Can I tow my new camper safely

[bmaccue]

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?

[rbpru]

I can tell you from experience there is a big difference between being able to tow and proper towing.

My 2002 F150 was rated to 6000 lbs. so a 4500 lb. trailer should have been piece of cake; but as has been noted, a loaded trailer gains a lot of weight. More important, the 200 hp. motor and transmission were not able to pull the load. 50 to 55 mph was the best I could do on even a small hill.

Matching the truck to the anticipated load and understanding the numerous weight details make towing much easier. So in answer to your question, can you pull it, probably yes; can you pull it well, probably not.

[rexlion]

You couldn't pass up the deal on that trailer, but now it will cost you a new truck payment too. And you won't be able to pass up a fuel pump either, with that rig! 😉

[dadmomh]

Too late now, but you're doing your research/label reading/shopping in reverse order. You're supposed to ask these questions BEFORE you sign. A couple of basic rules #1...don't believe anything a salesman tells you. #2....same thing applies to trucks and rvs. #3.....read, learn, ask and then repeat until you're absolutely sure you have a SAFE combo. #4....NEVER say "guess we'll be ok" to anyone with SAFE towing experience.

So you need a bigger truck....was that the plan all along??? BEFORE you sign anything, look for the stickers put on the truck at the factory with the info you need. If you don't find it, get out the manual. If you're still unsure, call the manufacturer with the VIN# in hand and they can tell you about that specific truck. Refer to rule #1.

Guess I'm a bit irked that you knowingly bought a trailer that was already more than your towing specs and then towed it down the road. How do you explain to the people in the accident you just caused that you "figured it'd be ok". Irresponsible. Please stay off the road....even if it is a perfect camping weekend and you're only going 100 miles" until you get this sorted out. It's not only your family's safety, but others on the road with you. And "couldn't pass on the deal" is THE dumbest reason of all. Sorry, but you're in deep stuff with responsible towing folks.

[Bumpyroad]

bid_time wrote:
Never heard of anyone involved in a civil suit either for recreational towing overweight.

I guess that proves that it has never happened.
bumpy

[Terryallan]

Bumpyroad wrote:

JnJnKatiebug wrote:


Do you know someone who was fined for being overweight with an RV? I have read that statement here but have never heard of anyone who was actually fined.

someone on here a while back cited a situation I think in NC where after a wreck the investigation that was conducted led to such a situation.
someone towing thru Emporia, VA, was stopped and went through a very lengthy/thorough investigation but after lots of questions the cop couldn't come up with a violation.
and why do you think that this would make the news anyway? just because you haven't heard of anyone that was actually fined? but I think you would be more likely to get involved in a civil suit than a fine.
bumpy

Wasn't in NC. "Private Camping Trailers" are exempt from NC DOT weight laws. Meaning. They don't care what you tow it with. You are legal.
So, while towing overloaded with a pickup is NOT smart. It is legal

[Terryallan]

jaycocreek wrote:
If they gave out tickets for over weight, most firewood getters would be ticketed. Around here it would be like a cop parking outside a bar waiting for a drunk to get in his car. There almost all over weight.

This is the 3/4 ton sqatting capital of the world.:B

Most forget. The troopers don't carry a list of what EACH vehicle can tow, or carry. The manufacturer ratings are not law, but warranty information for their customers. The Speed cops, go by their state DOT road, and bridge laws, and the Fed laws. Which are much different.
I can't load my truck to be over weight by the national, and state law. 20,000lb on each axle would crush it.

[jaycocreek]

If they gave out tickets for over weight, most firewood getters would be ticketed. Around here it would be like a cop parking outside a bar waiting for a drunk to get in his car. There almost all over weight.

This is the 3/4 ton sqatting capital of the world.:B

[bid_time]

JnJnKatiebug wrote:

Bumpyroad wrote:

JnJnKatiebug wrote:


Do you know someone who was fined for being overweight with an RV? I have read that statement here but have never heard of anyone who was actually fined.

someone on here a while back cited a situation I think in NC where after a wreck the investigation that was conducted led to such a situation.
someone towing thru Emporia, VA, was stopped and went through a very lengthy/thorough investigation but after lots of questions the cop couldn't come up with a violation.
and why do you think that this would make the news anyway? just because you haven't heard of anyone that was actually fined? but I think you would be more likely to get involved in a civil suit than a fine.
bumpy

I agree with you. I would not pull that camper with that truck unless I was going 10 miles down the road and park it at the lake for the summer. No way would I want to head across the country with that setup. A civil suit because of an accident is very possible.

My point is, I see these post about fines on here from time to time. I have never heard of anyone being fined for being overweight with an RV. I have never talked to anyone that knew anyone who was fined for being overweight with an RV. I have not been at the barber shop and someone's cousin knew this guy who knew some guy who had a son in the 6th grade who's teachers brother was fined.

Never heard of anyone involved in a civil suit either for recreational towing overweight.

[Executive45]

But wait! The TT dealer and the truck guy both saw that Tundra pulling the Shuttle...so if a Toyota can do that, that Chevy should, right...:h.....just kidding of course.....enjoy your new trailer AND soon to be new truck.....Dennis

[Supercharged]

bmaccue wrote:
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?

Where are you going.

[Slownsy]

Yesterday I visited a Chewy dealer looking for a 3500 as I told him I wanted a minimum of 3000lb payload ,I was asked why as there 2500 had a 4400lb payload, Shoved him the door sticker with 2400ln max payload and he started arguing. I told him I didn't come to argue and left.

[DwnSth]

OP could get away with an F150 with HD payload. HOWEVER, on that TT I'm sure the hitch weight would be overloaded (receiver only 1130 lbs). Now, if I had the TT already and was going to purchase something, go with the 3/4 at least! Don't bother TRYING to make it work.

[JIMNLIN]

Do you think the chevy 1500 HD would be a good choice to to my camper?
The rating on the truck I am looking at is 9500# and my camper is 8130# empty.

The only 1500 HD GM pickup I know of is the '00-'06 1500 HD which is the old 3/4 ton truck with a 8600 GVWR and 6000 RAWR 6.0 engine 4L80 tranny and 8 lug tires and wheels and 10k-11k tow ratings. Plenty of truck for that size trailer

I don't see a 1500 HD on GM online ordering guide for the new trucks. For your 8100 lb dry weight trailer that will weigh closer to 9100-9500 lbs you mentioned a 3/4 ton truck. Much safer/wiser choice for that size trailer

[JJ_Spectre]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
More like OP was looking for 'support'. He knew the trailer was too heavy but needed justification to show wife.

"See honey......everybody says we need a new truck!"

:B

And to the OP, read up on GCVWR, Payload ratings, hitch rating and then tow ratings (in that order). Then go scare the hell out of the salesman who will not know what you are talking about. 🙂

That TT is a monster, I hope you enjoy it, but you are going to need serious rolling gear to haul it.

[PAThwacker]

Don't even think about a 3/4 burb!