Can I tow my new camper safely
I just bought a new camper with a UVW of 8130# towing with a 2008 chevy 1500 4x4 w/5.3L motor and 3.73 gears. Do you think I will be all right towing this?
Forum Discussion
Truck is too small, TT is too big, or both. :( This isn't a question whether or not it's okay to tow slightly overloaded, you are way over and that's not good at all.
It's more than just about "towing capacity". You need to look at payload capacity as well. With TTs, you usually run out of payload capacity well before the towing capacity. You're already over on just towing capacity though. For that TT, the gross weight all loaded up is probably around 9500 lbs. Without going to a scale, allow 15% of that for tongue wt., 1425 lbs. That's way too much for a 1/2 ton. You've got to allow for any passengers, kids, pets, groceries, and any camping gear in the truck which can easily be at least 400-500 lbs. So you need a truck capable of handling a payload of nearly 2K lbs. minimum. That needs a 3/4 ton, and even then, not all 3/4 tons can handle that. Our F250 can only handle 1800 lbs due to wt. of factory options. Your GCWR and axle ratings could be an issue too.
Towing at near or at max. towing capacity can be hard on a TV (brakes, engine) but in your case, you are way over. Also, you may exceed the rating of the receiver by quite a bit.
If you want to get an accurate figure for your payload capacity, ignore what's on the door pillar sticker and go to a scale, then subtract that from the GVWR. Load the truck up as you would for camping along with a full tank of gas. You may get a surprise.
If you do end up with a 3/4 ton, you'll find the difference is night and day and you'll be much happier while towing.
3 options:
1. Get a new truck.
2. Forget about warnings and tow well overloaded.
3. Get a "1/2 ton towable" sticker off the internet.
It's more than just about "towing capacity". You need to look at payload capacity as well. With TTs, you usually run out of payload capacity well before the towing capacity. You're already over on just towing capacity though. For that TT, the gross weight all loaded up is probably around 9500 lbs. Without going to a scale, allow 15% of that for tongue wt., 1425 lbs. That's way too much for a 1/2 ton. You've got to allow for any passengers, kids, pets, groceries, and any camping gear in the truck which can easily be at least 400-500 lbs. So you need a truck capable of handling a payload of nearly 2K lbs. minimum. That needs a 3/4 ton, and even then, not all 3/4 tons can handle that. Our F250 can only handle 1800 lbs due to wt. of factory options. Your GCWR and axle ratings could be an issue too.
Towing at near or at max. towing capacity can be hard on a TV (brakes, engine) but in your case, you are way over. Also, you may exceed the rating of the receiver by quite a bit.
If you want to get an accurate figure for your payload capacity, ignore what's on the door pillar sticker and go to a scale, then subtract that from the GVWR. Load the truck up as you would for camping along with a full tank of gas. You may get a surprise.
If you do end up with a 3/4 ton, you'll find the difference is night and day and you'll be much happier while towing.
3 options:
1. Get a new truck.
2. Forget about warnings and tow well overloaded.
3. Get a "1/2 ton towable" sticker off the internet.
