To tow or not to tow - Pickup

[Kenxq5471]

We recently became the un-timed purchase of a 99 American Eagle, which is like new. There sure is a learning curve. We expected to buy an RV in 4 years but this one came up and was priced right, so we have our practice RV for when we retire in 4 years. Quite frankly, we have enjoyed this one so much I'm not really sure we can improve on this. Anyway, the one thing we realize we need is a dingy. Of the two cars we now have my 2016 Chev Silverado 4WD is towable. How many would suggest towing a full-size pickup is a reasonable thing for an inexperienced owner. I'm pretty good with the 40' AE but unfamiliar with towing a dingy.

Welcome your opinions.
Ken

[retired-guy]

The dinghy will track behind you. Get a good setup for towing. There are a few to choose from. Look them all over and pick the one you feel will serve your needs.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by Kenxq5471

We recently became the un-timed purchase of a 99 American Eagle, which is like new. There sure is a learning curve. We expected to buy an RV in 4 years but this one came up and was priced right, so we have our practice RV for when we retire in 4 years. Quite frankly, we have enjoyed this one so much I'm not really sure we can improve on this. Anyway, the one thing we realize we need is a dingy. Of the two cars we now have my 2016 Chev Silverado 4WD is towable. How many would suggest towing a full-size pickup is a reasonable thing for an inexperienced owner. I'm pretty good with the 40' AE but unfamiliar with towing a dingy.

Welcome your opinions.
Ken

I tow a 2013 Silverado K1500 with hydraulic power steering, subsequent years have electronic power steering, which means the truck battery negative cable MUST be totally disconnected while towing or it will ruin the electric power steering. Other than that important point, your truck should tow just fine.
My truck weighs 5,740# with a full gas tank, this is just over half the 10,000# towing capacity. I do notice the weight when climbing mountain grades, but it does not affect handling, or braking, since i use a M&G air brake system for the truck.

[rk911]

know and understand the loaded weights and weight ratings of your AE as well as the weight of your truck configured as you plan to tow it. assuming it can be flat towed there is no significant tongue weight. but if you need to dolly or trailer the truck you must add that weight to the calculations.

the amount of weight you can safely tow will be the lesser of the following:

- the gross combination weight rating of the MH minus the actual weight of the MH as it is loaded and configured for travel

- the weight rating of your hitch

- the weight rating of your tow bar

good luck.

[Ray,IN]

Sorry, I forgot to say my truck weight includes a Leer fiberglass topper.

[triplewide]

All good advice above.

Some additional recommendations from another novice:

1. All terrain tow bar.

2. Toad brake system with break away

3. Integrated turn/brake/run lights for toad

4. Don't back up with toad attached.

You will probably be comfortable with flat towing after the first trip.

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi Ken! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Congrats on the new rig! Hope you find a toad that you like! Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[BrianGlenn]

I tow a newer F150 with aluminum body construction. Curb weight is near 4800 pounds. I was initially surprised that it was close to my older Jeep Grand Cherokee with Hemi engine, and significantly less than the Jeep EcoDiesel is was considering to replace the Hemi.

I like the additional carrying capacity offered by the truck bed.

Brian

[Dutch Star Don]

You'll be fine. The big difference between towing a car versus a truck, is weight and length. On any DP, the extra weight of the truck will be noticed, but not enough to be an issue.

The length is the biggest concern, but cars and trucks being towed 4 wheels down, with a tow bar, track very true behind the coach. You won't run into anything, you'll just need to be aware of your length when entering fuel stops, parking lots, campgrounds, etc. It's not a long learning curve and you'll soon be comfortable traversing tight spaces. You can fuel at truck stops until you're comfortable with the rigs length.

I've been towing trucks since 2006. First was a 4 door Dakota, than a 4 door Nissan Frontier, a 4 door Silverado and now a 2016 4 door GMC Canyon. The Canyon has proved to be a nice size. It's comfortable for a large driver (me) and works well carrying four adults. It also lets you haul any gear or buy souvenirs while on the road.

[Bpainter00]

Originally Posted by Kenxq5471

We recently became the un-timed purchase of a 99 American Eagle, which is like new. There sure is a learning curve. We expected to buy an RV in 4 years but this one came up and was priced right, so we have our practice RV for when we retire in 4 years. Quite frankly, we have enjoyed this one so much I'm not really sure we can improve on this. Anyway, the one thing we realize we need is a dingy. Of the two cars we now have my 2016 Chev Silverado 4WD is towable. How many would suggest towing a full-size pickup is a reasonable thing for an inexperienced owner. I'm pretty good with the 40' AE but unfamiliar with towing a dingy.

Welcome your opinions.
Ken

We tow a 2014 Ford F-150 currently behind a 45' DP and previously a 40' DP. We use an invisibrake to assist with braking. You do need to allow for a slightly wider turn when towing a dinghy.

[engine103]

My toad is a 2004 Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab. Don't even know it's back there! Really not much if any change in MPG. With this set up you get a comfortable vehicle to sight see in, 4X4 drive for off road or bad weather excursions and a lot of extra storage space for those things you cant get into the motor home. Jim E. OKC

[RubiconTrail]

Lots of good advice here. I agree, if you do it right, you'll be fine.

Lots of folks overlook the brake system and TPMS due to economics or convenience. If you can't afford the safety items or they seem like too much hassle, you should take a pass on towing IMO.

[Kenxq5471]

Wow, thank you all very much. I bought a 6,000lb Demco tow bar when I thought I was buying a small toad but decided against the purchase. Then I started rethinking towing the pickup. My pickup weighs in at 5,299lbs. Do I need to return the Demco and get a beefier towbar?
As some of you picked up on I am a bit nervous about the length and making turns when I have to run through towns.
The information some of you are providing on here is invaluable. I appreciate every reply and am becoming a bit more confident about towing the Silverado.
I have a 1999 era rear camera which works well. Can anyone offer any other suggestions which might be beneficial for towing? I'm a sucker for gadgets.

Thank you all again!

[Cousin Ed]

Your tow bar should work OK, but I would prefer a 10,000 lb bar.