Need advice on choosing a TT/TV

Do not go by towing charts found in online forums and magazines. They are often general and lack accurate information.

So in addition to what APT said, if you are looking at GMs (including your in-law's truck) you can find out everything you need using the owners manual, the door sticker, and the RPO code listing found in the glove box. The RPO list has codes that can be looked up online for all the options installed on the truck, including gear set and towing packages and other enhancements that affect towing such as 4WD. Match that info to the towing chart in owners manual and you will find out what your towing capacity really is. It will also list the GCWR which is the total maximum weight the loaded truck and trailer combination can weigh. Finally as APT said, look at the door sticker for your payload.

As already said, unless you are looking at 2500 series Suburbans, most large 1/2 ton SUVs will not have enough payload for the size trailers and passenger load you are considering.

They seem like reasonable options on paper but you need to learn some more about payload of TV's as well. With 3-4 kids in the mix it can limit your choices. You should also be prepared for how a 30' trailer will affect the vehicles stability and performance. Keep reading the forums for a better understanding of what you're getting into. I think you're on the right track to some great memories but it's not cheap and there is a learning curve to reach a comfort level you can tolerate.

I don't think the Silverado will have any problems towing the Jayco or Keystone. The newer 6 speed Silverados are much more capable of towing 5k lbs than the 4 speeds they replaced. My old 2007 1500 (4 speed) would pull our Jayco fine of flat, open road but sucked in moderate inclines. I second donn0128 recommendation for a 2500 Suburban with the 6.0 but make sure it's the 6 speed version. The 2500 will have a stiffer frame, heavier brakes and firmer suspension that will make your towing experience more comforting than a 1500 Burb.

Having towed 27'+ TTs at that weight, with a 2002 Expedition. I will say that the Expedition EL with the 3.55, or lower rear gear, and HD tow package should tow either TT easily. As would a properly equipped Burb. You will however need the HD tow package, and 3.42 rears.

You will also need to take care setting up the hitch, and get it right. If you get the hitch right. You should have no trouble.

This just my opinion arrived at thru my own experience of 43 years of towing everything from small boats, and large traveltrailers, to driving 80,000lb trailertrucks.

Use the info as you see fit.

BTW. The TT in my sig. Is 30'. dry weight 4811lb, loaded weight 6000lb (more and less) sleeps 10, and tows very easily. Follows me everywhere I go.

Very few people will notice the 400 pound difference in weight between the OP first two models listed. Note that any TT will never be towed at dry weights. Expect loaded weight to grow by about 1000 pounds and 150-200 pounds TW with camping stuff for a family's long weekend. Make sure that Silverado 1500 has the proper towing equipment, as many do not and tow ratings are 5000-ish pounds.

Generally, you will want to keep the dry weight to under 6000 pounds if you want to stay with a full sized half ton such as Suburban. I highly recommend the longer wheelbases of Ford Expedition EL and Suburban/Yukon XL over their shorter siblings. The cost difference is marginal, but you get a lot more space inside as well as longer wheelbased vehicles tend to tow with more stability. I do not recommend the Durango as its payload and receiver limits are even lower than the full sized SUVs.

Payload and receiver limits are the most common limit well under the 8000+ pound tow ratings when it comes to family RVing. At 6000 pounds dry and 7000 pounds loaded TT, that will mean about 850-1000 pounds of loaded tongue weight. Let's say you have 500 pounds of people and activities to keep everyone occupied while traveling. Some half ton SUVs with 8000+ pound tow ratings have 1200 pounds of payload while others have 1600. So use your own estimates for a guide to how much payload is available for trailer TW. As you shop, take a note at the tire and loading sticker on each vehicle's driver's door or door jam. Note what it has where mine says 2051.



Each model half ton SUV has tow ratings that vary from the 5000 pound range to 8000+ range. You'll want to make sure the one you buy has that equipment, specifically the large capacity transmission cooler and shorter differential gears. You didn't list a budget, but I'll give a few guidlines. Anything with a 6-spd trans will tow much better than nearly anything with older 4 spds. That means 2009+ GM SUVs, 2007+ Ford and Toyota. The 2007+ Yukon Denali is the most powerful. And we love our 2011 3/4 ton Suburban. They are rare to find used, especially the 2008-2013 models but come with all the necessary and proper towing equipment to make even 7000 pound dry TTs tow with confidence. If you are open to full sized passenger vans, they can be purchased for significantly less money than SUVs. They do not offer the higher level of equipment that SUVs can have, but mechanically they are great for towing and offer a lot of space for travel comfort. I recommend the 1-ton GM twins with 6.0L/6-spd trans from 2010+.

Go and see as many TTs as you can at RV shows or Dealer locations.

What looks like a workable floor-plan on paper, may look totally differently in the flesh.

We went through 3 TTs over the past 20 years before we found our ideal floor-plan.
Is the television viewable from all seats?
Does the kitchen have enough counter space?
Is the bathroom big enough?
Is the bed easy to get in /out?
Are there enough closets?
Is there a place to hand wet jackets?
Can 4 people "live" in the living room when it's wet outside?

Etc etC;

You may want to look at a full size van for towing - I've had 4 vans and currently have a 12 passenger Chevy 3500 Express. Tows great and has a ton
of interior space which can be locked (important when you carry your toys with you)

Gerry

As far as the trailer goes, look at a very lightweight Lance 2185. It's their bunkhouse model and can sleep 7 people (2 in the queen bed) 2 in the dinette fold down and 3 in the rear bunks.

Lance is tops in quality and about one of the lightest bunkhouse models you're going to find.

Link To Lance Travel Trailers

Lance is a little spendy, but you can always look for a pre-owned model. In this case, spending money now can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

If a Silverado wont pull the trailers, guaranteed a Suburbal wont. At least no 1500 Suburban wont. If you could find a nice used 2500 Suburban with a 6.0L it might do well as a TV. As an alternative check our fill sized vans.

To help you decide on what RV to buy you could go to www.rvknowhow.com and read Joe and Vicki’s suggestions and/or download their e-book `RV Buyers Homework’, which walks you through the process of choosing the best RV for your needs, selecting the right floor plans and features, determining the RV’s cargo-carrying and towing capacities and evaluating its livability. (Nov-Dec Highways, pg. 21)
RVtravel.com and the Better Business Bureau have a DVD that covers the same subject
(http://rvbookstore.com/shop/detail.aspx?p=710&m=2) and Chuck Woodbury has an ebook with similar advice.