Towing Question

[GSP9]

Question you guys might be able to answer. We have been looking at travel trailers for the past year and are getting closer to buying one. We were at the Hershey show this past weekend and found a few that we really like. A question that no one has been able to really answer for me is a weight issue. I have a 1/2 ton Silverado that is rated to tow 9,500 pounds. I want to stay well below that figure for obvious reasons. I tend to be a minimalist and don't need a lot of the frills and add ons that are on some of these trailers today. We have two young kids so we have been looking at bunk models. I found a few bunk models I like that are in the 4,500 pound range and 23-25 feet long. One dealer had the next model up with some more amenities priced less than some of the smaller trailers. Only issue was it weighed about 5,500 pounds empty and is 27-28 feet long. I really wanted to stay below 5,000 pounds (empty) and around 25 feet in length. I just don't want to get into a situation of having too much trailer and not enough truck. My question is, will I really notice going from a 4,500 pound trailer to a 5,500 pound trailer? Would there be a noticeable reduction in MPG or power? I've towed a landscape trailer with equipment on several occasions that I estimate weighs in the 6,500 pound range and had no trouble but I also don't have the wind resistance of a camper with that setup. Am I making too much of an issue over the added weight or not? Thanks

[fla-gypsy]

GSP9 wrote:
Truck is a 2011 Silverado Crew Cab with the 5.3L and the 6 speed transmission. The truck has a 3.42 rear axle and also has the towing package with the transmission cooler. Owners manual states it is rated to tow up to 9,500 pounds.

Since we have never done this before I really have no idea how much gear we'll pack along. I have a feeling we'll pack on the lite side as we tend to for other vacations but I just don't know at this point.

Need a little more. What is the truck GVWR and the door tag payload rating?

[GSP9]

Truck is a 2011 Silverado Crew Cab with the 5.3L and the 6 speed transmission. The truck has a 3.42 rear axle and also has the towing package with the transmission cooler. Owners manual states it is rated to tow up to 9,500 pounds.

Since we have never done this before I really have no idea how much gear we'll pack along. I have a feeling we'll pack on the lite side as we tend to for other vacations but I just don't know at this point.

[fla-gypsy]

2edgesword wrote:
What year, body style, engine and gear ratio on the Silverado?

X2, I can't believe those who are saying it will be fine without knowing anything about the truck. I will reserve an opinion until I see the truck specs.

[2edgesword]

What year, body style, engine and gear ratio on the Silverado?

[TomG2]

Not to just be contrary, but one thousand pound will make a difference, especially when accelerating or climbing a hill. 4k tows easier than 5k. The Silverado does not have an abundance of torque. Also, a 28 foot trailer can affect the tow vehicle more than a 24 footer of the same weight. Keep the weight down and the fun factor up.

[bikendan]

the air resistance of the trailer's front, will be a bigger factor than a 1k lbs. difference.
you're likely to get the same gas mileage, nor matter which one you choose.

too many newbies focus on the weights and not factor in the barn door front end you have to pull through the air.
that's what really affects gas mileage.

[ScottG]

I really don't think you'll notice 1k.

[SWD]

Your truck will be fine but.......no matter how hard you try.....with two kids, alot of stuff gets packed. Be careful how you pack your trailer and you'll be ok.

[azdryheat]

These new Silverado 1500's are really cranking out the power these days and I think you'd be fine pulling the heavier trailer. How much do you figure your trailer will weigh loaded for a trip?

Perhaps your dealer could let you test drive a used trailer of the same weight to find out for sure.