New to RV and buy my first RV

[CWSWine]

The truck is a 2012 Silverado 1500 4WD Ext Cab LTZ
Vortec 5.3L V8
6 Speed Auto
Z85 Handling Trailering Suspension
Heavy Duty Trailering Equipment
GVW Rating 7000 LBS
Rear Axle 3.42 Ratio
My owner’s manual says:
5.3L HD Cooling Pkg Fifth Wheel Trailer with 3.42 Axle
Maximum Trailer Weight = 9600 Lbs
GCWR = 15,000 Lbs
The Trailer:
Standard pull style trailer 24 foot with a factory weight of 5272 lbs and a Max cargo weight of 1728 lbs for a total of 7000 lbs even. These numbers come off the yellow stickers on the door. Would this Trailer be a good fit for my truck.

[CWSWine]

I did purchase the Jayco trailer above and had WD hitch installed. We went 600 mile round trip with any problems towing. We even had one day that we had cross winds and had slow down to about 55 - 60 but most of the time we did 65 miles a hour. I will say I don't think I would want to tow a TV much heavy then this one but that said I'm very happy with my purchase. Next weekend we are going about 700 mile round trip and looking forward to trip. We got between 9 and 10 miles to the gallon in tow mode so not good but not bad either.

Thanks for all the help!!!

[Racine96]

I had the same truck. The difference from earlier models is the transmission. However, you should keep an eye on the weight you put in the truck, keep an eye on the payload it is 1,500 to 1,700 on the same model depending on tires, shocks, etc. Otherwise you are good to go.

[alanp41779]

Similar combination as mine (see signature) and I do OK around the mountain west. Your TV has the 6 speed and that makes the difference in towing capacity over my 4 spd.
I am near the weight limits for my TV GVW with just two adults and a loaded TT weighing in at 7000lb, but with 6000+ miles over the past couple of years, I have had no issues with this set up.

Should work for you.

[roadrider10]

My truck trailer combination is very close to yours. 2012 Sierra CC w/ 5.3 and 3.42 axle w/ 6spd trans. Trailer is a Laredo 240MK loaded weight of 6300 lbs. Mileage range is a low of 9.5 on hills with some headwind to a high of 12.2 on flat terrain. No problems running out of fuel. Tows comfortably in M5 as stated with the cruise control on and in tow haul mode.
The 6 speed makes all the difference. Do not think I would want to go much heavier though for long distance pulls in mountainous areas.

[trsky]

I've been pulling a TT listed as 5100lb empty like you are describing with my 2007 Suburban 5.3L 7000lb towing capacity ever since I bought it on some hilly terrain with no issues. I get 8-9 mpg.

[DarylSue]

Lowsuv wrote:

Passin Thru wrote:
Fill it and go weigh it. Funny how they gain weight.

absolutely true .
in oregon we can weigh on the public scales for free
i have weighed everything i own .
published weights are 500 pounds below actual weights, on average .

X2...

[DarylSue]

mlts22 wrote:
That is fairly similar to my setup. I've not encountered many issues, although you won't be setting any land speed records. I think Chevy has started having a decent brake controller which can work with the vehicle's computer which can use the trailer brakes to prevent sway. If you have that and a good transmission cooler, as well as a decent W/D hitch, you should be good to go. Expect 5-6 MPG so try to stop to get gas every 50-75 miles just to be on the safe side.

I'd also recommend carrying a couple 5 gallon cans of gas in the bed. I do this mainly for the generator, but if you are really stuck for fuel, it will buy you an extra 20-40 miles.

same truck I have.....does fine but again no races will be won on the hills.....should have little problems set up correctly with your TT....ours is bigger but truck does fine.....as far as gas mileage goes we averaged 9 to 10 mpg. on trip last week.....and use the tow/haul mode.....

[APT]

mlts22 wrote:
Expect 5-6 MPG so try to stop to get gas every 50-75 miles just to be on the safe side.

Maybe with a headwind, but 8mpg is a good estimate for budgeting. Most 5.3L owners are reporting 9-10mpg towing high walled RVs.

7k loaded is a good fit for your truck. Get a WDH with integrated sway control (Reese Strait Line, Equal-i-zer 4-pt) and you'll be pleased. Use Tow/Haul mode for the transmission and I recommend M5.

[Lowsuv]

Passin Thru wrote:
Fill it and go weigh it. Funny how they gain weight.

absolutely true .
in oregon we can weigh on the public scales for free
i have weighed everything i own .
published weights are 500 pounds below actual weights, on average .

[WyoTraveler]

I can remember 15 or 20 years ago when you drove into an RV lot with a half ton truck they would tell you no way do you want to tow a TT with that truck. Here we are in a recession in the 21st century. Drive into an RV lot with a VW & they will line you up with the perfect 40 ft TT that you can tow with no problems. How times have changed.:h

[Goldstalker]

Pretty close to my set up, mine is 5400lbs empty and I only have the 4spd tranny but with 3.73. No problems at all tows great.

[mlts22]

That is fairly similar to my setup. I've not encountered many issues, although you won't be setting any land speed records. I think Chevy has started having a decent brake controller which can work with the vehicle's computer which can use the trailer brakes to prevent sway. If you have that and a good transmission cooler, as well as a decent W/D hitch, you should be good to go. Expect 5-6 MPG so try to stop to get gas every 50-75 miles just to be on the safe side.

I'd also recommend carrying a couple 5 gallon cans of gas in the bed. I do this mainly for the generator, but if you are really stuck for fuel, it will buy you an extra 20-40 miles.

[Earl_E]

You should be good to go. You may not set any speed records going up hills and mountains but just take it easy and enjoy the trip.

[Passin_Thru]

Fill it and go weigh it. Funny how they gain weight.