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

25 Replies

TomG2
Explorer
Aug 11, 2020
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.
ssthrd
Explorer
Aug 11, 2020
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
whendrix13
Explorer
Aug 11, 2020
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 .
MFL
Nomad II
Aug 11, 2020
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
ppine
Explorer II
Aug 11, 2020
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.

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truck for towing.

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