We recently purchased a new travel trailer that’s 30’ long and weighs around 7500 pounds. On our way home, we realized our 2001 Chevy 1500 had a little trouble. Although it is within my threshold, it is too much for it! I have found a 2013 Chevy with the 6.0 and 6 speed automatic trans. It has 3.73 gears. I really don’t want to go the diesel route due to the long term upkeep cost. We will be mostly on flat terrain, but would love to be able to tow it to the mountains of NC. We really want to be able to use this new camper since we spent all the money to buy a new one! My question,,,,is the 6.0 flex fuel engine in these models suitable to handle this size trailer?? I know everyone probably thinks a diesel would be best but not sold on that route. Thank you for any opinions!

Is this new truck that you are looking at a 2500? If you but another 1500 you will only be on here again asking about a bigger truck. The gas 6.0 should work fine for you. FYI I have 160,000 miles on my diesel with no long term upkeep cost yet.

Yes it will be very noticeably better. If it’s a half ton Vortec max 6.0, it won’t handle the load appreciably better but the power will be much better. If it’s a 2500 truck then it will also handle the trailer markedly better.

The 6.0 with 3.73 gears will work, but with 4.10 gears, much better. IIRC in 2014 they switched to make the 4.10 gears standard. If the 2013 is in great shape, a good price, I'd go for it. If not, I'd look for 14 or newer model, maybe consider a Ford later model, with 6.2 6-speed.Jerry

For what its worth, i had a 2012 gmc Sierra 5.3 with the max towing package. It struggled with 5400 lb TT on step hills and at highway speeds of 65. It could tow it , but i didnt like the rpm maxed all the time. Especially on long summer trips. Save up for a 2500. Use what you got for now and skip the trips up the steaep inclines. With the 2500 now, i can exacceleate and stop better. Also more stable ride at hogher speeds. I can tow at 70 mph if i had to. I couldn't do that with the 1500.

Is that 7500lb empty or full?Assuming it's the empty weight, you are probably in 3/4 ton territory by the time you fill it. This doesn't have to be diesel.You might find a suitable 1/2 ton but you really need to look into the specs.Keep in mind enough HP to pull it is only one consideration.

Best tow vehicle for our rig | Good Sam Community

corvettekent
Explorer
Jul 05, 2020
Is this new truck that you are looking at a 2500? If you but another 1500 you will only be on here again asking about a bigger truck. The gas 6.0 should work fine for you.

FYI I have 160,000 miles on my diesel with no long term upkeep cost yet.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Jul 05, 2020
Yes it will be very noticeably better.
If it’s a half ton Vortec max 6.0, it won’t handle the load appreciably better but the power will be much better. If it’s a 2500 truck then it will also handle the trailer markedly better.
MFL
Nomad II
Jul 05, 2020
The 6.0 with 3.73 gears will work, but with 4.10 gears, much better. IIRC in 2014 they switched to make the 4.10 gears standard. If the 2013 is in great shape, a good price, I'd go for it. If not, I'd look for 14 or newer model, maybe consider a Ford later model, with 6.2 6-speed.

Jerry
Sjm9911
Explorer
Jul 05, 2020
For what its worth, i had a 2012 gmc Sierra 5.3 with the max towing package. It struggled with 5400 lb TT on step hills and at highway speeds of 65. It could tow it , but i didnt like the rpm maxed all the time. Especially on long summer trips. Save up for a 2500. Use what you got for now and skip the trips up the steaep inclines. With the 2500 now, i can exacceleate and stop better. Also more stable ride at hogher speeds. I can tow at 70 mph if i had to. I couldn't do that with the 1500.
valhalla360
Navigator
Jul 05, 2020
Is that 7500lb empty or full?

Assuming it's the empty weight, you are probably in 3/4 ton territory by the time you fill it. This doesn't have to be diesel.

You might find a suitable 1/2 ton but you really need to look into the specs.

Keep in mind enough HP to pull it is only one consideration.
Thermoguy
Explorer II
Jul 05, 2020
Your post title is "best tow vehicle for our rig" yet you don't post any limitations. Needs to be small with good gas mileage for daily use? Needs to pull our current trailer and maybe something bigger if we decide to upgrade? Budget? New, Used?

More info would give you more educated responses.

I've had a couple of gas 3/4 ton trucks. Bought my first diesel in 2015. Best truck I have ever owned but to small to upgrade trailers. Would by a 1 ton if I could do it over, or when we upgrade it will be a 1 ton, maybe even a dually. We only use the truck to haul our trailers, not a daily drier, and it would be great to get rid of the truck as being the limiting factor.

So best tow vehicle or best with some restrictions?
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Jul 05, 2020
You and your family will just need to accept that when pulling 7500 pounds (wet/loaded or 8700 if that’s a dry weight) you’ll go slower...and for safety you need to go slower.
mgreene
Explorer
Jul 05, 2020
Sorry for the confusion guys. The one I’m looking at is a 2500 truck. Asking around 24k with about 90k miles on it. It will not be a daily driver. Currently we only used our old camper a few times a year but are hoping to get a little more use with the new one. Just wanted to make sure this was enough truck. The 7500 is dry weight. Actually I think it was 7250lbs. Was hoping to stay around or below 25k with the truck purchase. Not set on Chevy/ GMC either. May consider a Ford if I found the right rig! Thanks for the help!
Sjm9911
Explorer
Jul 05, 2020
The 2500 should tow it way better then the 1500. You will be happier. And the price looks to be ok.

And thermoguy, "good gas mileage", lmao! That was funny!
mgreene
Explorer
Jul 05, 2020
Yea, I thought good gas mileage was a thing of the past when I purchased our first travel trailer some years ago! Now going to something that’s 2000lbs more,,,, I know better than to expect miracles!!

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