Good Morning,Im buying a new camper this spring( 2021 season) It is 5800# dry travel trailer. My current one is 4000# dry with about 600# of stuff inside. so the new one would be about 64 to 6500# loaded. I currently have a 07 classic 1500 silverado with 168k miles on it. It tows the old one fine, we don't go more than 3 to 4 hrs away when we go out. With the new one being bigger( and kids are bored going to the same spots) we want to go further out, like states away. I was thinking new truck maybe in store. i talked to a couple of people and by could probably 15, and some say the new 1500s( medium duty) trucks will be fine, some say go HD. HD because the torque converter, tow capacity, built to tow things etc. Im not going diesel because i just want one, unless it a good price.I know my truck now can do 3800 to 7700# towing, but at 13 yrs old, I'm on OEM trans, new u joints( blew em in June on a trip) and new out put shaft and OEM motor. Im worried about power and longevity of my truck now. Am I wrong to think that? Are the nw medium dutys the way to go or are HDs the way to go?

It does not cost much more at all to have a bigger truck. Then you can tow anything with confidence. I would rather have a used diesel than a new gas truck any day.

Lots of improvement on the newer trucks! Many 1/2 ton trucks capable of a 7K lb loaded TT. The newer transmissions with 6 or more speeds a huge improvement!You don't say how many kids, and the bikes, gear, fire wood, and all the extra stuff going in the truck. If you don't mind a little rougher ride, a 2500 will make the tow easier, and not worry about loading the truck down.Jerry

MFL( Jerry) 3 kids, 5 bikes, 5 kayaks, and about 100#of wood. the bikes and food are in the camper( bike rack on back of camper) thats included in the 4600# on the current one. I scaled it out two years ago for fun on a trip .

Your story is similar to mine where I started with a Tacoma towing 5,000 lbs to a Tundra towing 7,000 lbs to a GMC HD towing the same 7,000 lbs, with a 14,000 lb 5er in my future. Seems like a natural progression.The Tundra is rated for 9800 lbs, but I would not want to tow much more than 7,000 lbs with it. The HD (rated for about 4,000 lbs more) was definitely the way to go for me as it made those longer trips a much easier and relaxing drive, and it will look after any upgrades that might come along later. The difference in towing experience is amazing, and I'm glad that I made the move.Tough decision to make for sure

2500HD. Then you won't be back on here in six weeks asking about tires, suspension upgrades, and high priced hitches. Plus, you are ready for your next trailer. Oh yeah, you will enjoy your longer trips.

truck for towing. | Good Sam Community

ZINGERLITE
Explorer
Aug 12, 2020
whendrix13 wrote:
GrandpaKip wrote:
Have you considered a 3500 van?

No van. if im going to a van i might as well buy Cousin Eddie's RV.... hahahhaha

"That there's and R...V...!"
Grit_dog
Navigator
Aug 12, 2020
whendrix13 wrote:
GrandpaKip wrote:
Have you considered a 3500 van?

No van. if im going to a van i might as well buy Cousin Eddie's RV.... hahahhaha

10-4 on that!
Ain't noone "wants" a 1 ton 2wd shortbus for a daily driver, much less in Wisconsin!
whendrix13
Explorer
Aug 12, 2020
GrandpaKip wrote:
Have you considered a 3500 van?

No van. if im going to a van i might as well buy Cousin Eddie's RV.... hahahhaha
GrandpaKip
Explorer II
Aug 12, 2020
Have you considered a 3500 van?
whendrix13
Explorer
Aug 12, 2020
Huntindog wrote:
So you are getting a bigger heavier TT. yet think that you will carry the same anount of stuff as you did with the smaller TT.... That does not compute.

How does that not compute?? Selling old trailer... pots, pans, sheets, pillows, other items being moved over to new TT. yes i think i can carry the same items.. its a bigger trailer because weve grown out of it.

As i see here most would say upgrade to 2500, 250s. due to everything
Huntindog
Explorer
Aug 12, 2020
So you are getting a bigger heavier TT. yet think that you will carry the same anount of stuff as you did with the smaller TT.... That does not compute.
Sjm9911
Explorer
Aug 12, 2020
I had a 2012 Sierra, max tow capacity. I went to the 2500 gasser this year. I would never go back. Stability, ease of breaking and speeding up to pass people on the highways. Gas millage is ablut the same for me. And the ride is a bit rougher unloaded. You can tow with a 1500 , but it will struggle up mountians etc. You dont need a diesel if you dont want one. I dont. The gasser is good for me.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Aug 12, 2020
whendrix13 wrote:
Valhalla360

5.3l vortec V8, Its a STOCK 07 1500 classic.
loading is the same for longer trips as it would be for shorter.

Have had and driven "most" models of light duty tucks in the last 30 years.

Those are nice trucks, but IMO out matched for a bigger TT approaching 7klbs. Safe? Yes. Performance? Pahtetic might be a bit strong, but not by much (compared to most all newer trucks).

Newer 6 speed half tons, aka 5 year old ish Gm 5.3s, 6.2s, 8 speed Hemi Rams and F150 5.0s and Eco boosts will all pull the doors off that 07 and have better brakes. Rear suspensions haven't changed much.
Step up to 8-10 speeds and the newest versions of the big 3 1/2 tons and even more power.
Need a 3/4 ton or bigger?? Absolutely not, by a long shot, however if you would prefer one, you will not be disappointed in the performance of the chassis (suspension and brakes). But you wont' really gain much, if anything, in straight line performance.

Same thing applies now as it always has. For a mid size trailer like you're considering, a primary DD truck and occasional towing, 1/2 ton will still serve you better. Don't mind the fuel mileage loss and bigger, rougher truck and/or tow more than occasionally? HD pickup is the better choice. Cost difference apples to apples features and gasser HD to gasser 1/2 ton is almost negligible, IMO.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Aug 12, 2020
valhalla360 wrote:
What are the specs on the old truck (engine, payload, GVRW, Axle ratings, tow rating, etc...) and how do you plan to load it (will that be different with longer trips)?

To little info to say if the truck can handle the new rig and loading.

168k miles is nothing to worry about if the ratings are up to snuff for the loading and it's otherwise in good condition.

I'd say 168k miles on a 4L60e and counting is worth considering worrying about if one doesn't want to sink another few grand into an already older high mile truck. At least based on the dozens of half ton chevys we run daily. (or any other brand for that fact)
APT
Explorer
Aug 11, 2020
I think you are right in line with the capability of the stronger half tons ~5years old. You will gain more engine power and at least 2 more trans gears. If this will be mostly for towing, then I recommend nearly any 3/4 ton from similar era. You'll get the same power/trans benefits plus stronger components and cooling capacity for more durability and lower maintenance costs.