Forum Discussion

oceanluver's avatar
oceanluver
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014

So confused with tow capacities

We are currently looking into a GMC 1500 Sierra or Chevy 1500. We want the max trailing package but the websites are so confusing. The trailer we are looking to pull weighs 8100lbs dry. It is impossible to find a truck here with the 3.73 axel ratio. We would have to get the 3.42, even when I try to build and price directly from the website I can't get the 3.73 ratio to be an option. Do you think the 3.42 ratio is sufficient to pull it. They have a 9,600lb max trailering capacity.
Tow Vehicles
  • Campinfan's avatar
    Campinfan
    Explorer III
    Aug 18, 2014
    No. And I am not one of the weight police guys who thinks you need a dually to tow a pop up. 8100 lbs dry is going to be much heavier once you add food, pots and pans, tools, equipment, etc. Could weigh in excess of 1000 lbs more or even 1500 lbs more. For your truck you also have to add the weight of a hitch. Now everyone is going to tell you to add a driver, fuel, passengers, more gear in the bed and they are sort of right. My truck's capacity takes into account a full tank of gas. Many also include about 150 lbs for the driver. Look at the cargo capacity rating. You have to figure about 15% of the weight is going to be on the tongue. So you are already looking at about 1200+ lbs of tongue weight.

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