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? much help will 3/4 ton make for ride quality comp to 1/2?

rsaylor3
Explorer
Explorer
I just posted about weighing my new travel trailer. Thankfully I did because the dry weight was quite a bit higher than what the manufacturer listed.

I have a 2015 Viewfinder 32rlss. My tow vehicle is a 2013 Silverado 1500 with 5.3 6 speed. I knew I would be pushing it when I bought it but also knew I would be under the max payload and tow capacity by a safe bit. I also will be doingost of my camping in Florida to atart with.Now after hitting the scales as well as pulling my first camper I am realizing that a 3/4 ton is in my future.

My question is more about towing comfort and sway. I have a Blue Ox with 1,000 lb bars. Being my first travel trailer I really don't know how good or bad the ride is. I can say that doing 65 mph, I feel some bigger SUV's, going under overpasses and for sure when buses and semi's overtake me. I feel the push and pull. It was very windy on my first drive home last weekend after picking her up in Georgia and camping at Stone Mountain. Felt the wind all the way home. Never swayed out of control or had to reach for the manual override; but definitely felt different than towing big boats that I have plenty of experience with. Not what I would call white knuckle, but a bit exhausting for sure.

Will a 3/4 ton help stabilize my drive? I know the pulling will be easier and the stiffer suspension will be welcomed, but how much if any will it help with the ride qualities above? I know a pullpride would make a difference and I almost bought one to start with but thought I would try the Blue Ox first. Figure I will end up with one even with a new truck, should I get the pullpride first? Truck probably won't happen till late this year.

Thanks and sorry for such a long post!
49 REPLIES 49

Maintcpo
Explorer
Explorer
actually you don't get the push pull feeling at all with a 5th wheel
Dan, Ret Navy CPO
Minnie The Wife Extraordinaire
2015 Sundance 245RL
2012 GMC Sierra 2500 4X4 DSL

rsaylor3
Explorer
Explorer
Sorry for my horrible grammer! Typing from my phone...

rsaylor3
Explorer
Explorer
I took a video if out the back window of the truck today looking straight back at the trailer. I just watched it and there was no sway.

I starting to think that I just need to get used to this new feel if the tow.

Will I still get the push pull of semis with the propride? My father in law says he doesn't feel it with his fifth wheel but I question that. He's got to feel that as well right?

TomG2
Explorer
Explorer
If I only towed a few hundred miles a year, I would probably make do with a 1500. I tow a lot more than that and really enjoy the comfort of a 2500HD.

ScottG
Nomad
Nomad
Short of buying a Ram 2500 with rear air suspension, your stuck.
HD trucks are just rougher riding than the car-like ride of a half ton.
Of course they're that much more capable too.