New Trailer any advice will help
New to the forum I just bought a 2013 Shadow Cruiser S314TSB 6600lbs dry, I have a 2010 1500 Silverado 4x4 5.3 crew cab with the Heavy Duty tow package. The Trailer is new the dealer is throwing in a ...
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I think you will be fine with that trailer. I have a similar setup. I have a 2013 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Z-71 with the 6 speed trans. Guessing that is also what you have because the max tow weight is the exact same. With that being said the 9500# towing max is almost useless on a 1/2 ton. You will max out tongue weight long before. I have a 2013 Dutchmen 265BHS that was weighed at the camper dealer with 2-30# propane bottles and a battery. Tongue weight was already 925#. I will likely be right at or a little over my GVWR but still under the gross rear axle rating when loaded. My fresh water tank is right over the trailer axles but I almost never haul water. My trailers build sheet with awning, ac, and all that other stuff already on the trailer was weighed at 6351#. Again I know I will be pushing the limits and you likely will too but take your time, watch your speed, and keep up with truck maintenance. We are probably looking for a 3/4 ton for the next vehicle but I know this 1/2 ton can do it for the handful of times a year we will use it.
Now I am not condoning at all towing beyond the trucks stated ratings but I certainly don't think that only guys with 1/2 tons do it. More than like guys with 3/4 and 1 tons may do it more just because the 1/2 ton crowd may be more self conscience about the trucks limits. Getting into 5ers I could see going over payload ratings would happen a lot quicker.
Anyway you will be fine just use your head and tow at speeds you are comfortable with. Get a good WDH and sway control. Those will help a ton. I have 1200# bars on mine. The hitch will help move some tongue weight to the front axle of the truck and the trailer axles. Also watch how you load the trailer and keep the heavy stuff over the trailer axles or further back.
I have only towed mine home but it was in 20-25 mph winds and I had no sway. Of course I could feel the wind trying to push the side of the rig but I bet bigger trucks aren't totally immune from that.
Happy Camping
Now I am not condoning at all towing beyond the trucks stated ratings but I certainly don't think that only guys with 1/2 tons do it. More than like guys with 3/4 and 1 tons may do it more just because the 1/2 ton crowd may be more self conscience about the trucks limits. Getting into 5ers I could see going over payload ratings would happen a lot quicker.
Anyway you will be fine just use your head and tow at speeds you are comfortable with. Get a good WDH and sway control. Those will help a ton. I have 1200# bars on mine. The hitch will help move some tongue weight to the front axle of the truck and the trailer axles. Also watch how you load the trailer and keep the heavy stuff over the trailer axles or further back.
I have only towed mine home but it was in 20-25 mph winds and I had no sway. Of course I could feel the wind trying to push the side of the rig but I bet bigger trucks aren't totally immune from that.
Happy Camping
