Community Forums

Elmobile · 03-19-2021, 02:36 PM

I recently bought a 2015 GM Sierra 1500. What a great truck! I really think that I am going to like a lot. A couple of things wrong that I found out after driving it for less than a week BUT the dealer where I bought it said they would look after it. I have a service appointment for this coming Wednesday...
However that is half the battle

Now I have to find myself a trailer that the truck can handle.
I came across what look like a nice 2010 Denali model 270RLX. I really like the lay out and for the little info I could find on the internet, it can be towed by my truck. The trailer is in storage so the owner cannot get to it for another month to get me a picture of the weight rating tag. He does tow it with a Dodge RAM 1500.
I am looking for reassurance that indeed a 1/2 ton truck can safely tow it. I will make some rather long haul between my place and my son location, about 2200 miles one way.
Let me know what you think!

bneukam · 03-19-2021, 03:21 PM

At 31’ overall length that is a lot for any 1/2 ton to handle. It’s not something I would be comfortable with.

26’ overall length, and 6,500lbs max weight is where I draw the line for 1/2 ton trucks, but that also somewhat depends on where you tow, and how far.

tuffr2 · 03-19-2021, 04:32 PM

I know a F-150 5.0 litre truck can tow a 26.5' travel trailer weighing 5,500lbs with a Drawtite WD hitch comfortably. I would agree that as you add length and weight it will become less comfortable. Less comfortable means more steering corrections and push/shove by semis that pass.

If you pack light and keep the weight to 6,000 to 6,500lbs it will be more comfortable.

Again the F-150 towing my 26.5' trailer was a easy towing rig.

Elmobile · 03-19-2021, 06:26 PM

When you talk about the length, are we talking from the bumper to the tongue/hitch; ie: overall length, right?
The truck is rated for 9400# so in my mind 8000# GV was still acceptable (Newbie hope may be

).
I guess I will have to review my floorplan goal!
Thanks for the advices...

tuffr2 · 03-19-2021, 08:01 PM

The tricky part of tow ratings is there are many types of trailers. Flatbed trailers loaded with rebar can weigh 9,400lbs and be towed and controlled by your truck easier than towing a big box with high sides and a front that will catch a lot of air.
Tow rating has very little to do with towing a travel trailer.

Basically a half ton truck can tow a 6,500lb travel trailer and control it. It is easier to control a travel trailer the slower you go.

I towed my 26.5' tongue to bumper travel with a Honda Ridgeline for 3 years. I was using it in state parks and always towing on back roads at 45 mph. The Ridgeline did ok.

When I towed it on the highway the Ridgeline could not control the trailer as well. Actually it was white knuckle driving as soon as I hit 65 mph - speed limit was 70mph. At 65mph semi's were passing me. I could feel the air around them 1st pull me to the left and as they passed I was pushed to the right.

I traded the Ridgeline on the F-150. The F-150 was a much better match and there was zero push/pull from Semi's that I passed as now I could tow faster and much more comfortable.