Too close to the edge?

[vasse]

After a 20 year lay off from RVing (boy have things changed!) hoping to resume. Looking at a 29 ', 6600 lb(dry), Sunnybrook TT. I have a 1/2 ton, 4x4, GMC with 5.3, 3.73. rear,factory towing. Truck manual says 7500 GVWR. While we live in Illinois where it is flatand don't see a problem, we do hope to travel east and south. I'm concerned I might be too heavy for the longer tows,especially in the mountains( I'm not planning on the Rockies!). I intend to put a Reese dual cam hitch. Appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance!

[vasse]

After a 20 year lay off from RVing (boy have things changed!) hoping to resume. Looking at a 29 ', 6600 lb(dry), Sunnybrook TT. I have a 1/2 ton, 4x4, GMC with 5.3, 3.73. rear,factory towing. Truck manual says 7500 GVWR. While we live in Illinois where it is flatand don't see a problem, we do hope to travel east and south. I'm concerned I might be too heavy for the longer tows,especially in the mountains( I'm not planning on the Rockies!). I intend to put a Reese dual cam hitch. Appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance!

[RustyJC]

First of all, let me welcome you to iRV2.com. We're glad you've joined us.

Here's a resource that iRV2.com member Ken Lenger put together that will let you work through the numbers for your truck/trailer possible combinations. RV and Tow Vehicle Weights

Rusty

[TXiceman]

A big HOWDY to the site.

As Rusty noted, start with the tow calculator. The GVWR (gross vehicel weight rating)of the truck is the maximum the truck can weigh total on the tow axles with cargo, passenger and hitch weight. It has no beating on the towing capacity except on the amount of hitch weight your truck can carry.

You need to find the GCWR (gross combined weight rating) of the truck. GCWR is the maximum the truck and trailer can weigh together including all cargo and passengers.

Manufacturers dry weight is based on a base model trailer, and no options, no A/C, microwave, batteries, propane, water or cargo. By the time you get a trailer of this size loaded, you will probably be closer to 7600# for a real on the road weight.

Best thing to do is to head down to the local scales with the truck loaded for normal travel, passengers, cargo and hitch (no hitch ...add 150#).

GCWR - loaded truck = max loaded trailer weight
GVWR - loaded truck = max loaded trailer hitch weight.

Just off the cuff, a 29' trailer is going to be a but much for a 1/2 ton truck once loaded. As a starting point, you need to look at trailers closer to 25' as a maximum and watch the weight.

On the hitch, get the Reese Dual Cam HP...great hitch. For a brake controller, the bes for the money (as soon as it goes back into production) is the Jordan 2020 Ultima.

Have fun shopping.

Ken

[Frank P. Martin]

I pull a Jayco that's in about the same size/weight range as what you're considering (see signature). Remember, your TT is going to weigh more than the 6,600 dry weight after you finish "furnishing" it. Pulling on the flats, you'll be OK but your combination will literally morph into a "turtle" on any appreciable grade.

To me, a 1/2 ton truck will be pushing (if not over) its limits pulling a trailer that will most likely be in the 3-1/2 to 4 ton range once it's ready for camping.

One question, though: You specified a 7,500 GVWR. This is the maximum number of pounds the truck can weigh (including the tongue weight of the trailer). It has nothing to do with the amount of trailer you can tow. You need to find out the towing capacity of the truck to ensure you're not exceeding it.

[xc-mark]

Welcome to the site , I would also say yes on a flat short tow your 5.3 is fine just dont use 4th gear . If your going to roam a round the eastcoast you need something more stable and powerfull then what you have. The 5.3 motor is pushing the outer limits for long distance towing at 3500~4000 lbs and the size of your trailer will make you "pucker" in high winds with a 1/2 ton truck. I would upgrade to a 3/4 ton suburban or p/u with the biggest motor your willing to buy with 3.73 or 4.10 gears . I do a fair amount of long distance towing with my duramax truck , on hills I can pass traffic in 6 gear if I wanted , the 8.1 L truck/suv are a very close second in the power dept. The 6.0 L gas motor is a little better then what you have but you need 4.10 gears , good thing is at least it will not run hot like a 1/2 ton. ....