JimandLynn923,
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
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
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
