Forum Discussion
- FIRE_UPExplorerJimandLynn923,
Just for information here, the Dinghy Towing Guide produced by Motorhome and Trailer Life Magazines, states our present toad, a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab 4x4, weighs 4875 lbs. Well, that's a bit off. I decided to take it to a certified scale WITH A FULL TANK OF FUEL and get it weighed. It tipped the scale at 5300 lbs., almost exactly.
It (the Dinghy Towing Guide) also stated our previous toad, a 2011 Honda CRV EX-L All Wheel Drive, weighed 3500 lbs. When in reality, it weighed 3700, again on a certified scale, WITH A FULL TANK OF FUEL.
So, two things here. One, do not be LAZY (I say that with tongue in cheek) and get out there and ACTUALLY weigh your intended tow vehicle and two, do it with a FULL TANK OF FUEL. So many only load a 1/2 tank or less when towing. What happens if you break down in the middle of nowhere? You gonna depend on a fuel station right around the corner?
This way, you'll know exactly what your tow vehicle weighs, at maximum so you can use the actual numbers to calculate your needs. And, while you're at it, get the MOTOR HOME WEIGHED TOO! And, do it with a full compliment of water and fuel etc., just like you're going to have it while on a trip. Tools, equipment, people and whatever you carry, to get a true, as close as possible, traveling weight. That way, YOU are positive on all figures and not depending what things "Are supposed to weigh, based on written material".
Scott - imgoin4itExplorerThe listed curb weight is usually for the base model. That way threading make an owner's manual based on all the various models. I think the base model is a smaller engine than the 5.3. If you have the Z 71 package that adds weight for skid plates. Anyway what I'm trying to say is if you haven't weighed the truck I would do I'll bet it weighs closer to 5300 pounds. Then if you haul anything in the truck you have to keep adding. As others said make sure you can two the weight.
- JimandLynn923Explorer
moisheh wrote:
We tow a 2009 4x4 extended cab 4x4. Great vehicle but very heavy. Expect your 6.0 L to weigh over 6000 lbs. Is your MH rated for that weight?
Moisheh
The 2014 has a curb weight of just under 4800 and the hitch weight of the concord is rated at 5,000 lbs. While it is close and we realize that, we are just doing research on what we own to check the feasibility of towing versus buy another car. The truck is 5.3 not the 6.0 as I suspected. Thanks - moishehExplorerWe tow a 2009 4x4 extended cab 4x4. Great vehicle but very heavy. Expect your 6.0 L to weigh over 6000 lbs. Is your MH rated for that weight?
Moisheh - JimandLynn923ExplorerScott,
DH and I appreciate this information so much. It's wonderful to get a concise answer to what we need to do. We can't wait to hit the road! Thank you! - FIRE_UPExplorer
JimandLynn923 wrote:
donn0128 wrote:
1500,2500 or3500? 4.6,5.3,6.0 or Duramax?
With next to no information how can we give you any sort of answer?
Forgive me...I'm new at this. I meant to say 1500 and it is a 6.0.
JimandLynn,
Based on multiple threads on this subject, I'd say you can. But, here's the important info for you to find out and know, BEFORE you make a commitment to that truck. The GMCs and Chevys, as in 1500 series 4x4s with automatics and, electronic shift transfer cases, were pretty simple to setup for towing. We have an '11 GMC Sierra, 1500 4x4 Extended Cab and, all that's needed to be done, prior to towing it down the road is,
1. Park
2. Parking brake set
3. Foot on the brakes
4. Shift the transfer case to "N" by turning the shift knob all the way to the right until the "N" appears on the face of the knob.
5. Release parking brake
6. Remove Key.
7. Done
Now, I only tell you this because, as I understand it, the major change to the operation in the 2014 GMC and Chevy is, you now have to DISCONNECT THE BATTERY of the truck, after you've done all the prep, listed above.
To many, that's a pain in the a$$. It would be to me too. So, just for your satisfaction and knowledge, while you're shopping for this new Chevy 1500 truck, get ahold of the owners manual and find for yourself, the EXACT INSTRUCTIONS for flat towing, behind a motor home. DO NOT DEPEND ON ANY SALESMAN OR WOMAN, for accurate info on this subject. The owners manual is the only real, document that you can depend on here. Good luck.
Scott - JimandLynn923Explorer
donn0128 wrote:
1500,2500 or3500? 4.6,5.3,6.0 or Duramax?
With next to no information how can we give you any sort of answer?
Forgive me...I'm new at this. I meant to say 1500 and it is a 6.0. - donn0128Explorer II1500,2500 or3500? 4.6,5.3,6.0 or Duramax?
With next to no information how can we give you any sort of answer?
About RV Tips & Tricks
Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,115 PostsLatest Activity: Mar 04, 2025