Questions for the weight police

OP here. The responses were exactly what I expected, about 50/50. We traveled in the MH for 9 years. Always carried whatever we wanted, 100 gallons of water, 6 or 7 cast iron dutch ovens and enough cooking materials to feed 50 people (actually did that a couple of times). Most people think the diesel pusher MH is the top dog. This is far from the truth. If the wind was blowing much at all it was a challenge to drive. We had the 330hp Cummins and big hills in Colorado it was 40 to 50 mph. We were passed several times going up hill by diesel pickups pulling 40' fifth wheels. I have a company vehicle to drive and will have until I retire (4 to 6 years, who knows). We test drove a couple of 2500hd Duramax units. It would have to be DW's daily driver and she just was not comfortable in them. Driving down the road was fine but parking at Walmart or the mall was the deal breaker. So we bought her another Tahoe (3rd one, she loves it). My retirement vehicle will be an HD diesel pickup. We will either keep this travel trailer or trade for a larger 5er. We camp about 3 weeks out of the year now, usually 2 to 3 hours from home. I don't have a problem not winning the race to the top of the hill and I don't mind feeling the trailer behind me. I just do not want a white knuckle experience. I drove 80,000 lb trucks for years back in the day so I have millions of miles towing.

Yes it will be different for us having to pack lighter but we will still be traveling and camping. If we head out west, well so what if it takes an extra day to get there, I am in no hurry. I might see something I missed on the last trip.

Thanks everyone for your feedback.

You have obviously been meticulous in the weights you expect and theoretically it looks good on paper. Unfortunately, real world conditions may prove less favorable, but with the stringent rules you outlined of camping within 100 miles and traveling at 60mph that towing combination will suffice.

The statement "I just want a comfortable ride" is what sticks out for me. On mostly flat roads with little to no wind and light commercial traffic that statement might ring true, out West where interstates and constant grade elevation changes are the norm it would be nothing short of fiction.

Don't get me wrong, as outlined this towing combination is doable, but not favorable. Towing comfort for us is not having to worry about every drop of water or item we intend to carry, along with ample acceleration and braking to traverse our country's roadways regardless of topography.

I had a 26' (30' hitch to bumper) trailer with a 2002 Tahoe and I know I have a 30' (35' hitch to bumper) trailer with a 2010 Tahoe. For 100 mile trips or 1000 mile trips, you'll be fine. I've towed all over the country, lots of local trips and many trips from FL to MD and vice versa. The only time I've struggled is climbing mountains in the Denver area, but it still got the job done. I haven't towed with anything else, so I have nothing to compare it too, but I know it's not an 'ideal' towing situation. With that said, I drive comfortably and have very little issues with sway or braking. I think you'll be fine, especially if your long term goal is to go to a 3500. I've been looking to upgrade to a 2500, but right now it's more of a want than a need. I'm certainly maxed out on specified weight limits, but make sure to not go over and I confirm that on the scales whenever I add more stuff than normal.

You will be fine! And remember you want a loaded tongue weight approx 12.5% of the trailers loaded weight, this is regardless of what the dry tongue weight is, because as you know it will depend on where you put all that extra weight.

I would also go with a Reese Dual Cam at minim. After that you step up to a Hensley. The Dial Cam with the trucks built in sway control should work great!

I'd kinda load the truck up, full fuel etc. and go hit a scale without the trailer. See how much GVWR you do have for tongue weight.

rowekmr wrote:
To the OP I am impressed on how you detailed all the weights. Doing that educates you and will keep you a safe driver. I once weighed a boat trailer that I towed for 2 years that I guessed was 6600 and found out it was 8000. I thought I was within my TV limits but was way off. I neglected to account for what was in it (cargo_ and the fuel and water.
I believe you are under the weight capacities of the truck. Some have brought up the length of the TV in regards to trailer stability. I do know wheel base has an effect on stability but I have towed with 1/2 tons with shorter wheel base but I never felt its effect was as bad as others describe it (tail wagging the dog).

that is the way I feel as well. I was raised on a farm and have been trailers for 50 years. If I was going to be going cross country all the time it would be different. When we hit retirement we will get a more capable tow vehicle.

danimal53 wrote:
ha! i love that you mentioned purse weight and patron weight. remember, the patron will be lighter on the return trip.

Purse will be lighter also. All the money will be spent.

Get a good hitch, like an Hensley.

It looks like even at the max GVWR of the trailer, you'll still be able to stay within your limits. I would have no qualms with pulling it. Get a good hitch and you'll be good to go.

ha! i love that you mentioned purse weight and patron weight. remember, the patron will be lighter on the return trip.