Hello, I'm about to pull the trigger on a used camper, specifically a Travel Trailer, 2010 Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8317SS. I currently have a 2017 GMC Sierra 1/2 Ton Pickup with the following data:4x4 double cab regular box w/tow package5.3L w/3.42 gearMax Tow Weight: 9400lb (according to GM directly based on my VIN)Wight of truck: approx 5500lbGVWR: 7200lbGCWR: 15,000lbTrailer data is the following:UVW: 6595Tongue Weight: 975GVWR: 8617I have done all of the math and with the weight of the truck, passengers, cargo within the truck, weight of the camper and cargo within the camper I fall under the vehicle GCWR by about 800lb. What I'm really worried about is the tongue weight of the camper and how well the 1/2 ton pickup I have will handle this trailer. Currently I have a weight distribution system that I have from a previously owned camper that I had which is a Curt 17002 with Gross Trailer Weight(GTW) 10,000 LB & Tongue Weight(TW) 1,000 LB. http://www.curtmfg.com/part/17002I also have an added on sway control arm that mounts to only one side of the trailer tongue and hitch assembly. I hope I can get some good input from others that may have had experiences with similar equipment. My 1st thought is that maybe I need to buy a much better weight distribution system or a lighter camper. Getting a larger vehicle just isn't currently an option.Thanks in advance for any input that you may have.Leon

I tow with a GMC Sierra 1500 Denali. It has the 6.2 in it. Put load range E tires on it and it tows our 33SAB just fine. You should be in good shape I would think.

Should be good. Keep stuff in truck at a minimum...a challenge.

Do you know what gear you have in it? 3.42 or 3.23. Thanks for your post.

so IF your tongue weight after loading the trailer is in reality 975Lb. After you and DW plus the hitch get in the truck. you will have less than 500lb of payload left. so if you don't plan on loading the truck much, and that is all the people you take in the truck. You should be OK.

The part that worries me is that the dry tongue weight is 975lb as the trailer sits unloaded. I have confirmed this number with the manufacturer today because I couldn't believe that the tongue weight could be that much. So since I over analyze everything, I wonder if the weight distribution system helps reduce this 975lb amount or whatever it is after the camper is loaded to some lower % amount.

Truck Towing and Trailer Compatability | Good Sam Community

19 Replies

JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Oct 04, 2017
Upgrading to a more capable vehicle doesn't necessarily mean moving up to a 3/4 ton truck. Choose the wrong 1/2 ton truck for a 7k-8k TT makes for a long trip.

Choose a F150HD with its 8200-7850 gvwr and 4800 rawr 3.5 EB or the 5.0 would be a good upgrade for that size TT.
GM has a better choice than the OPs truck in a 1500 7600 gvwr... 4300 rawr... 3.73 gears... 6.2 engine with 420 hp and 460 torque... NHT package... 2k+ payloads... 6 and 8 speed trannies.

My point is its tiresome hearing how someone choose the wrong 150/1500 truck package and make a claim that a 1/2 ton is only good for 5k-6k......when there were better 150/1500 choices available to tow that size trailer.

My wifes 2016 1500 crew cab chevy 5.3 355 hp/383 torque 3.42 gears 6L80e tranny 4wd 9400 lb tow rating tows my 12k car hauler with a 5380 lb blue cab tractor = 7800 lb gross weight. The tractors cab on the trailer is about 11'-6" tall so it certainly drags into a headwind.
I don't think the OP will be a happy camper with a 8k TT with the 5.3 7200 gvwr 3950 rawr package if he plans on running out here with 35-45 mph all day long head winds or on long steep grades. I would down size the trailer.
2DHoop
Explorer II
Oct 04, 2017
sgfrye wrote:
2DHoop wrote:
You will most likely NOT like the propsed set-up during those occasions when you will have to take an inlcine while passing or back-up with the wheels turned a good bit (uphill), or when the wind is sweeping accros the road.

Most of the time you will be on a level roadway thinking "this ain't too bad" but what you will remember the most from your trips are the times as described above, or worse, and this will make you tentative about doing it on a repeated basis.

Avoid RV PTSD and take into consideration the possiblity of a smaller trailer that still fits your needs.

Good advice here. After 4 months of towing a 33 foot TT with my ford f150, im getting ready to upgrade to a f250 super duty. with factory towing package on the f150 and wdh and sway control, and packing light it was doable, but after a couple of 8 hour round trips wife and i decided it was time to upgrade trucks. i do not regret buying a 33 TT though because honestly we love the space even thought its just the 2 of us and 4 small dogs. I would not be happy with a smaller TT. but to each his own. we spend most of our time outside the camper but its nice to have plenty of room because both of us are semi claustophobic

Glad to hear that you are taking advantage of options and deciding to upgrade to a more capable "tool".

I've seen far too many folks go sour on a hobby (RVing, woodworking, fishing...etc) because their chosen tools are inadequate and the desire to avoid the frustration becomes greater than that of engaging in the hobby.
rbpru
Explorer II
Oct 03, 2017
You need to know your vehicle's max cargo capacity not the towing capacity.

My F-150 has a max cargo of 1400 lbs. My 5000 lb dry weight TT has 750 lbs on the tongue when loaded for the road.

That leave me just 650 lbs for people, dog and gear.

There is no 80% buffer for us, still the combo works just fine because there are just two of us.
sgfrye
Explorer
Oct 03, 2017
2DHoop wrote:
You will most likely NOT like the propsed set-up during those occasions when you will have to take an inlcine while passing or back-up with the wheels turned a good bit (uphill), or when the wind is sweeping accros the road.

Most of the time you will be on a level roadway thinking "this ain't too bad" but what you will remember the most from your trips are the times as described above, or worse, and this will make you tentative about doing it on a repeated basis.

Avoid RV PTSD and take into consideration the possiblity of a smaller trailer that still fits your needs.

Good advice here. After 4 months of towing a 33 foot TT with my ford f150, im getting ready to upgrade to a f250 super duty. with factory towing package on the f150 and wdh and sway control, and packing light it was doable, but after a couple of 8 hour round trips wife and i decided it was time to upgrade trucks. i do not regret buying a 33 TT though because honestly we love the space even thought its just the 2 of us and 4 small dogs. I would not be happy with a smaller TT. but to each his own. we spend most of our time outside the camper but its nice to have plenty of room because both of us are semi claustophobic
2DHoop
Explorer II
Oct 03, 2017
You will most likely NOT like the propsed set-up during those occasions when you will have to take an inlcine while passing or back-up with the wheels turned a good bit (uphill), or when the wind is sweeping accros the road.

Most of the time you will be on a level roadway thinking "this ain't too bad" but what you will remember the most from your trips are the times as described above, or worse, and this will make you tentative about doing it on a repeated basis.

Avoid RV PTSD and take into consideration the possiblity of a smaller trailer that still fits your needs.
arkie_guide
Explorer
Oct 03, 2017
Error on the side of safety and a clear mind. To much trailer are to small a truck. Lower the trailer size say to a 24' tow. Do not load with un needed gear - I know its hard to leave stuff at home, but please do. I pull with a 1/2 ton F 150, it does me a good job but I do not get close to GVW. Good luck.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Sep 28, 2017
l70cam wrote:
Hello, I'm about to pull the trigger on a used camper, specifically a
Travel Trailer, 2010 Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8317SS. I currently have a 2017 GMC Sierra 1/2 Ton Pickup ...

I've been towing for 11 yrs now with a Silverado, Avalanche, now another Silverado, all with a 5.3L engine, all with a 3.42 axle - no way I'd tow much more than about 6000 lbs fully loaded with this series of truck, equipped as it is. You're WAY beyond the capabilities of your truck towing a trailer that could easily weigh 8000 lbs with an average gross tongue weight of ~ 1100 lbs, loaded & ready to camp. :E If nothing else you'll run out of payload capacity long before you come anywhere near that so-called trailer tow rating ... this is 3/4 ton territory, especially when that truck is expected to also safely transport a family while towing. "Pull the trigger" if you must but it's easy to predict you won't be a happy camper. :(
TomG2
Explorer
Sep 27, 2017
I have towed with 1500 series Silverado's and I think you are well over its capacity. If you want to try some Timbrens, I have some for sale. Others will suggest other suspension upgrades, stiffer tires, etc. etc. Until you get tired of spending money. Get a smaller trailer or a more capable tow vehicle. A F-250 or 2500HD will put a smile on your face instead of white on your knuckles.
1492
Moderator
Sep 27, 2017
lawrosa
Explorer
Sep 27, 2017
Whats your budget for a TT?

What are you looking for? As we see you were looking at bunk house.. How many kids?

We can help you find what your looking for and keep weight down..

Be more transparent and tell us what the door tag says for payload.. Your posting will help others..