Towing with a half ton

[Sessionh]

I have a 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 and am wanting to find a travel trailer that I can comfortably pull.

I have three kids so I'm hoping I can find something with the bunkhouse setup.

I really don't want a pop up but my number one priority is to not ruin my pickup.

Is it realistic to think that I can find a hard sided travel trailer that can be comfortably towed with my Silverado? I'm obviously new to this lifestyle and appreciate any feedback that can be given.

Session

[Bionic_Man]

ib516 wrote:
If you find and RV with a GVWR of about 8000 - 8500# or less, I think that would be a good match. You'll need a weight distributing hitch if you're shopping for Travel Trailers, commonly abbreviated "TT".

X2

[rexlion]

Part of the equation, which hasn't been mentioned, is trailer frontal area. If you choose a TT that's 7' wide or 7.5' wide (versus 8'), it will tow easier with a bit better mpg and less strain on the drive train. Also a lower roofline is better than a higher roofline, same reason. I think you've gotten good advice, keep it under 6500 or 7000 lb loaded and under 25' in overall length (tongue included). Keep in mind that the heavier the TT, the heavier the hitch weight; a 7000 lb TT may well have 900 lb or more on the hitch by the time you add LP, water, etc.

[mtofell1]

8500# as was suggested will put you over or very very close to the limits of the truck. Especially, when the truck is full of gear and kids.

A good range would be 5-6K loaded trailers. These will usually be in the 22-24 foot range. Lots of good options with bunks in this size/weight. Pour through the forums and educate yourself about weights - trailer dry, trailer loaded, truck gvwr, truck payload, etc, etc. You'll be a pro in no time. You've already done the hardest part - asking for help and realizing how to do it right. You're ahead of 95% of the folks you'll run into in your travels.

[jerem0621]

Check out the Coachman Apex trailers or the Keystone Bullet. You get a lot of trailer for relatively light weight with these brands. Try to keep your tongue weight (loaded) to around 800 lbs and you should be good to go.

Few more things.

Make sure you air your tires up to MAX PSI on the sidewalls of the tires.. Not the max PSI on the tire loading sticker. That will be about 36 PSI. This is not enough PSI for a comfy tow. You should have a max PSI around 44-50 psi.

Also, make sure you get a good WD (Weight Distributing) hitch.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[ib516]

If you find and RV with a GVWR of about 8000 - 8500# or less, I think that would be a good match. You'll need a weight distributing hitch if you're shopping for Travel Trailers, commonly abbreviated "TT".

[JNKS2010]

Your payload should be in the 1850 range. I have a 2015 Sierra similarly equipped. Watching your post as I'm in the same boat!!

[x96mnn]

Based on what you list for a TV, assuming you have at least 1500 pds of payload, take a look at a rockwood ultralight 2905SS.

Have a freind with a similar floor plan and loves it, camped seasonal last year and hear great things about the Rockwood TT in general.

[Sessionh]

Thanks for the information everyone. I'll check my sticker tomorrow and let everyone know.

I'm glad to hear that hard sided options are out there.

Session

[RinconVTR]

Oops

[RinconVTR]

You have so many options. If you want to play it safe and per the weight police rules, shop by GVWR of the trailer and watch how you load the truck. You may never load the trailer to this weight, but it may better insure you likely will not, fully loaded. This is a "safe" method to shop, its not the number everyone TT shopping needs to look at.

Nearly any TT with a GVWR of 7500lbs or less will be perfectly suited for your needs. Select a good WDH and brake controller (if not already equipped in the truck) and drive smart.

If you are brand new to towing, then smaller trailers, around the 24' range would be best. Longer, heavier trailers require more knowledge and planning than lighter ones.

Just be aware, weight alone does not make you safe or unsafe. But towing well within and below all your trucks ratings make for a more comfortable and pleasurable experience. You can still have a poor set up with a light TT and travel at risk. Don't be fooled by weight alone!

Take a look at these for bunks with lots of interior room;

Gulfstream Vista series
Gulfstream 26BHS, 28BHS, 828KS, 830RB
Coachmen Apex 26BHS & 28BSB
Jayco Salem 26TBUD, 30KQBSS, SC-294QBLE
Keystone 29RBKWE, 2920BH, 287QBS
Palmino Solaire 28QBSS, 28QBSK

[CKNSLS]

I towed a 5,500 pound travel trailer all around the USA w/ my 2011 Silverado-5.3 with the same gears as yours. My payload is 1444 pounds. I believe you probably have about 400 pounds more with the newer model, but check inside your driver's door jam. I would suggest no more than 7,000 pounds ready to camp. This will put you in an area known as "Ultra Light" Travel Trailers. Please note there is no standard for this term so the RV dealers call everything and anything Ultra Lights. The 9,500 pounds is meaningless because if you camp with other people (you said you have kids/wife) and gear (firewood, easy ups, bikes, dog, bar-b-que, ice chest etc.) you will reach max payload before the maximum towing capacity of your truck.

With half-tons that's just the way it is.

Please do your homework first and DON'T LISTEN TO THE RV SALESPERSON!!

On Edit-IMHO some of the trailers listed by "RinconVTR" below are too heavy for your truck. Again-Just MHO.

You can PM me if you wish through this forum.

[librty02]

What is the actual payload weight on the yellow sticker on the inside of the drivers door?

[Sessionh]

I did get the upgraded gears. They are 3.42 and I as best I can tell that puts my towing weight at 9500lbs.

Thanks for the reply.

[librty02]

Hi welcome to the site. We need some more info to answer your question. First and formost what is the payload capacity of your 1500? This will be the most limiting factor for what trailer you can get as there are many half ton towable trailers out there today!