Dinghy towing Chev 1500 with gas rig

You already know you are exceeding the vehicle's tow rating, reinforcing the hitch won't change that.

Thanks for the response. I'm aware I'm exceeding the Manufacturers tow rating. Reinforcing the tow hitch did change the physical ability of the hitch to handle more weight. But I also realize that it doesn't change the vehicle's ability to pull the weight.

However that wasn't my question.

Welcome to the forum.
I can't answer your question.
However, did you consider an additional or larger transmission cooler?
If you don't have them now, I would at least install a transmission and engine temperature gauge.
You could watch the temps, especially while going uphill.

gbopp wrote:
Welcome to the forum.
I can't answer your question.
However, did you consider an additional or larger transmission cooler?
If you don't have them now, I would at least install a transmission and engine temperature gauge.
You could watch the temps, especially while going uphill.

Thanks for the advise. The additional cooler is a good idea I hadn't thought of yet. I know it has one, but I'll look into a bigger one. The coach already has engine and trans temp gauges.

4CUNUSA,
Well Sir, one of the first things that you maybe should do is get the potential pickup WEIGHED! Do not, repeat, DO NOT believe what you read in the Dinghy Towing Guides put out by Trailer Life and Motorhome magazine. You need to see the ACTUAL weight you will be towing if and when you decide to.

The DTG listed our 2011 Honda CRV as 3200 lbs. Well, on a certified scale, it's topped just a hair over 3700. The DTG listed our present toad, a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab 4x4 (basically the same truck as you're intending on towing) as 4875, WRONG! It hovers right at 5300 lbs.

So, while you're on the right track in terms of prepping the hitch area and more for heavy duty work, do get the actual weight so you'll be closer for your measurements and calculations. We tow that GMC without issues but, ours is an '04 Itasca Horizon 36GD with the C-7 330 HP CAT engine with the Allison MH3000 trans.

I can't tell you to "go ahead" and tow it because yep, you'll definitely be a bit over weight on towing but, not all that much. I ran our overweight for over 8,000 miles due to the fact that I CARRIED a 900 lb. Honda Goldwing on the back of it and, towed either our '04 Jeep Rubicon or, our '11 CRV Honda. The rear axle alone was right at 3,000 lbs. over weight. No one died. The back of the rig did not sag down to the ground and front did not pull wheelies like some suggested would happen if I went through with my plan to carry the bike and a lift.

But, in your case, with a gas rig, you'll not be overloading it in terms of carrying weight, just towing something a bit heavier than your rig is listed as a maximum. Can your rig do it? Most likely but, there's limits posted on these rigs for a reason. Brakes, frame, engine and transmission limitations and more. I will say that having a full sized truck for our needs as a toad, has worked out flawless. Your choice.
Scott

Fire up, Thanks, that was exactly the type of response I was looking for! Very good advice. As you said, I have found that many of the guides vary in their level of reliability. The Chev folks list the truck at 5197 lbs., and I understand that that may be a little low. I have been towing my boat which weighs in at about 5600, so I will be a little under that. I was hoping to find someone who has experience with this type of rig and you have certainly been the closest I've talked to. I currently have an Invisibrake system installed in my jeep and will definitely use some type of sup braking system, probably the same, which will compensate for the braking issues. I'm looking forward to a pickup for our travels.

I see you're from Ramona? Anybody you talk to know where that is? I do. I've taken my daughter to track meets at the high school there. I also see you are a retired firefighter and a HAM operator? I'm retired PD and a novice HAM.

Thanks again!

I think you may find your truck closer to 5800# than you think. Mine is similar and that is my scaled weight ±, with full fuel and the equipment I normally carry. Will the V-10 do the job, sure, but you will need an aux brake system on the truck, as the Ford brakes are not that great and IRRC, are limited to a 1500# toad/trailer. I personally would have no qualms towing it, but know I would not win any speed contest.

4CUNUSA
Glad I could help with at least some info that possibly relates to your situation. Our previous coach, a '99 Fleetwood Bounder 34V was equipped with the F-53 Chassis and the V-10. We towed several different jeeps with that coach and all of them were very close to or, over 5,000 lbs. The coach did "OK" with that kind of load and, like what's been stated, you're sure not going to win any drag races. But, that's not the intent anyway. The point is, to get from point A to point B with the least amount of issues.

As for being from Ramona, yep, many folks that are out of CA know it. Some don't. We're right down from that high school you're referring to. Yep, retired San Diego Fire. Just a hair shy of 30 years. And, as far as being a HAM, been that for about 5 years now. I don't play much on it. Every once in a while I'll get on my little "Yeasu" 170 and yack back and forth just so I remember the protocol. Cool.
Scott

Thanks Texan, I think your response is right on. I too believe the coach will tow the truck OK. as long as I can get there safely I'll be happy and if I have a really nice truck when I get there all the better! And I will absolutely have a aux braking system on the toad.

Well, we did it. Bought a 2014 Chev Silverado Crew Cab Z71. We have rigged the truck and the motorhome. I have towed the truck for short distances so far and no problem, it tows well. Prior to taking the plunge I weighed the boat I had been towing with the coach and it weighs 6100 lbs with about a half tank of gas. The pickup weighs 5580 with a half tank.