How much can we REALLY tow with our 2015 Sierra 1500?

[4fromOH]

We just purchased a 2015 Sierra with the max tow package. Says we can tow 10,900. Looking at a TT that's 8300 dry. We'll be towing in NC/VA/WV mountains on occasion and I don't want any problems! Is this size rig okay, or do we need to shop for lighter?

[lly-zf6]

I normally just set the tow/haul and let it do what it wants.
It surprises me how much it is able to hold 6th.
I've even saw it run in 4 cylinder mode some while traveling the flatlands in Ohio.
The biggest hill I've ever pulled was Fancy Gap on I77.
Came right up it at 65. Did bang 4th a couple times, but no issues.

[APT]

That makes more sense. I just keep mine in 5th gear and sometimes 4th in the hills and mountains. The GM small blocks will sing all day at 3000rpm.

[lly-zf6]

APT wrote:

lly-zf6 wrote:

At the weight I am pulling the truck will hold 6th gear on most smaller hills at interstate speeds. It will bang 5th (3400 rpm) on the larger grades.

That doesn't make sense. 3400rpm in 5th gear is about 111mph. You should be towing a lot in 5th gear (about 2100rpm @ 65mph). 4th gear about 2800rpm and 3rd gear about 3800rpm @ 65mph.

My bad. 2400 hit the wrong key.

[APT]

lly-zf6 wrote:

At the weight I am pulling the truck will hold 6th gear on most smaller hills at interstate speeds. It will bang 5th (3400 rpm) on the larger grades.

That doesn't make sense. 3400rpm in 5th gear is about 111mph. You should be towing a lot in 5th gear (about 2100rpm @ 65mph). 4th gear about 2800rpm and 3rd gear about 3800rpm @ 65mph.

[BenK]

Yes, please post your actual weight numbers. Best to have axle by axle
weights

Here is the generic formula:

GCWR => TV + TT + cargo/people/etc

Most half ton's run into rear GAWR quicker than the higher class TVs

Example is that most half ton rear GAWR is in the 4K range. The next
higher classes are in the 6K range

Not being negative, just pragmatic about it. Half tons are more car
than truck. Not saying half tons can not tow anything...just within
their ratings

ON that, decide if you believe in the ratings system or not

If not, then this discussion is academic...as just do whatever but
know the OEMs are now off the warranty hook and liability hook

If yes, then continue and provide the actual weights so that we can
provide 'ADVICE'. I never provide the 'sure you can', 'you are good
for it', etc, but the metrics to figure it out yourself...as the only
person responsible for the setup is the driver

4fromOH wrote:
Thank you all so much for your replies! Thanks to all of the advise here, we decided to wait a bit longer to buy a new TT. We'll take our time and make sure we have all of the numbers figured out before making a buying decision. We will have the opportunity to get weighed this week as we're loaded up and traveling, so we should be able to get more accurate numbers there too. Thanks again! As soon as I have time on a computer, I'll look up all of the numbers and post them here??

[lly-zf6]

I am towing a Laredo 274 with a '14 max tow 1500.
Trailer weighs 6400 lbs dry with 800 lbs TW.
I weighed it ready to camp. about 7600 lbs.

The truck pulls it great with no issues.
That said, I'm not sure I would want to jump to to something that heavy.
At the weight I am pulling the truck will hold 6th gear on most smaller hills at interstate speeds. It will bang 5th (3400 rpm) on the larger grades.
I have a camping buddy pulling a 35 foot 7600 dry with a '15 max tow.
It does fine but stays in 5th alot of the time.
Some where in the mid 6k dry seems to be the sweet spot if you are pulling alot of hills.

[4fromOH]

Thank you all so much for your replies! Thanks to all of the advise here, we decided to wait a bit longer to buy a new TT. We'll take our time and make sure we have all of the numbers figured out before making a buying decision. We will have the opportunity to get weighed this week as we're loaded up and traveling, so we should be able to get more accurate numbers there too. Thanks again! As soon as I have time on a computer, I'll look up all of the numbers and post them here??

[JIMNLIN]

Looking at GM specs for your 1500 truck with the max tow package with the 10900 tow rating shows a 7600 GVWR and a uprated RAWR which I couldn't find but a couple of years ago it was in the 4400-4600 RAWR range.
The 5.3 cranks out 355 hp/383 tq along with the 3.73 rear axle and the 6L80E tranny. You sure won't have any issues pulling GMs 10900 lb tow rating .....just watch those rear axle weights (RAWR) and especially those P tires. Have fun on your trip.

[wecamp04]

I think your truck can do it but your going to be at max for your truck and it will get tired in a few years if you tow alot .we are in North east tn,border va,nc and had a similar setup when we got out first tt by year two we traded up to a F250 superduty so much better,I would look for a lighter tt your truck will think you,

[Ruger3739]

I have a 2012 gmc sierra and tow a fully loaded 6900 lbs trailer. I make sure I don't put much in my bed and I am 200 lbs under my 1520 lbs payload. This is as much trailer as the truck wants to tow. I added an extra trans cooler to help out on the steep grades. I personally would not want to tow a dry 8000+ trailer

[BenK]

Which half ton ???

List your GVRW, RGAWR, FGAWR and GCWR....Plus your receiver rating (both dead weight and WD)

Best if you have your TV's actual weight...fully loaded ready to go RVing

[OutdoorPhotogra]

You're getting a lot of comments about dry weight and rightfully so but there are two "dry weights." The brochure number which is irrelevant for all the reasons given above and the sticker on the actual TT that gives the weight when it left the factory. You want the latter and the GVWR.

Again, you need to do your math but I bet you'll end up happier if you are in the 5,000 dry, 6,500/7,000 lb GVWR range.

[scbwr]

Based on my Tundra, rated to tow 10K and I'm towing 6,500 lbs. or so, I'd suggest that you stay at least under 8K, and 7,500 is probably a better goal to shoot for. No doubt, with a good WD hitch, you can do more and get by even if exceeding the payload weight by a little, but it will take a toll on the truck and may not be the best for driving and handling. Keep in mind when they say a trailer has a dry weight of 7,500 lbs., that doesn't include the weight of options, propane, any water, etc.

Another way to look at it is to use the GVWR and check how much they are allowing for cargo. My trailer had a dry weight of just under 5K. But with added slide out awning, propane tanks filled, and loaded with all gear except for some food & drink, and some clothing, the trailer weighed 6,200 lbs. at the scales. So, with some other mods and with all gear, I figure I'm pulling 6,500 lbs. and really wouldn't want to pull much more. The GVWR for my trailer is 7,500 lbs. It's only two of us, but truck bed gets loaded with 2 folding bikes, blue tote, tool bucket, 5lb. propane tank for grill, a little firewood and other misc. stuff.

[Jayco-noslide]

I would prefer to allow for some error and tow about 80% of what the manual says I can tow so for you about 8500.