Hi there, I have a question in regards to towing. Currently we have a 5000 lbs travel trailer (loaded) (23 feet long)and tow it with a 2010 GMC sierra 1500, 4.8L with a towing capacity that I think is 5500lbs.I can pull this trailer without issue and pulled it 7800 kms last summer through the mountains in BC. We really want to upgrade our camper to a bunk model but with the lower towing capacity of our truck almost need to buy a new truck with the floor plans we looked at. I did find one from Jayco though that has all the features we like that weighs in at 4615 lb dry but has a total loaded weight of 6500 lbs. My question is, if we always make sure the water, black and grey tanks are empty can I assume we can safely tow this camper?? thanks

Almost no one to tell you that it is ok to tow over your tow rating. I think you should double check your tow rating here:http://www.trailerlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/DigitalTLTowGuide2010i.pdfand herehttp://www.campinglife.com/tow-ratings-database/and herehttp://www.newgmcsierra.com/images/new-GMC-Trailering-Guide.pdfMake sure you pick the right gearing, as footnote e=3.23:1 and i=3.73:1, g=3.42:1

thanks for the response. It looks like 5500 is my limit. So this trailer will be in the upper limit with gear. Is it ok to tow near your max rating?

IMO, your truck could safely tow that Jayco trailer. Your trucks issue is more of a lack of power train (pulling power), than handling the trailer safely. If you tow over your tow rating weight, it is more likely to cause your truck to wear out sooner.I would not just buy this particular trailer, due to it might work with your current truck. You are better off to buy THE ONE trailer that you both really want, and deal with the truck upgrade, if necessary.Jerry

thanks Jerry, Thats what I was thinking too. That particular Jayco trailer doesn't have a slide out which I think is why the weight is lower. I am not a big fan of the slides personally, (I like the idea of being able to access the whole trailer without having to slide parts Out) My wife likes the idea of a slide for the extra room.. Maybe have to give this a bit more thought.. Can't afford to but a truck and a trailer at the same time..thanks again

You need to take a hard look at your current trucks payload (yellow sticker inside the drivers door). With the limited tow rating you have I suspect that your payload is probably around 1200# {or less}, and when you add the proper tongue weight and the weight of the hitch which should be around 750#, you are probably already just about out of payload.Going to anything larger just does not look promising and that 4.8 is already working pretty hard with the trailer you have. I too am no fan of slides as they are problematic at best and add a lot of extra weight. Look for a floorpan which works for you without a slide and your life will be much simpler.... not to mention lighter.As always.... Opinions and YMMV.:C

Towing question | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

silver-1500
Explorer
Jul 14, 2016
thanks Jerry, Thats what I was thinking too. That particular Jayco trailer doesn't have a slide out which I think is why the weight is lower. I am not a big fan of the slides personally, (I like the idea of being able to access the whole trailer without having to slide parts Out) My wife likes the idea of a slide for the extra room.. Maybe have to give this a bit more thought.. Can't afford to but a truck and a trailer at the same time..

thanks again
MFL
Nomad II
Jul 14, 2016
IMO, your truck could safely tow that Jayco trailer. Your trucks issue is more of a lack of power train (pulling power), than handling the trailer safely. If you tow over your tow rating weight, it is more likely to cause your truck to wear out sooner.

I would not just buy this particular trailer, due to it might work with your current truck. You are better off to buy THE ONE trailer that you both really want, and deal with the truck upgrade, if necessary.

Jerry
silver-1500
Explorer
Jul 14, 2016
thanks for the response. It looks like 5500 is my limit. So this trailer will be in the upper limit with gear. Is it ok to tow near your max rating?
ChooChooMan74
Explorer
Jul 14, 2016
Almost no one to tell you that it is ok to tow over your tow rating. I think you should double check your tow rating here:
http://www.trailerlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/DigitalTLTowGuide2010i.pdf
and here
http://www.campinglife.com/tow-ratings-database/
and here
http://www.newgmcsierra.com/images/new-GMC-Trailering-Guide.pdf
Make sure you pick the right gearing, as footnote e=3.23:1 and i=3.73:1, g=3.42:1

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Towing question

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