Towing challenges with flagstaff 25FKS

GrandpaKip wrote:

Lantley wrote:

Bionic Man wrote:
Personally, I wouldn't want to tow long distances on a regular basis with a 1500 truck. Especially one with the 5.3 engine. That said, your trailer should be well within the capabilities of the truck.

The 5.3 isn't the most powerful engine that goes in a 1500, but it is one of the more fuel efficient. How fast are you pulling the trailer?

The most economical solution to your issue is spend some time getting the WDH set up properly. Ask for help if you need it. And slow down. Slower speeds will make more of a difference in MPG than going from a relatively fuel efficient gasser to a diesel.

You are going to take a bath trading a 2020 truck in.

Your first statement says it all.
The OP is not going to the local state park down the road. The OP is taking 1000 mile trips on a regular basis.
Granted his trailer is within the parameters of a 1/2 ton. His desire to travel far and wide necessitates a bigger truck.
The OP is also not satisfied with his MPG's or more important his travel range/distance.
Sure he could suffer through with his current truck. But I'm not looking to suffer on too many 1000 mile trips before making a change.
Sounds like the OP is also tired of making do.
You can either enjoy the journey or suffer through. Cost is relative if the trips are not enjoyable. Saving $$ by using the wrong truck is not really saving
A 3/4 ton diesel would resolve all his issues and deliver a much more relaxing tow. A 1 ton SRW would do the same plus provide some growing room for the future without costing much more.
Either way an upgrade is in order not due to the size of the trailer. But due to the distance traveled. Towing 1000 miles regularly with a 5.3 in not an enjoyable experience.

Have to disagree. I don’t find that having the 5.3 detracts from driving at all. Just got back from a 2020 mile trip. It goes up mountains and back down with no problem. Put it in tow/haul and don’t even think about it.

That sounds OK on paper. But a 5.3 does not go up the hill like a diesel. More importantly all the big 3 late model diesels now have a factory exhaust brakes. A 5.3 doesn't come down the hill like a diesel either.
The one thing you must do is think about it. Simply put going up and down the mountain with a 5.3 will require more driver input.... not less.