't win any races with that 5.3 and 6500 lbs behind you.
Be sure you get a good weight distributing (WD) hitch and have the dealer show you how to use it. Even though the dealer will set it up for you, you will likely have to re-adjust it when you get the trailer packed to allow for weight/balance. There is a sticky over on the towing forum here that gives you step-by-step on how to do this.
Other points mentioned above on tires/shocks etc are good but I wouldn't do anything until you take a couple of trips and note how the rig handles.
One thing not mentioned is mirrors...at a minimum get a set of those clip-ons, or better yet a set of McKesh strap-ons if you don't have extendable towing mirrors. You need to be able to see down both sides of the trailer all the way to the back to drive safely in traffic, and you won't be able to with factory stock mirrors.
Also be sure to get a GOOD inertia based brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy. the Sentinel is good but for a few extra $ the Prodigy is well worth it.
Welcome to the TT forum and good luck with the new rig!
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Best thing you can do is make a trip to the scales when you are fully packed and weigh the truck and trailer, and see where you stand with all your truck ratings. As was said I think you'll probably be OK with this set up weight wise, but you certainly won't win any races with that 5.3 and 6500 lbs behind you.
Be sure you get a good weight distributing (WD) hitch and have the dealer show you how to use it. Even though the dealer will set it up for you, you will likely have to re-adjust it when you get the trailer packed to allow for weight/balance. There is a sticky over on the towing forum here that gives you step-by-step on how to do this.
Other points mentioned above on tires/shocks etc are good but I wouldn't do anything until you take a couple of trips and note how the rig handles.
One thing not mentioned is mirrors...at a minimum get a set of those clip-ons, or better yet a set of McKesh strap-ons if you don't have extendable towing mirrors. You need to be able to see down both sides of the trailer all the way to the back to drive safely in traffic, and you won't be able to with factory stock mirrors.
Also be sure to get a GOOD inertia based brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy. the Sentinel is good but for a few extra $ the Prodigy is well worth it.
Welcome to the TT forum and good luck with the new rig!
