Towing maximum capacity

[tdp6022]

I have been towing a 6800lbs (fully loaded) 28' TT with a Chevy Silverado 1500; but equipped with a 6.2ltr V8 and Max Tow Package. The truck has a GCVW of 16000lbs, a towing capacity of 10,600lbs and the GVWR is 7100lbs. The truck weighs about 5100lbs with typically about 700lbs of people and camping cargo for a typical trip. Towing this trailer has been nearly unnoticeable. I have to constantly check my speed because I forget its there. We are considering purchasing a new Grand Design Imagine TT. Problem is it weighs fully loaded around 8900lbs and is 30'. I figure I would be at near the max of my towing capacity with my existing truck. I am not a full timer, only tow a few times a month for a few 100 miles and about once a year for a longer trip.

I'm curious to hear if folks think I would be pushing the limits of my weight capacity?

Thanks in advance-

[Clarkston]

I think you made the right call I have the same exact truck and pull a loaded 6000lbs Passport very comfortably Nice to know I am not overloaded.

[tdp6022]

Weighed the truck today at a CAT scale with full tank, me and spouse in it and typical camping gear. Rounding up a few pounds, Final verdict is 6080lbs. That would leave 1020lbs for tow weight. Cutting it awful close.

I think I may have to pass on this trailer for now. Look for something a little bit lighter or just keep mine and deal with the things I don't like until I have a bigger truck or can afford a motor home. I think my truck could do it, but I don't want to be worried about over loading. My current trailer at around 7000lbs full is perfect for towing. Never sways, I've towed it up and down mountains without issue. I just wish it had a better floorplan !!

I'm curious if other folks feel the same. The total GVW of the trailer is listed at 8900 and the tongue weight at 767lbs, but we all know how that goes!


Many thanks for the help folks.

[SouthpawHD]

I towed around 6,000 pounds with a 1500 max tow, 5.3L. So with the 6.2L, you'll have plenty of power.

My payload was just under 2,000 pounds, and I was getting close at times. However, I have 4 kids, so that ate up a lot.

Now at 30' of TT, I personally think that is getting just a little long for a 1500. However, if you travel mostly local & shorter trips, it should be fine. With that length, you may get a little tail wagging the dog in windy conditions.

Like others have said, weigh your truck, and then you will know for sure.

[Chuck_thehammer]

and have the dealer (if buying NEW) weight the newer trailer..

my tag in my coachman is Wrong by 800 pounds.

2 different tags state 7,500 pounds.. but my trailer at 2 different CAT scales at 8,300 pounds EMPTY.

[tdp6022]

need-a-vacation wrote:
Guessing the 1905lbs is a typo, and the 1740lbs Max payload, is that per the yellow sticker in the drivers door jamb?

Yes that's a type-0. The Rear axle max is 4200lbs. I did get the 1740lbs max payload from the door sticker! I will heed all advice and weigh the truck.

To answer another question, I mostly tow on flat ground, up and down the California coast and high desserts. I don't go into the mountains much, occasionally we make it up to Yosemite or thereabouts. After I retire, I would plan to upgrade to a HD diesel truck for cross country towing, even with my existing trailer; for that kind of long term towing. (Or eventually buy a class-A)!

Thanks again everyone for the advice. I'll let you all know what the weight and final decision is.

[tdp6022]

:S

[Need-A-Vacation]

TDP,

Welcome and congrats on the possible upgrade!

As mentioned, weigh your truck, with all the family members that normally go on a trip, and load the truck bed as you usually do now for a trip.

tdp6022 wrote:
My GVWR is 7100lbs the RAWR is 1905lbs and the max payload is 1740lbs.

Guessing the 1905lbs is a typo, and the 1740lbs Max payload, is that per the yellow sticker in the drivers door jamb?

If you have added any accessories to the truck since it left the assembly line, they are also counted toward the max payload of the truck, as is all the occupants in the truck, the cargo in the bed (cooler, bikes, firewood, etc), the wdh, and the tt tw.

Post back once you have weighed the truck. You may consider weighing your current trailer (if you know what the "dry weight is listed as, or if it has the yellow sticker weight as it rolled off the line) to see just how much you have loaded. This can help give you an idea what the new trailer may weigh, and try to estimate the loaded tw. Follow the link in my signature for weighing your rig at a CAT Scale. You will want to weigh 3 times.

Good luck!

[TomG2]

With the 6.2 L V-8, I don't think he will encounter any hills that will keep him below 30mph. The extra length and weight may have him swaying some though. Glad to see so many jumping on the "Get it weighed" bandwagon.

[braindead0]

Something you don't mention, what kind of use. Towing in the mountains can put a lot more strain on everything, even if your TV is rated to tow the weight and you are within capacity.. it could mean 30mph hill climbing which can make things a bit un-enjoyable

[Community Alumni]

I would get to a scale to verify your weights. Taking a good guess can be costly. However, if all your numbers check out, I wouldn't have a problem pulling the trailer with that truck. 13% (typical tongue weight) of 8900 would be 1,157 lbs. As long as that doesn't put you over any of your limits then you should be fine. Based on the numbers you posted above, it looks like you would still be 143 lbs under GVWR. But weigh it first and verify before you make any decisions.

[tdp6022]

Thanks folks all good points. I will weigh the truck to get exact weight. the manual says it weighs between 4900 and 5400lbs. My GVWR is 7100lbs the RAWR is 1905lbs and the max payload is 1740lbs. Let's assume (for now) truck weight is 5400lbs. The GCVW is 16000lbs. How do I put all those numbers together, what is the formula to tell how much I should tow?

[lanerd]

OP, you failed to speak of your payload capacity. Towing capacity is just a mfg'ers sales gimmick. You will exceed your payload capacity LONG before you even come close to your towing capacity. In addition, other more important ratings are the RAWR and GVWR.

You really need to know ALL the ratings and insure that NONE of them are exceeded.... and not just by guessng and saying it's "around" some weight figure.

Good luck

Ron

[wing_zealot]

If everything is as you say, it should tow it with no problem. If you weigh the truck fully loaded as it would be for going camping, then you will have a better idea of whether or not the new trailer will be a good fit.

[Second_Chance]

APT wrote:
Spend $15 at a CAT scale to get all your weights. Then you''ll know how much you can upgrade. Most half tons exceed some other vehicle rating well below tow ratings. Less than one percent of half tons built can tow 9000 pounds loaded TT with 1200 pounds of TW and not exceed receiver rating, rear axle, and GVWR.

I suspect that 5100 pounds is inaccurate. I bet it's closer to 5800 pounds with 7200 pounds GVWR. Or you can check as equipped payload on the tire and loading sticker, subtract that 700 pound estimate and the rest can be trailer tongue weight.

X2 ^^