Forum Discussion

Explorer

Oct 07, 2016

Looking at New Tow Vehicle

Good evening - a new memeber here but I have been lurking off and on. Now I am looking forward to a sanity check as I am looking to buy a used TV.

My current TV is a 2004 Silverado 1500 with a 4.8 liter 4 speed auto. I am currently towing a 19 foot hybrid with a WD hitch. I just returned from a trip to Montana and Wyoming and my truck struggled on mountain passes out west and also struggled fighting headwinds in Montana and North Dakota. My wife and I are looking to upgrade to a travel trailer - 22 foot with a dining room slide out. I know that the Silverado won't work with the increased weight of the new trailer in spite of what the salesman says.

My option is to look at a used Silverado with a 5.3 liter V8 auto with a 3.73 differential (4 x 4) or I can pick up a used Silverado 2500 with a 6.0 liter engine. I know the "2500" would be more than adequate pulling the new trailer. My wife thinks that the "2500" would be overkill. Would the Silverado with the 5.3 liter engine be adequate to pulling the trailer? Or should I pull the trigger on the "2500".

Looking forward to your responses.

Tow Vehicles

Trackrig
Explorer II
Oct 08, 2016
Yes, I would ask the DW - what about the next trailer? Get a 2500 or 3/4 ton truck and be done with it. I use one for my DD - it's a long bed crew cab and does just fine.

Bill
TNRIVERSIDE
Explorer
Oct 07, 2016
I would drive an F150 with the 3.5 ecoboost. I think you will be impressed..
SouthpawHD
Explorer
Oct 07, 2016
Love my 2500 6.0L!!! It'll work flawlessly for this TT and many more if choose to go bigger.

But if you drive a lot of miles everyday, gas could get expensive. So if this it he TT you are keeping for a long time (and don't kid yourself), and you don't tow much, perhaps the 5.3L would work for you. Something to think about anyways. Good luck.
tragusa3
Explorer
Oct 07, 2016
I had an '03 with the 4.8. Went from that to the truck in my sig and it was no comparison what so ever. Moved up to a 24' with slide. Drove it through Montana and the Dakotas this summer. Completely satisfied.

I believe the 5.3 to be far behind the curve in half ton towing options these days. No way a 3/4 ton is necessary for your current or next trailer.
donn0128
Explorer II
Oct 07, 2016
A 1500 would be sufficient for this next trailer. But...... what about the next trailer?
1500 vs 2500 is honestly a no brainer for lots of people.
More towing capacity. More load capacity. Beafier frame, springs, tires, wheels.
DaveF-250SD
Explorer
Oct 07, 2016
Go with the 2500. You will never be sorry. You may upgrade the trailer again in a few more years.