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Old 07-09-2013, 05:54 PM   #21
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Thanks for all the advice...

After looking at your posts it appears as though it CAN pull it but I probably won’t like the "experience". That being said, I think we'll pass on this particular TT. Luck would have it, my wife has found a Keystone Passport 2910BHWE w/ an advertised dry-weight of ~5,500 at our local dealership. Sound about right? Either way, I'll keep ya'll posted. Thanks again.

John
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Old 07-09-2013, 06:21 PM   #22
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Thanks for all the advice...

After looking at your posts it appears as though it CAN pull it but I probably won’t like the "experience". That being said, I think we'll pass on this particular TT. Luck would have it, my wife has found a Keystone Passport 2910BHWE w/ an advertised dry-weight of ~5,500 at our local dealership. Sound about right? Either way, I'll keep ya'll posted. Thanks again.

John
Things are looking up !
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Old 07-09-2013, 06:35 PM   #23
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Thanks OldCoot -- Appreciate the advise WRT down-shifting. I know it wont pull it "fast" but I don't want to struggle to maintain ~65 on the flat roads or smell tranny heading up a 7% on a hot AZ day.

John
Just make sure you have a tranny cooler in addition to the factory one that goes into the radiator and stay out of OD and in the tow mode while towing and you won't have any problems.
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Old 07-09-2013, 09:16 PM   #24
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I tow my Tracer 3200 BHT with my 2012 Silverado. As other have said, you are not going to win any drag races, but I am comfortable towing it 55-65mph. I have done several trips with no issues through New Hampshire and Maine. I just take my time, plan accordingly and I did take a good amount of time to dial my dual cam hitch in. Would I like a different vehicle, yes, but for the 7 times a year I tow it, I am not going to justify a larger truck. I would rather take my time and enjoy the camper I have. I do tow other trailers alot through out the year, so I am used to towing, so this does not bother me.
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Old 07-09-2013, 09:46 PM   #25
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A good weight distribution hitch and you will have no problem. Ditto on what f700 said. I would rather have an HD pickup, but i only tow 5-7 times a year and drive my 1500 to work everyday.
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Old 07-09-2013, 10:13 PM   #26
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Thanks for all the advice...

After looking at your posts it appears as though it CAN pull it but I probably won’t like the "experience". That being said, I think we'll pass on this particular TT. Luck would have it, my wife has found a Keystone Passport 2910BHWE w/ an advertised dry-weight of ~5,500 at our local dealership. Sound about right? Either way, I'll keep ya'll posted. Thanks again.

John
I think you would be a lot happier pulling that one.
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Old 07-09-2013, 10:29 PM   #27
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I believe you have the six speed transmission. With this transmission I've seen other posts which equate the 3.42 with a final gear ratio matching 4.10 gears of a five speed transmission. I'll try to find that one again and post it here.
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Old 07-09-2013, 10:42 PM   #28
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Found some of the info, but can't cut and paste from my ipad. I was incorrect. The conversion chart makes final drive ratio of the 3.42 and a six speed transmission comparable to a 3.73 with the four speed transmission. First gear is way lower on the six speed but sixth on the six speed and fourth on the four speed are almost identical. Still looking for that thread. It made me feel a little better about my 3.08's.
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Old 07-09-2013, 10:51 PM   #29
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http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/sh...hp?tid/247467/


Finally found it.
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Old 07-09-2013, 11:36 PM   #30
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I pull a trailer that is about 6700 dry. Like someone said, you will probably add 15-1600 lbs in there with no water. I pulled it a couple of times with a 97 f150 4x4 with 3.55 gears and it really struggled. I could go 60 mph in third if the land was flat and no wind. other than that it would want 2nd gear and I would slow to 50mph or less so I wasn't screaming the daylights out of it. Your Gm will pull a bit better than my 97. I have since gone to an ecoboost and it does pretty good. But I would recommend you read a thread I started today called "suggestions to get weight off the rear axle". I probably have different issues than you, but it will give you an idea of what you're up against weight-wise.
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Old 07-10-2013, 10:01 AM   #31
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Thanks everyone for the posts/various links... allot of food for thought. Once again, I appreciate it and I'll keep ya'll posted.

John
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Old 07-10-2013, 12:59 PM   #32
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Remember, you don't have to stay in 4th gear or even 3rd when you're in the mountains. Switching to a 3.73 or 4.10 is expensive and it will eat your lunch in gas mileage. Better to shift gears and get the benefit of the higher gear when not towing.
I did exactly that with a GMC and a 350. Went from 3.42 to 4.10 gears and never regretted it. The around town gas mileage degraded slightly, about 1-1.5 mpg, but the unloaded hiway mileage stayed nearly the same, 16.5 vs 17 MPG. There was a HUGE difference in the way it towed though. Never used overdrive when towing with either gearset, but the towing mileage actually increased with the 4.10 gears because the engine was working in a much happier place. I'll never own another gas tow vehicle with anything less than 4.10 gears again.
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Old 07-10-2013, 01:15 PM   #33
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My loaded palomino 297rlds weighs 6045 dry and about 6800 loaded. I pull with same exact truck and would hate to pulling in the mountains. I live in Louisiana and it just does fine down here in the lower elevations.
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Old 07-10-2013, 01:18 PM   #34
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Also pay attention to your payload. That's the first number I come close to maxing out on my 1/2 ton.
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Old 07-10-2013, 03:06 PM   #35
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Thanks ddphil/LSU... I think my wife and I are leaning towards playing-it-safe and opting for a slightly lighter TT -- there are a few we are contemplating in the 5,500 - 6,000 lbs range. That being said, we may opt for the 3.73's anyway; most of my driving is local/around town (not too concerned about the gas mileage).

John
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Old 07-10-2013, 04:56 PM   #36
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I have a 2010 silvy cc 5.3 5.5 ft bed it pulls my 2012 coachmen Catalina dlx without problems do not even know trailer is there Tried pulling it with a buddy 08 almost exact setup and it pulled like crap. I think my 2010 having 6 SPd tranny helps
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Old 07-10-2013, 11:20 PM   #37
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I have an 05 silverado Z71 4x4 that came with 3.42 gears that were fine towing a tent trailer. We bought a forest river x-lite at 3900 lbs and because of where I live every trip involves long uphills and summer heat. It cost me 1,800.00 to change the gearing to 4.10s front and rear and now I have power to spare on all but the steepest hills.I get 11 mpg towing and 14-15mpg with out the trailer .My 5.3 runs so much better with the lower gears .I bet I could get a little better milage If I could keep my foot out of it.
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