newbie start from zero, nothing, nada !

You are not making a big mistake, loooking at some quick numbers and guessing what kind of truck you are buying.

If you are looking at a new 1500 CC, 2WD with max tow, you will have a 3.73 rear axle (if it is different you probably don't have the max tow, just a 1500 with a 3.42 (don't make a 3.43)and tow package). The truck has a curb weight of 5042lbs, and a GVWR of 7200lbs, so that leaves 2158lbs of payload - plenty of truck for a trailer with a GVWR of 7000lbs. Your GCWR with this combination is 16,700lbs.

If you are doing this leisurly with your family a 1500 will be perfect especially if it is your everyday vehicle.

Thanks to all you save me from making a big mistake ! See you on the road soon !

The 2500 is going to be the safer choice what do think about my numbers here ?

Two thoughts. First most folks look to bigger trailers or RV's so if you get a bigger truck you can go bigger with the RV without the need for another truck.

My second thought is that at least on the Ford towing site (you mentioned Ford in your response) the normally aspired gas engine loses 2 percent of power for each 1000 feet elevation. GM gas engines are probably exactly the same at altitude reductions. At 5000 feet like the Denver are you will be down 10 percent of your tow rating just for altitude. Also Ford specifies that the frontal area also has a deduct for fifth wheels and travel trailers. Add both deducts together and the tow rating drops to perhaps where you are number wise or even less. Go bigger and have the margin, brakes, etc. that have been mentioned by others. As a previous poster noted a travel trailer is not a boat and perhaps towing a boat is easier for both tongue weight and frontal area. But, you are towing a travel trailer. As to the daily driver part of your decision process, I have had two 2500 (three quarter ton trucks and one 3500) and they all are just fine. I really don't see the big daily driver difference between a half ton and a three quarter ton as they are the same size for parking, etc. What is different is payload ratings.

If I was purchasing a new gas truck to tow a trailer today I would look hard at the new Ram 6.4 gas engine. It appears to be designed and built for working and preliminary reports are coming in at around 16 mpg empty on the highway and 10 or so towing trailers about your trailer's weight. And it has plenty of power for that bigger trailer of fifth wheel you will want in a couple years. I think the 6.4 with a 4.10 axle will tow 16,000 pounds. Just a few years ago only the diesels could tow that and stay within the tow ratings provided by the manufacturer. But, whatever you get the most important thing is to use it and enjoy it.

Jmtandem yes thats exactly what i was trying to avoid.
I found an interesrting section on the web gm site, and something similar on ford

4387lbs for the truck alone
385 lbs for 2 pass.
400 lbs of gear
100 lbs ? For the hitch
910 lbs on the tongue (13 % of 7000 max trailer weight )

1795 lbs for pass equip etc etc
4387 for the p.u
7000 max weight for the trailer
14172 for gcwr
max allowed be gm for a sierra 1500
16700 lbs and this is with the biggest towing option

so my margin is 2528

not a whole of a lot

The 2500 is going to be the safer choice what do think about my numbers here ?



1785

APT wrote:

here is the rig: jay flight 248 RBS 27.5 feet long
Maximum weight fully loaded 7000lbs
tongue weight dry 555

pick up considered:
New silverado 1500 with the tow max package , 5.3 ltr, 3.42 axle,

That's a good combo. Get the HD towing package for the trans cooler. Tow rating is in the 9500 pound range. 3.42 axle is better than older 4-spds with 4.56, or plenty for RVing with 5 usable towing gears. RVers with the 2009+ GM 6-spd/3.42 say towing is comfortable in the 7k loaded range. The 2014's got lighter and more powerful so all the typical half tons RV limitations of payload shouldn't be a problem. Crew cab half tons mid trim level have 1700ish pounds.

I'm all for the weight police and towing a TT with a 3/4 ton would likely be more comfortable, but 7k loaded is perfectly in the half ton range of comfort while providing lower purchase and operating costs plus a better unloaded ride.

What he said.

I wouldn't go past 7500-8000 lbs. with a half ton but this combo seems reasonable.

here is the rig: jay flight 248 RBS 27.5 feet long
Maximum weight fully loaded 7000lbs
tongue weight dry 555

pick up considered:
New silverado 1500 with the tow max package , 5.3 ltr, 3.42 axle,

That's a good combo. Get the HD towing package for the trans cooler. Tow rating is in the 9500 pound range. 3.42 axle is better than older 4-spds with 4.56, or plenty for RVing with 5 usable towing gears. RVers with the 2009+ GM 6-spd/3.42 say towing is comfortable in the 7k loaded range. The 2014's got lighter and more powerful so all the typical half tons RV limitations of payload shouldn't be a problem. Crew cab half tons mid trim level have 1700ish pounds.

I'm all for the weight police and towing a TT with a 3/4 ton would likely be more comfortable, but 7k loaded is perfectly in the half ton range of comfort while providing lower purchase and operating costs plus a better unloaded ride.

I can't imagine the daunting financial task of having to buy a TV and a TT at the same time!

If I understand the OP correctly this is exactly what he is trying to avoid -- getting the wrong tow vehicle for the job and then having to spend even more to correct that situation.

The only reason we have our half ton is to pull the TT. We are at its limits, and I only continue to use it because we typically tow short distance over flat grades, and I have never felt insecure when towing. It acclerates and brakes well, and I've never had issues with sway.

While I'd like to move up to a 2500 for towing, the 1500 is already a gas hog that my wife drives around for shopping and work. And the fuel bill is horrendous as gas goes over $3.50/gallon. I can't imagine having to pay more with a 2500.

Of the mileage we put on the half ton, only a small fraction involves towing. So I'd be paying a boatload more in gas that would only beneift me during the few miles that we tow. Obviously that is my personal situation, and everyone's is different.

Also, I priced out pickups since ours is now 12 years old. Talk about sticker shock! We plan on getting many more years out of the Avalanche. A few repairs here and there are nothing compared to the price of a new or even a used pickup!

I can't imagine the daunting financial task of having to buy a TV and a TT at the same time!

wmoses wrote:

Look at the truck and trailer in my signature. If your weights are indeed accurate then that combination is doable with a proper WDH setup. BTW - the GM ratio is 3.42. ;)

I have the same trailer and truck as wmoses and do fine. I am at 7,400 pounds loaded. Just spent three weeks in the Smoky Mountains and had no problems towing up and down some decent grades.

Our next rig will be larger and probably a 5'er so we will upgrade to a 3500. I saw no reason to buy a 3500 now because we are going to keep this trailer for 7-8 years and will be ready for a new truck by then anyway.

What cab configuration on the truck - standard, extended, or 4-door crew? How many people and how much gear are you hauling?
If you have 2 kids, a dog, and haul bikes and firewood in a crew cab you'll run out of payload on a 1/2-ton truck. My F150 is an extended cab but it's just DW & me, a 26-1/2' TT, and maybe bikes and a canoe.
The Chevy's w/ 3.42 gears now have the 6-speed transmission vs the old 4-speed, so GM figures the extra transmission gears can compensate for the high rear end ratio.
Pay attention to the yellow payload sticker on the door jamb, and see how much it varies truck to truck with cab configuration, trim level, 2X4 vs 4X4, and box length.