I don't want too, but I have too ...

[KoJackz]

Ok a question asked by anyone making the decision to buy a fifth .... anyone reading this knows what I'm about to ask ... I'm sry I just want to be safe .

The TV: 03 Silverado 2500 HD 8.1L 4x4 ext cab 3.73 rear end

The 5er we're contemplating purchasing: 09 Cougar SRX dry weight: 9125 capacity: 2990 Hitch: 1955

The GVWR is 9200

The GAWR is 6084

The GCWR of the truck is 20,000

Max trailer load 13,600 (seems low to me)

Truck weighs 6868 loaded (people hitch fuel dog tools stuff)

I've read so much on this I think I may have confused myself along the way. Numbers don't lie, but am I adding the right numbers !!! I don't see how I can't pull this thing safely though, it's a sub 10k trailer. Anyone out there with a like truck/trailer combo have any input ? Shoot I'll take any input at this point driving myself nuts here and of course the wife's "all about" this one ..,.

[KoJackz]

Nope didn't go with helper springs or bags. Just OEM now she's pretty darn level, there might be a 1/2" drop maybe 3/4" didn't measure. But it's dry now an totally unloaded so I already talked "the boss" into the bags last week, as a just in case, probably will do them anyway. Can't hurt right??

Yup I do have the Allison, not 100% but don't think with the 8.1L (outside a manual) it came any other way. It's been rock solid too don't even feel it shifting buttery smooth.

[RCMAN46]

My nephew has a 8.1 and a similar trailer as I have. I have a Duramax. One time when we traveled together and diesel was 30 cents more per gallon than gasoline his fuel cost was about the same as mine.

So I would not be too concerned with fuel usage.

You should have the Allison transmission the best ever put behind a gasser.

[MFL]

Glad to hear it went pretty well for you! Yes, that 8.1 is a beast compared to the 7.4, or 6.0.

Did you add any suspension help, or get by with OEM?

Take care of the brake issue, and likely a few other little things, and then enjoy that FW! 🙂

Jerry

[Me_Again]

KoJackz wrote:
Thanks for all the replies fellas appreciate it. Brought the FW home today. Truck handled it great, I won't lie all the forums and people's opinions had me second guessing a lot !! So advice for anyone going forward trust in the numbers.

Hooking up i was relieved, truck sat nice and level. I was even more impressed when I put her in D let off the gas and w/o any throttle input at all she started pulling it. On the road they together felt very solid, zero sway, no bouncing, nothing but a little tugging here and there. I do however have a call into the dealership, driver side trailer brake squeals like a stuck pig, at first it was just a tad bit as I got on with the trip it got worse only under breaking. I also do need to get a better feel for the trailer brakes in general. I think they are a bit too sensitive almost like the trailer is actually braking the truck like a parachute never felt like it was pushing at all almost like it was dragging. Oh and with the truck in tow/haul mode I gotta say I was real impressed with the downshift engine breaking felt in total control of this rig the whole time. I do need practice with backing into the driveway but all in all it took fifteen mins to get her in "just the right spot" an really I was being a little OCD about it.

Anyway just wanted to let you all know I appreciated your input and that we got her home safely !! And I hope if there are any other out there (which it looks like there's a ton) that the tread helps you out !

Having your engine break is bad, however having it brake is good! Just saying! Chris

[KoJackz]

Fisher Bill wrote:
Sounds like he has the big block 454 (8.2L) so might not be a power issue.

Racine96 wrote:
I had a 2500 Silverado 2014 HD 6.0 gasser. It struggled on the hills. I don't think you would be safe. Can it pull it? Yes, but not very safe. MHO

It's a big block 496ci 8.1L. I guess they built them a bit stouter in 03 then Rancine cause she was WAY less stressful and WAY more stable than I thought it was going to be !! As miles went by the truck actually gave me more and more confidence.

[KoJackz]

Thanks for all the replies fellas appreciate it. Brought the FW home today. Truck handled it great, I won't lie all the forums and people's opinions had me second guessing a lot !! So advice for anyone going forward trust in the numbers.

Hooking up i was relieved, truck sat nice and level. I was even more impressed when I put her in D let off the brake and w/o any throttle input at all she started pulling it. On the road they together felt very solid, zero sway, no bouncing, nothing but a little tugging here and there. I do however have a call into the dealership, driver side trailer brake squeals like a stuck pig, at first it was just a tad bit as I got on with the trip it got worse only under breaking. I also do need to get a better feel for the trailer brakes in general. I think they are a bit too sensitive almost like the trailer is actually braking the truck like a parachute never felt like it was pushing at all almost like it was dragging. Oh and with the truck in tow/haul mode I gotta say I was real impressed with the downshift engine breaking felt in total control of this rig the whole time. I do need practice with backing into the driveway but all in all it took fifteen mins to get her in "just the right spot" an really I was being a little OCD about it.

Anyway just wanted to let you all know I appreciated your input and that we got her home safely !! And I hope if there are any other out there (which it looks like there's a ton) that the tread helps you out !

[Fisher_Bill]

Sounds like he has the big block 454 (8.2L) so might not be a power issue.

Racine96 wrote:
I had a 2500 Silverado 2014 HD 6.0 gasser. It struggled on the hills. I don't think you would be safe. Can it pull it? Yes, but not very safe. MHO

[Crodad]

KoJackz wrote:

I'm currently looking at spring helpers or air bag assist options. Anyone with experience have any suggestions which direction? Brands? They both seem to be easy installs right in the garage. So any and all opinions are appreciated.

I installed Timbrens on my truck. They work great.

[JIMNLIN]

I wouldn't add any aftermarket suspension help till you load the truck and trailer and make a short run. Then is the time to add if needed. Too many new folks think they need bags/etc and install them before the trailer. Then find their not needed.

OP says: ***I'm well below factory 6084 let alone with the tire upgrade bumps that. ***
RAWR is the lessor of the trucks rear axle/wheel/tire and rear spring pack ratings.
3400 lb rated tires just gives you more tire reserve capacity but doesn't help the other components..
You won't have any issues carrying the load or pulling GM tow rating with that truck. Looks like a good match

[oilcan1001]

I don't have any 1st hand experience yet, but I like the Timbren system looks really simple and effective.

Timbren

[TxGearhead]

maybe this:
http://www.torklift.com/index.php/products/suspension/stableload

[MFL]

Forum member cdlaine is towing heavy with similar truck. His 03 is a CC with 8.1/4.10. His profile page shows scaled hitch wt 2,660, scaled FW trailer wt 12,600. His Artic Fox has a GVWR of 14,300. You can look at his page with pic. I see he is using Ride-rite bags.

Jerry

[KoJackz]

msmith1.wa wrote:
I have the same truck as you but have the 4.10 gears. The ratings you quoted seem about right. With the 4.10 gears mine rated for a max trailer weight around 15000lbs. Where you could run into a problem is with your rear axle weight. If you have tires with the same capacity as the originals there capacity is equal to the rear axle rating from Chevrolet.

msmith1.wa wrote:
I have the same truck as you but have the 4.10 gears. The ratings you quoted seem about right. With the 4.10 gears mine rated for a max trailer weight around 15000lbs. Where you could run into a problem is with your rear axle weight. If you have tires with the same capacity as the originals there capacity is equal to the rear axle rating from Chevrolet.

I believe they are upgraded from oem wheels not sure what they were rated. The ones I have now are at 3415 per wheel. The trailer at max capacity loaded per manufacturer would be 12,100 which wound give me a hitch weight of 2662. Add that to 3012 RAW ... 5674...I'm well below factory 6084 let alone with the tire upgrade bumps that. And well below GCVW of 20k I'll be at 18,9 and this number is assuming me packing 2990lbs (max)of gear toys water food etc etc. I will be however be over the 9200 GVWR limit by about 2.5% sooo I think I'll be just fine. Driving carefully

I do want anyone's thoughts on helper springs or air bags. Brands and experience with either product ... they both look like a simple hour install garage project

[msmith1_wa]

I have the same truck as you but have the 4.10 gears. The ratings you quoted seem about right. With the 4.10 gears mine rated for a max trailer weight around 15000lbs. Where you could run into a problem is with your rear axle weight. If you have tires with the same capacity as the originals there capacity is equal to the rear axle rating from Chevrolet.