Just bought a '17 Chevy Silverado 1500
2017 silverado 1500 LT crew cab** EcoTec3 5.3L V8 Flex Fuel, 6-Speed Automatic, 3.42 Rear Axle Ratio w/5.3L V8 engine, Color-Keyed Carpeting w/Rubberized Vinyl Floor Mats, Custom Convenience Package,...
Forum Discussion
Based on my experience I think you will be fine with this combination. That is as long as you don't fill it with rocks as mentioned above.
We travel for 5 months at a time and carry about 1200 lbs of "stuff". If you load 1400 lbs then trailer would be about 6000 lbs. Tongue weight would be in the 800 to 900 lb range leaving 800 to 900 lb for stuff and people in the truck.
The 3:42 axle is what GM puts in modern 1/2 ton trucks for towing. It works fine with the 6 speed.
The engine has enough power to drag 6000 lb up 6% grades at highway speeds. You do have to let the engine rev to make the power but it won't hurt it.
Use tow/haul whenever you are towing.
The integrated brake controller works very well since it is tied into the truck brake system. It is smooth and proportional to brake pedal pressure.
I am using P tires instead of LT tires. I inflate them to max (44 PSI) when towing and have not felt that they are squirmy.
I find that a high quality weight distribution hitch is important ( such as the Equal-i-Zer brand. This allows getting the front end of the truck back down to have the correct steering geometry.
My comments are based on travelling the last 6 years for 5 months at a time covering around 8000 miles per year.
And - I just ordered a 2017 Silverado. The additional 40 HP will be fun.
Good luck in deciding what to do.
We travel for 5 months at a time and carry about 1200 lbs of "stuff". If you load 1400 lbs then trailer would be about 6000 lbs. Tongue weight would be in the 800 to 900 lb range leaving 800 to 900 lb for stuff and people in the truck.
The 3:42 axle is what GM puts in modern 1/2 ton trucks for towing. It works fine with the 6 speed.
The engine has enough power to drag 6000 lb up 6% grades at highway speeds. You do have to let the engine rev to make the power but it won't hurt it.
Use tow/haul whenever you are towing.
The integrated brake controller works very well since it is tied into the truck brake system. It is smooth and proportional to brake pedal pressure.
I am using P tires instead of LT tires. I inflate them to max (44 PSI) when towing and have not felt that they are squirmy.
I find that a high quality weight distribution hitch is important ( such as the Equal-i-Zer brand. This allows getting the front end of the truck back down to have the correct steering geometry.
My comments are based on travelling the last 6 years for 5 months at a time covering around 8000 miles per year.
And - I just ordered a 2017 Silverado. The additional 40 HP will be fun.
Good luck in deciding what to do.
