Forum Discussion

bodacious's avatar
bodacious
Explorer
Aug 26, 2018

What can I tow with this?

Just sold our truck camper and moving to a Small TT or toy hauler (20-23'). Will be towing with a 2012 chevy 1500 Z71 4wd with 5.3L V8, crew cab, short box with 6 speed automatic. Looking for towing capacity for this particular truck.

Also looking for suggestions for small (18-23') TT or toy hauler that will accommodate two seniors. Not really looking to haul toys but possibly set up floor plan to our liking. Looking for something above entry level that will not shake apart on moderately rough roads. (Thinking of doing Alaska one more time before we hit the rocking chair). SUGGESTIONS PLEASE.

Thanks in advance for your help/comments
  • WayneAt63044's avatar
    WayneAt63044
    Explorer
    Aug 26, 2018
    The 2012 Trailer Life towing guide lists that vehicle at 6,000 lbs tow capacity with the 3.08 rear end gears; 6,700 with the cooling package; and 9,500 with 3.42 gears.
  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    Aug 26, 2018
    WayneAt63044 wrote:
    The 2012 Trailer Life towing guide lists that vehicle at 6,000 lbs tow capacity with the 3.08 rear end gears; 6,700 with the cooling package; and 9,500 with 3.42 gears.


    ... and the door sticker will tell you about payload and GCVWR for YOUR truck - CAT scales and door sticker even better.

    Rob
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Aug 26, 2018
    WayneAt63044 wrote:
    The 2012 Trailer Life towing guide lists that vehicle at 6,000 lbs tow capacity with the 3.08 rear end gears; 6,700 with the cooling package; and 9,500 with 3.42 gears.


    I've been towing a dozen years with 3 different GM truck platforms, all equipped with a 5.3L engine coupled to a 3.42 axle, the first 2 with the wide ratio 4-spd, the current with the newer narrow ratio 6-spd. No way I'd tow anything weighing any more than 6000 lbs fully loaded & ready to camp, nonetheless less is more - our most recent TT averages ~ 4700 lbs ready to camp and I can tell you that although it tows well the weight is certainly noticeable.

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