Need Hitch Recommendation
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 rig and a hitch recommendation.
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.
We are looking at a Jayco 28BHBE that has a dry weight of between 6600-7200# depending on how it is optioned out. Camper GVWR is 9250, but I consider that to be mostly irrelevant as there's no way that we will add 2000-2500#'s of gear. I'm thinking that loaded the camper weight is going to be in the 7600-8700 range depending on how it is equipped/loaded, etc. If so, I should fall within my weight ratings by my calculations (including about 625#'s passenger weight).
I've towed my father's TT (Jayco 26BH) with little difficulty using a WD/dual friction bar setup. However, it is several feet shorter and at least a 2000#'s lighter.
My greatest concern is trailer length in relation to tow vehicle wheelbase. The 28BHBE is 33.5' long and my wheelbase, as mentioned, is only 135".
So, I'm wondering:
1) Do my weight calculations look good?
2) How will the 6.0L handle the extra weight?
3) Given the length/wheelbase combo should I step up to a premium hitch (Hensley, etc.) or would something like a Reese Dual cam be sufficient? Please note that I'm not trying to start a debate on the merits of one hitch versus the other, but am looking for advice given my unique situation. Thanks!
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.
We are looking at a Jayco 28BHBE that has a dry weight of between 6600-7200# depending on how it is optioned out. Camper GVWR is 9250, but I consider that to be mostly irrelevant as there's no way that we will add 2000-2500#'s of gear. I'm thinking that loaded the camper weight is going to be in the 7600-8700 range depending on how it is equipped/loaded, etc. If so, I should fall within my weight ratings by my calculations (including about 625#'s passenger weight).
I've towed my father's TT (Jayco 26BH) with little difficulty using a WD/dual friction bar setup. However, it is several feet shorter and at least a 2000#'s lighter.
My greatest concern is trailer length in relation to tow vehicle wheelbase. The 28BHBE is 33.5' long and my wheelbase, as mentioned, is only 135".
So, I'm wondering:
1) Do my weight calculations look good?
2) How will the 6.0L handle the extra weight?
3) Given the length/wheelbase combo should I step up to a premium hitch (Hensley, etc.) or would something like a Reese Dual cam be sufficient? Please note that I'm not trying to start a debate on the merits of one hitch versus the other, but am looking for advice given my unique situation. Thanks!
