Which TV

[Crusher_33]

I am currently using my 2005 dodge Durango to tow our 24 foot TT that weights about 4700 dw. Our Durango has plenty of power with a tow capacity of 8700 pounds but even with the weight distribution/sway control hitch feels like the trailer has control at times. I was looking a 2006 Silverado 1500 crew cab but only has a tow capacity of 7400 pounds. Would I gain that much more control with the silverado and would the tow capacity be enough or am I better off sticking with my Durango?

[lbrjet]

I would upgrade your hitch rather than the truck.

[owenssailor]

What rear end does the Chev have? That can change the tow rating.

[Clay1969]

The track is probably wider on the truck too.

[spoon059]

Crusher 33 wrote:
It does have the tow package and the 5.3 engine. In my internet search that is the tow capacity I am coming up with.

Yea, I would take a look at the actual truck and look at the actual manual. Tow package and 5.3 should have much more tow capacity than this. Either way, for a 6000 lbs loaded trailer, it will be just fine. You aren't hurting for power with your hemi, you are killing yourself with the short wheelbase. A Chevy PU has a much longer wheelbase, which will give you a much more stable feel while towing.

[Crusher_33]

It does have the tow package and the 5.3 engine. In my internet search that is the tow capacity I am coming up with.

[Mvander]

Maybe the silverado is a 4.8? That would be a power downgrade for sure but would likely be more stable if set up correctly.

[caberto]

bgum wrote:
My info on the Chevy is that the 5.3 V8 tows 9,100lbs and the 6.0 V8 tows 10,000lbs.

Hmmm. I just did quick search on that year Silverado and also found the same tow ratings: 9100 and 10000... not sure where the 7400 the OP indicated is coming from.

[spoon059]

Crusher 33 wrote:
I was surprised to see it only rated for 7400#'s. So, in order to make an upgrade will I have to go to a f250/2500?

I'm guessing with that low a rating it probably doesn't have the tow package. Any half ton truck with a tow package should have no problem towing a 4700 dry weight trailer. Figure its close to 6000 lbs loaded, I don't see why that Silverado wouldn't do just fine. Unless you are towing in extreme heat and lots of hills, you should be fine.

If that Chevy is a screaming deal you might want to see if you can add a trans cooler, brake controller and possibly an oil cooler. It won't change your tow ratings, but it will make you a lot more comfortable in extreme conditions.

I'm sure a lot of idiots on here would love to talk you into a 1 ton dually diesel for 6000 lbs, but that is moronic. Any modern half ton will handle it with ease.

[bgum]

My info on the Chevy is that the 5.3 V8 tows 9,100lbs and the 6.0 V8 tows 10,000lbs.

[Crusher_33]

Yes, the Dodge is a Hemi. I assumed since I see so many TT being pulled by f150's and 1500's that they would have a higher tow capacity. I was surprised to see it only rated for 7400#'s. So, in order to make an upgrade will I have to go to a f250/2500?

[ib516]

Not enough improvement to make it worth it IMO; and a drop in power assuming your Durango is a Hemi.

[caberto]

The Silverado Crew Cab will give you about 3 feet more wheelbase length, which would help with sway. You need to know how much your trailer weighs fully loaded to determine how close you are to the towing capacity of the 1500.