Newbie Tow Capacity Question

[BURevisfan]

Hello All,

Looking into getting a travel trailer but not completely understanding the weight ratings and how they compare to the tow vehicle's capacity.

I've got a 2015 Silverado 1500 double cab 4x4 with the V6... everything I read seems to point to 7200 lbs tow capacity.

So where I get confused is when it comes to looking at the travel trailer ratings. I'm trying to find the balance between looking at the UVW and the GVWR of the trailer.

I've had dealerships say that for the type of camping we plan on doing (established sites/resorts with water/sewer available) that by the time I take cargo weight off I should be looking around 6000 - 6200 lbs.

Where the variances come in is when I look at one trailer that has (for example only) a UVW are around 6000 lbs and a GVWR around 7100 lbs. But then another trailer will have a UVW around 5500 lbs and a GVWR at 7500.

I'm just not sure if I should be strictly going by the GVWR of the trailer, or if it's feasible to use the UVW even if the GVWR is over 7200 with the knowledge that I would still be limited in cargo to the difference between the UVW and 7200 lbs.

thanks in advance

[Grit_dog]

Welcome!
And you will get all kinds of responses to your question, and even people who are giving you advice while quoting Youtube videos.

Short trips, local, low altitude, can see your dog run away for 2 days if the corn is harvested, a 7k-8klb trailer is no problem for your truck, you just won't have bragging rights about your big engine at the campground. But noone will know unless you tell them...and don't have too many beers and bet anyone you'll race them and win.

Cross country, long trips, altitude, any weather, higher duty cycle than your avg weekend warrior, chassis will handle it, but power will be more anemic in less than optimal conditions unless you're ok with that. I'd stick to around 5klbs but in reality, it's not the weight as much as the wind resistance.
Truck will be safe, but keep low expectations about how well it will perform on grades and headwinds.

Example, new Chevy 10 speed 5.3 (more power and more gears), towing 6klbs med profile (boat with tower/speakers) trailer, low altitude, can only maintain about 60-65mph top speed, right foot mashed into the carpet up a 5-6% grade. Take away 70hp, 80 ft-lbs and 4 gears to compare directly to your powertrain.

I'd tow with it all day long, just giving you comparison of power.

Don't get balled up in the people who will incessantly preach payload and ratings. Unless you wanna be that guy who sit's up nights fretting whether the wife has packed 2 cans of corn beef hash or 4 and whether you'll make it to camp.

[SoonDockin]

With a half ton truck, your going to want to pay close attention to that GVWR. Big Truck Big RV on youtube says best to stay under 6000 lbs. Payload is going to be a big issue to watch out for.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQZfw6wy7Yk

[Lwiddis]

Pull ratings are only one of the at least two tow vehicle capacities with which you should become familiar. Payload is the other biggie.

IMO your tow vehicle should be able to "pull" the trailer's maximum allowed weight. No pointing needed. Look at the sticker on the driver's door jam for maximum trailer weight and maximum payload for your specific truck.