Hey bud, I know a lot of people already explained, but I figured I would give my input as well. I had a 2013 Silverado Crew Cab Z71 with the same options as you listed. I bought a much larger camper than I planned. I ended up with a 2015 Viewfinder Signature 32rlss. It's dry weight is 6,880, but I promise that the CAT scales never showed it to weigh that little. GVWR is 9,455. I towed it with that truck for about 1 1/2 years. Did about 10 trips with it here in Florida and 2 trips to northern Georgia. Cat Scales showed me just under my payload by a couple pounds and that was loading everything into the camper and loading light for the trips. I was under on all numbers accepts rear axle weight rating, where I was just over 100lbs over.
I went with at Sway Pro hitch system from Blue OX. To try and make the towing experience better I went with Load C tires, and changed to Bilstein shocks. After tweaking the readjusting the hitch (the dealer really had it installed and set up incorrectly when I left the dealership) I felt pretty confident in the tow. Never completely comfortable though, and I knew that I was going to upgrade to a 3/4 ton as soon as I could find the right truck and deal.
Like I said, I felt pretty comfortable with the towing. I always kept it under 65mpg, which wasn't too much of a problem, because the engine didn't want to go any faster anyway:)
Having now towed as many trips or more with a 2015 Silverado 2500hd with the duramax, I can honestly say it's a much nicer experience. I would never go back! I am now under all my numbers by a very nice margin. I have a much more confident feel with handling, braking, and overall more relaxed towing experience. I still upgraded the shocks in the new truck to Bilsteins, and I also am a big believer in Torklift stable loads! It's fine without them, but it's incredible with them!
Hey good luck and glad to see your asking questions just like most of is did in the beginning. Be safe and enjoy the trips ahead!
