Towing a Chevy Silverado

[brotenc]

I am currently dragging an old 2000 Ford Ranger but have been looking for a new truck.

Has anyone switched from dragging something relatively small, like the Ranger, to something like a Silverado 1500 or Ford F-150. Either can be towed with an automatic.

I also like the Nissan Frontier but they cannot be towed wheels down.

I have a 2001 Monaco Dynasty and have the ability to tow the larger rig but am looking for people with experience towing the larger vehicles.

More diesel, I am sure, but is it a lot? Anything negative about the handling or hill performance with my 350HP Monaco?

Thanks for the help.

Chuck

[Route 66]

I tow a GMC Yukon XL and most of the time I barely know it's there. In the mountains, I definitely know it's there.

I don't know how the GMC affects mileage as I never leave home without it.

It's not a problem for me as it's the SUV that I want.

[Dennis Parker]

If you want to tow a Silverado 4 wheels down it should be a 4x4
as then all you have to do is neutral in the transfer case and park
in tranny leave key on ass and remove fuse for speed ometer
and go.
We tow ours behind a country coach with a c-13 525 hp
but you still know it there on the hills

[bullheaded]

We tow a 2008 GMC 4x4, transfer case in N, trans in P, key off and removed with the doors locked. Steering does not lock on this model nor does it show more miles. #10,000 Blue Ox bar. 42' 400 HP coach you could tell it was there, but not so much with the new coach @ 500HP. We always tow and both averaged about 6 mpg driving at the legal speed limit.

[Pusherman]

Don't know if you are using an auxiliary brake system in your Ranger, but be sure to have one with 4K+ lbs behind you. Most states requres it (even over 1-2K lbs behind you).

[desertrv]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bullheaded We tow a 2008 GMC 4x4, transfer case in N, trans in P, key off and removed with the doors locked. Steering does not lock on this model nor does it show more miles. #10,000 Blue Ox bar. 42' 400 HP coach you could tell it was there, but not so much with the new coach @ 500HP. We always tow and both averaged about 6 mpg driving at the legal speed limit.

bullheaded, I just bought a 2008 GMC 2500 HD 4X4 to tow behind the DP. My plans are to install a self loading ramp in the bed for the harley, then set up for toad. Are there special things I should consider? Toad brakes, weight limits on tow bar, etc. Thanks in advance for the reply.
Let me add, the truck weight is approx 6100, the bike is 900lbs.

[Iron Man]

Quote:

Originally Posted by desertrv bullheaded, I just bought a 2008 GMC 2500 HD 4X4 to tow behind the DP. My plans are to install a self loading ramp in the bed for the harley, then set up for toad. Are there special things I should consider? Toad brakes, weight limits on tow bar, etc. Thanks in advance for the reply. Let me add, the truck weight is approx 6100, the bike is 900lbs.

We tow a 2004 Avalanche with Blue Ox Aventa II tow bar. Rated for 10,000 lbs and I have 10,000 lbs rated tow cables. I also have the SMI Air force one for a toad brake package and am very happy with my setup. I think the Avalance wieght is around 5900 lbs.

[bullheaded]

Quote:

Originally Posted by desertrv bullheaded, I just bought a 2008 GMC 2500 HD 4X4 to tow behind the DP. My plans are to install a self loading ramp in the bed for the harley, then set up for toad. Are there special things I should consider? Toad brakes, weight limits on tow bar, etc. Thanks in advance for the reply. Let me add, the truck weight is approx 6100, the bike is 900lbs.

desertrv, brakes are always a wise choice and most states require them. You will be happy with the Blue Ox setup w/#10,000 Aventa Bar. I haul two scooters and use these helper air bags, you will need them. Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs The Blue Ox base plates are easy to install, just remove tow hooks and trim a little plastic. Buy a diode kit, run a three wire cable to the tail lights, your done.

[bullheaded]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron Man We tow a 2004 Avalanche with Blue Ox Aventa II tow bar. Rated for 10,000 lbs and I have 10,000 lbs rated tow cables. I also have the SMI Air force one for a toad brake package and am very happy with my setup. I think the Avalance wieght is around 5900 lbs.

desertvr.......this is a correct set up!

[Dennis Parker]

you guys are right on ! I use a brake buddy !! because i inherited it
I'm pleased to hear that the newer GM'S are much easier to hook up and
go .
My Silverado is a 02!! Thankfully the market has created many choices to
choose from in the brake packages

[brotenc]

After some deliberation I have decided to stay with my Ranger. It is in very good condition and is sufficient for my needs.

The cost of a new truck was really the decider for me. I am going to redo the brakes on the Ranger for about $200 by doing it myself and forgo the $25-35K cost of the new truck.

One question asked was if I had a braking system for the Ranger and I do with the Roadmaster connected to my air brakes. Works great.

Thanks again to all the replied.

Chuck

[desertrv]

What a super thread. I have found all the parts for proper towing. I guess I had better get with it and get things ordered and installed. Thanks bullheaded, and Iron Man.

[DocJim]

We tow a 2010 Silverado Crew-cab 4X4 with our 2008 40' Kountry Star 400hp. We use a Blue OX Aventa 10,000lb tow bar and Patriot Braking system. Works great and is easy to hook up and unhook. We live in the mountains of British Columbia and have no problems towing.