New truck & Trailer

[19camperman51]

Hi: New member.
I just bought a 2016 Chevy Silverado, 1500 pick up truck, Crew cab, short bed. The payload in the truck sticker on the inside door says 1617 Lbs. Engine is a 5.3L V8 Ecotec3. 3.42 gear ratio. Six speed. It has a trailer package. It has a Class 4 hitch, the hitch shows up to 1200lb. tongue weight and up to 12,000, lbs, combined, this is on the hitch label. The tires say Max load 2535 lb.

I am about to purchase a Trail Runner by Heartland. It is model TR SLE 25. The brochure lists it at 4912 Lbs. Dry Weight, and Hitch Weight at 490 lbs. As far as capacity, or gear in the trailer I don't think it will ever exceed 300 Lbs.

First Question: How much will my truck tow safely without any assistance of a weight distributing hitch? I have a 2 5/16" x 1 inch ball.
Second question: Will it tow the camper above? They are recommending that I purchase a Weight Distributing Hitch and anti- sway bars. Needed? Yes,or No. If I get all this stuff, What kind of towing experience will I expect. Plenty of power, don't know I am towing anything, to it is over working the vehicle.
Any advice would be would be helpful, the deal will be going down in a day or so. Thanks for any advice.

[camp-n-family]

Doesn't sound too bad but keep in mind that things will change once the tt is loaded. You may need to adjust settings slightly. Your OP showed you figure only 300lbs worth of stuff but I think you'll be surprised how quickly weight adds up. Water kept in 5gal water heater alone is around 40lbs.

[19camperman51]

Hi All:
Well I picked up the trailer a few days ago. The rv shop installed the WDH, It was an equalizer hitch, integrated, rated 1200 lb. hitch wt. and max load 12,000 lb cap. The dealer set it up pretty close, I believe. I pre measured the rear end and the front end of the truck at home before I got there. After hooking it up it came out to 1" lower in the rear and 1/2" higher in the front. Seemed pretty close to me. The truck seemed to tow it pretty well, approx. 30 miles back to camp. Was wondering what your thought were on the set up?
Dave

[Beer_Belly]

19camperman51 wrote:
It has a Class 4 hitch, the hitch shows up to 1200lb. tongue weight and up to 12,000, lbs, combined, this is on the hitch label. The tires say Max load 2535 lb.

Keep in mind, the "Hitch" may be rated at 12,000 lbs., but the truck isn't

[IDoMyOwnStunts]

19camperman51 wrote:
I will pick the TT up tomorrow. They said they will put on a new WD Hitch. After I posted this, numerous members stated that I should get an Integrated sway control, like a 4 point equalizer dual cam hitch? Greek to me. I asked them which one I was getting. They said that it wasn't the Integrated, 4 point hitch. I asked them that this one sounded like it was the one to have. They had a 1 to 2 year used one and I told them I will take that one. Was I correct in doing this, or, was the original one OK?
Thanks Dave

As long as it's in good shape, I think you're correct. Read the stickied thread about setting up your WD system here. Also read up on WD systems here. The dealer may or may not set up your hitch properly. You may need to make some adjustments. Those threads will put you on the right track and feel free to come back and ask questions. Enjoy your new TT!

[19camperman51]

I will pick the TT up tomorrow. They said they will put on a new WD Hitch. After I posted this, numerous members stated that I should get an Integrated sway control, like a 4 point equalizer dual cam hitch? Greek to me. I asked them which one I was getting. They said that it wasn't the Integrated, 4 point hitch. I asked them that this one sounded like it was the one to have. They had a 1 to 2 year used one and I told them I will take that one. Was I correct in doing this, or, was the original one OK?
Thanks Dave

[burningman]

About your hitch: It's not just about the numbers, using a weight distributing hitch will make your truck drive a lot better and safer. It forces more weight up forward to the front axle. It's really not safe to have a sizable trailer, a bunch of tongue weight, and a light front end.

[pitch]

Hi Welcome to the forums. Yes you will need a WDH. Now as you can tell already there are plenty of guys on here that are very willing to spend your money.
Unless you are planning several long distance, long duration trips each year, I see no reason to spend big bucks on a WDH. Money may make some difference but there is always a cost benefit equation. If you have the money drop close to a grand on a hitch go for it, but it is certainly not necessary for a perfectly safe stable set up.

[humblerb]

Alabama Jim wrote:
Be sure to get the sway bars and have them level the hitch properly.

Do NOT trust "them" to set up your hitch properly. As someone earlier said, go to the post that is "stickied" above, print a copy and follow the instructions therein very closely.
I have a copy of this post in both my vehicles and in our notebook of "trailer information".

[19camperman51]

Thank all of you and your input. Great advice. I may be picking the TT up soon. If we run into any problems or questions I will know where to come for the answers.
Dave

[IDoMyOwnStunts]

Ditto on the weight distribution bars. They will make towing much better with some weight restored to your front tires. You really don't want to be light on the front end. In addition to the links already recommended (and they are really good), read the instructions in your owner's manual on setting up a WD hitch.

Make the dealer weigh the tongue of the trailer for you. I'm sure they have a scale. It will open your eyes. I would be surprised if it were anywhere near the listed dry weight. And remember you're just going to add to your tongue weight when you load your trailer, so size your weight distribution bars appropriately. 800 lb bars should work, but you may be in the range for 1000 lb bars.

No need to feel intimidated. I'm more intimidated backing up my utility trailer than my toy hauler. You get used to the size pretty quickly. If you get it set up right from the start, then you can relax, go camping, and enjoy your trailer. The point of a vacation is to be stress free. Have fun and enjoy your rig.

[mkirsch]

People always think, "Oh I'll only be taking along 300lbs of stuff," when the truth is ALWAYS closer to 1000lbs over the advertised dry weight of the trailer, counting options, battery, propane, etc., and traveling alone.

Even so you will be well within the comfortable range for towing with that truck.

Weight distributing hitch is mandatory. I think the limit for needing a WD hitch is only 500lbs on that receiver if it's the same as the one on my 2015. You're at 490lbs now. 40lbs of propane will put you over. Besides if you get one with integrated sway control your overall experience will be much happier.

IMHO, airbags are optional. If you were closer to payload capacity, I might have a different opinion.

Don't forget that payload is for everything in the bed AND in the cab. If you have your three 250lb linebacker sons coming along for the trip, you will be over your truck's payload capacity.

[Dirtclods]

Alabama Jim wrote:
You should be fine. Be sure to get the sway bars and have them level the hitch properly. May God provide you with many safe and happy trips.

2nd that! And I would suggest some air bags as well.

[Alabama_Jim]

You should be fine. Be sure to get the sway bars and have them level the hitch properly. May God provide you with many safe and happy trips.

[Relheok]

WDH make a huge difference on half tons. If budget is a concern go with Curt. It is basic but works well and is American made I believe.