Truck for a 5000# travel trailer
This is my first post to this forum. I'm sure many of you have seen this type of question posted before, but I'd appreciate your input. My wife and I retired last year and bought a 2011 Gulf Stream...
Forum Discussion
A half ton truck would be fine for your trailer. Based on your description of behavior, I'm guessing yours has 3:42 gears. I believe the 2009 was the last year for the 4 speed. A 2010 or newer with a 5.3, 3:73 gears, and 6 speed transmission will tow that trailer just fine.
My trailer loaded is close in weight to yours. My Sierra is a 2008 with 5.3, 3:73 gears, and still only has the 4 speed. It hardly ever downshifts on normal terrain. We took it to Gatlinburg last year and I had no trouble doing 50-55 in the mountains. I can say from experience, when you get to the Rockys, don't worry about speed. Put in gear and relax. You'll be going slower than others who are not towing. Fact of life.
And don't worry about about trying to keep up with traffic in general. Most of us tow about 62-63 mph. I've towed all over the place and never felt like I was in any danger at this speed. For one thing the ST tires on your trailer are limited to 65mph. For another you'll get better mileage. And believe it or not, going a little slower is safe, you'll have far more time to react to things going on in front of you.
As far as transmission temps, short bursts of 220 are fine and won't hurt a thing. Your transmission was not overheating. Nominally it'll run between 160-190. Make sure there is nothing interfering with the airflow. I have a custom grill insert. I love the way it looks but I have to remove it when towing. It'll cause the transmission temps to run 20+ degrees higher.
My trailer loaded is close in weight to yours. My Sierra is a 2008 with 5.3, 3:73 gears, and still only has the 4 speed. It hardly ever downshifts on normal terrain. We took it to Gatlinburg last year and I had no trouble doing 50-55 in the mountains. I can say from experience, when you get to the Rockys, don't worry about speed. Put in gear and relax. You'll be going slower than others who are not towing. Fact of life.
And don't worry about about trying to keep up with traffic in general. Most of us tow about 62-63 mph. I've towed all over the place and never felt like I was in any danger at this speed. For one thing the ST tires on your trailer are limited to 65mph. For another you'll get better mileage. And believe it or not, going a little slower is safe, you'll have far more time to react to things going on in front of you.
As far as transmission temps, short bursts of 220 are fine and won't hurt a thing. Your transmission was not overheating. Nominally it'll run between 160-190. Make sure there is nothing interfering with the airflow. I have a custom grill insert. I love the way it looks but I have to remove it when towing. It'll cause the transmission temps to run 20+ degrees higher.
