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Old 06-22-2018, 10:34 PM   #1
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Hello from Texas with questions about TV

We bought our first camper a Rockwood Mini lite 2507 in the fall and we’re excited about getting on the road. Considering a new pickup and I was wondering if anyone has pulled the travel trailer with the GMC with the 5.3
E Assist with 3.42 axel. What are your thoughts?
Thank you in advance!
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Old 06-23-2018, 07:40 AM   #2
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Welcome to the forum its a great place to get your questions answered. Most of the 1/2 ton trucks can pull the new light weight trailers without real problems as long as you don't exceed the load limits.
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Old 06-23-2018, 08:22 AM   #3
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We pulled several smaller RVs with a half ton for years and it was doable. But if you are getting a new truck, think ahead to what your next RV might be.

If I had to do it again, I would of moved to a larger truck years before I did. The difference in towing comfort is truly astounding.
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Old 06-23-2018, 08:24 AM   #4
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We pulled several smaller RVs with a half ton for years and it was doable. But if you are getting a new truck, think ahead to what your next RV might be.

If I had to do it again, I would of moved to a larger truck years before I did. The difference in towing comfort is truly astounding.


Thank you
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Old 06-23-2018, 08:25 AM   #5
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Welcome to the forum its a great place to get your questions answered. Most of the 1/2 ton trucks can pull the new light weight trailers without real problems as long as you don't exceed the load limits.


Thank you
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Old 06-23-2018, 11:37 AM   #6
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I can’t speak to towing with a GMC.. but I am very pleased with the capability of my 3.5 eco boost F150. That being said just about any 1/2 Ton pick up can handle new ultra lights. My advice is to get the biggest truck you can afford. I started by buying my tow vehicle be fore we bought our trailer and it limited our options. I started out by buying a 2016 F150 with the 2.7 TT v6 with out max tow package. It towed well, but I regretted it. I work for a Ford dealer and we got an F150 traded to us with the 3.5 TT and max tow package, if I had bought a truck like that in the first place I would’ve purchased a slightly larger trailer..
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Old 06-23-2018, 12:35 PM   #7
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I've pulled 7,500# (dry wt) trailers for about 30 years. Today, I have a F-150, 4WD, 4Dr with 5.0L V-8. I pull in the desert, over the Sierra as well as over the Coast Range of northern California. The F-150 is the finest riding and pulling machine I have ever driven. Towing, I get 10 to 12 mpg. Without the trailer, 18 to 23 mpg.
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Old 06-23-2018, 01:00 PM   #8
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!/2 ton towing

We have a Rckwood Mini Lite 2511 that we tow with a 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500. The Rockwood weighs 5300# and we have not had any issues towing. The Silverado has a 5.3L, 4 wheel drive and a 3.42 axle. It has some towing equipment but not the GM heavy duty tow package. I run between 60 and 65. I usually set the cruise and go.
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Old 06-23-2018, 01:11 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by readytocamp View Post
We bought our first camper a Rockwood Mini lite 2507 in the fall and we’re excited about getting on the road. Considering a new pickup and I was wondering if anyone has pulled the travel trailer with the GMC with the 5.3
E Assist with 3.42 axel. What are your thoughts?
Thank you in advance!
How much does the trailer weigh (add dry weight to cargo capacity for a guess)? I’ve run several GMCs but I’m not familiar with “E Assist”. What is that?
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Old 06-23-2018, 01:38 PM   #10
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I can’t speak to towing with a GMC.. but I am very pleased with the capability of my 3.5 eco boost F150. That being said just about any 1/2 Ton pick up can handle new ultra lights. My advice is to get the biggest truck you can afford. I started by buying my tow vehicle be fore we bought our trailer and it limited our options. I started out by buying a 2016 F150 with the 2.7 TT v6 with out max tow package. It towed well, but I regretted it. I work for a Ford dealer and we got an F150 traded to us with the 3.5 TT and max tow package, if I had bought a truck like that in the first place I would’ve purchased a slightly larger trailer..


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Old 06-23-2018, 01:39 PM   #11
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How much does the trailer weigh (add dry weight to cargo capacity for a guess)? I’ve run several GMCs but I’m not familiar with “E Assist”. What is that?


Thank you
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Old 06-23-2018, 01:40 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by Iowa City Fix It View Post
We have a Rckwood Mini Lite 2511 that we tow with a 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500. The Rockwood weighs 5300# and we have not had any issues towing. The Silverado has a 5.3L, 4 wheel drive and a 3.42 axle. It has some towing equipment but not the GM heavy duty tow package. I run between 60 and 65. I usually set the cruise and go.


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Old 06-23-2018, 03:22 PM   #13
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I pulled a Keystone Passport Elite 32 with 5.3 and 3.23 rear end with no problem. Just don't use cruise control. It was also a work truck and I did add an extra leaf in the rear leaf springs.
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Old 06-23-2018, 06:15 PM   #14
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I’m with the f150 guys. Had a buddy with GMC Sierra with 5.3 and same rear end. He towed a 25 Ft with slide about 6000 lbs. always straining and and looking for a lower gear. At the time I had a 2011 f150 with 5.0 and 3.55 gears. I pulled a 30 Ft Forest River Salem with slide just over 7000 lbs. towing was a breeze and fuel mileage was in the 9-10 mpg range. Great truck and I just upgraded to a 2018 f150 3.55 Max Tow with the new 10 speed this is way way better for trailering than even my old truck. Between the 3.5 turbo 375hp and 470 lbs torque it really gets the job done. Pulling I get about about 10 mpg running 65-70 mph and when not towing I see mpgs in the 20’s at 70+.
Note both trucks are 4x4’s.
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Old 06-23-2018, 10:03 PM   #15
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We tow a 23ikss with our 2008 suburban 1500 2wd. It has 3.73 gears and 5.3L. The suburban does a great job. I also have a 2014 F150 with max tow package, 2wd, 3.73 gears and 3.5L EcoBoost. The f150 tows the TT alot better. The suburban does give me better MPG during towing. The truck you mentioned will tow your TT just fine.
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Old 06-23-2018, 10:26 PM   #16
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Thank you
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Old 06-24-2018, 07:37 AM   #17
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We have a 2504 and pull it with my 2015 Silverado 5.3. It weighs right at 5300lbs,the truck pulls great and we get around 10.5 mpg here in Va with a mix of flat and mountains
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Old 06-24-2018, 10:16 AM   #18
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Originally Posted by NMWildcat View Post
We pulled several smaller RVs with a half ton for years and it was doable. But if you are getting a new truck, think ahead to what your next RV might be.

If I had to do it again, I would of moved to a larger truck years before I did. The difference in towing comfort is truly astounding.
I wholeheartedly agree.................If I had it to do over again Id look for a 3500 SRW, Standard Box just for ease of maneuvering while not towing.
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