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RVNoob123's avatar
RVNoob123
Explorer
Feb 25, 2018

Truck and Trailer Towing Weight Question

Hello folks,

We were at an RV show and bought a travel trailer. After working with the rep we decided on the model listed below to haul with our truck. My question is:
With the specs listed below do you feel we are good with our choice? I just want to make sure the load is not too much for the truck.

Here we go:

2017 Silverado 1500,Z71 LTZ 5.3 Liter V8, 8 speed trans., 3.42 gear ratio with towing package (not max towing package) The specs say it can haul up to 9,300 LBS. We have heard not to be past 60% of the total the truck can haul. We are at 65%. We do not plan on hauling any cargo above 1,000 LBS and carry many items in the bed of the truck.
Max payload 1,710 LBS.
GVWR 7,200 LBS.

Trailer info:

2018 Keystone Cougar 24SABWE
Dry weight is 5,910 LBS, Loaded GVWR 7,800 LBS. tongue weight is 650 LBS. They say this is designed for 1;/2 ton trucks like mine (so the rep says)

I just want to be sure when we are traveling up inclines and down we would be fine. I figured this to be the best place since there is a lot of experienced travelers here that could probably help.

Thanks so much in advance!
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Feb 25, 2018
    Dry weight is meaningless.
    What is the GVWR of the trailer?
    Also, the 60% thing is more internet nonsense. Your truck is perfectly safe right up to its max capacities.
  • RVNoob123's avatar
    RVNoob123
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2018
    ScottG wrote:
    Dry weight is meaningless.
    What is the GVWR of the trailer?
    Also, the 60% thing is more internet nonsense. Your truck is perfectly safe right up to its max capacities.

    GVRW is 7800 LBS.
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2018
    Fully loaded you'll have about 1,000 pounds on the hitch of that truck. Adding the weight of your passengers and gear will probably put you pretty close to the payload capacity of that truck. The yellow door sticker will tell you the payload.
    It should be fine.
    I don't know where these crazy 60% or 80% rules come from; people who can't do the math of actual weights I guess.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Feb 25, 2018
    Your numbers sound good to me.
    You'll want to weigh the truck after getting loaded up. You will want to make sure you don't haul too much in the truck while the TT is hooked up but it looks to me like you have capacity to spare.

    Good luck!
  • packpe89's avatar
    packpe89
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2018
    As long as you are using a wd hitch and have it set up correctly, you should be fine. My special specs are very similar to yours. Congrats and have fun.
  • trailer_newbe's avatar
    trailer_newbe
    Explorer II
    Feb 26, 2018
    I have a 2008 Tundra CrewMax, with a tow rating max of 10,400, and a max tung weight of 1,385. I tow a 2018 White Hawk 28RL with wet weight of 8,100 and a dry toung weight of 650. I would not go any larger for this truck but it tows fine.
  • bobndot's avatar
    bobndot
    Explorer II
    Feb 26, 2018
    Just something to consider , I will mention tires because I tow a 6000# TT with a max tow package and I am pretty close to maxing out my payload. GM offers many tire options and sizes which all have different ratings.
    It's important to go to a scale to get your real weight of the truck alone, all loaded for a trip.
    Get 3 weights. Weigh the truck alone, then add the TT with and without the WD hitch. You will see how the WD hitch distributes the tongue weight to the TT and truck axles/tires.( google the method 'how to weigh a TT' )
    Make sure you have enough rubber to support the trailer tongue weight, as you load your stuff into the TT (watch what you store (weight) in the pass-thru storage area under the queen bed.)
    Being you do not have the max tow package, I would keep an eye on the rear tire rating. The weight rating is stamped on the sidewall, that combination of the two tires may be your limiting factor (hauling capacity) regarding that TT's real hitch weight in the 900-1000# range.
  • badsix's avatar
    badsix
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2018
    i'm about the same numbers you are, last time I was out the trailer weighed in at about 7000 ready to camp with water. I had about 500 in the truck 2 people and a gen in the back. I pull 27' with a 2010 gmc crew cab, same spec as yours. it pulls great, you'll have no problems. I have enough power to go up any passes at above the speed limit if needed. going down with the trans in tow mode you very seldom need to use the brakes usually holds at about 55mph.
    Jay D.
  • ktmrfs's avatar
    ktmrfs
    Explorer II
    Feb 26, 2018
    KD4UPL wrote:
    Fully loaded you'll have about 1,000 pounds on the hitch of that truck. Adding the weight of your passengers and gear will probably put you pretty close to the payload capacity of that truck. The yellow door sticker will tell you the payload.
    It should be fine.
    I don't know where these crazy 60% or 80% rules come from; people who can't do the math of actual weights I guess.


    I'll also estimate your real tongue weight will be between 900- 1000lbs. use that for how close you are on cargo capacity.

    start with 690 empty, add 60lbs for full propane tanks, and 60lbs/battery, your at or over 800. then add what's in the pass through and the other stuff in the trailer, and you'll end up between 800 and 1000lbs.

    For comparison I have a outback 295RE with an empty verified tongue weight of near 800lbs. Don't recall the exact number. Actual tongue weight with full propane, loaded trailer, and 4 batteries and full water tank. 1450lbs. empty water tank subtracts 100lbs.

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