2013 Chevy Express 3500 vs. Jayco 32BHDS?
We are hoping to purchase a new travel trailer in the near future and just wanted to get some advice concerning the tow-ability of our proposed TT. We tow principally in the southeast with trips of 1-2,000 miles freeway use. We do not dry camp and mostly haul with tanks empty. I do try to keep speeds under 65mph.
First the details, our tow vehicle is a 2013 Chevy Express 3500 with the standard wheelbase of 135", it has the 6.0L combined with the 6 speed transmission and the 3.42 rear end. Curb weight is 6087#'s with a GVWR of 9600. Payload is 3513 according to our VIN. Tow rating is 9700 with a GCWR of 16000. Our van has a Curt V5 receiver and is wired with a Prodigy P3 brake controller. No hitch yet, but am looking at either an Equalizer or Dual Cam.
We have been looking at the Jayco Jay Flight 28BHBE which I believe that our van will handle without a problem, but we really like the 32BHDS better. The problem is of course an extra #1,000 plus a couple of feet longer. Am I crazy to even consider this?
Here are my calculations:
Van 6087
Camper 8200
People 500
Cargo 1500
Total 16,287 which puts me right at (slightly over) GCWR.
Payload shouldn’t be a problem, but not sure about the rest. The extra length gives me concerns as well. What do you think? Is it doable without making the towing experience miserable?
First the details, our tow vehicle is a 2013 Chevy Express 3500 with the standard wheelbase of 135", it has the 6.0L combined with the 6 speed transmission and the 3.42 rear end. Curb weight is 6087#'s with a GVWR of 9600. Payload is 3513 according to our VIN. Tow rating is 9700 with a GCWR of 16000. Our van has a Curt V5 receiver and is wired with a Prodigy P3 brake controller. No hitch yet, but am looking at either an Equalizer or Dual Cam.
We have been looking at the Jayco Jay Flight 28BHBE which I believe that our van will handle without a problem, but we really like the 32BHDS better. The problem is of course an extra #1,000 plus a couple of feet longer. Am I crazy to even consider this?
Here are my calculations:
Van 6087
Camper 8200
People 500
Cargo 1500
Total 16,287 which puts me right at (slightly over) GCWR.
Payload shouldn’t be a problem, but not sure about the rest. The extra length gives me concerns as well. What do you think? Is it doable without making the towing experience miserable?
