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Old 11-06-2014, 09:53 AM   #1
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Newbie towing capacity question

I am about to purchase a 2015 Windjammer 3006WK but am not sure my truck can tow it! I assumed since my truck's max tow rating was 9500lbs, I could easily tow the 3006WK (GVWR 8750lbs); however, after using the towing calculator it seems I can only tow 3700lbs?? I need help trying to figure all of this out. I just bought this truck in order to tow an RV as my old F-150 could not do the job. I don't think the RV dealer is going to do these numbers for me.

Here are all the numbers I know...

2013 GMC Sierra 1500 V8 5.3L:
GVWR 7000
GCWR 15000
Max loaded trailer weight rating 9500
RGAWR 3950
Tongue max ?? I am assuming 1100 (not sure where to find that)

2015 Windjammer 3006WK (Platinum pkg):
GVWR 8750
Dry weight 7197
Cargo Cap 1553
Dry hitch 915

Thanks in advance!!
-Eric
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Old 11-06-2014, 10:28 AM   #2
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Look on your tire loading sticker on the door jamb for cargo carrying capacity.


Your camper will likely be around 8200 lbs loaded and ready to go.


You'll run out of cargo carrying capacity before you get close to max tow weight.

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Old 11-06-2014, 10:34 AM   #3
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See where mine says ccc?
That number should be subtracted from.
Passenger weight
Any cargo weight hauled in pickup
Wd hitch weight
Tongue weight
Any aftermarket pickup add ons

Dry tongue wet will increase as trailer is loaded my several hundred lbs.

Yours is 915, I'd suspect it to be around 1100 to 1200 lbs. "Guessing "

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Old 11-06-2014, 10:44 AM   #4
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Originally Posted by f1100turbo View Post
Look on your tire loading sticker on the door jamb for cargo carrying capacity...
Keep in mind that the tire loading sticker is for P rated tires.
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Old 11-06-2014, 10:47 AM   #5
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Keep in mind that the tire loading sticker is for P rated tires.
[emoji12] well mine isn't but his most likely is.


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Old 11-06-2014, 11:07 AM   #6
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Turbo, my CCC is 1536lbs and my tires are a P rating. Not sure what "Wd hitch" means. I get that the tongue weight will increase as well (esp since I am planning on getting either a Propride or Hensley hitch). My truck has no other added aftermarket add ons. I just don't trust that both GMC and the RV dealer are telling me the truth (or at least breaking it down so I can understand the math). If the most my trailer can ever weigh fully loaded is 8750 and the most my truck is rated to pull is 9500, I just assumed I was in the clear but I am still confused about all the other numbers. I don't want to buy this TT and kill my TV. I appreciate all of your replies but I guess I am still confused. Sorry, still very new at all of this.

Tongue weight

Any aftermarket pickup add ons
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Old 11-06-2014, 11:09 AM   #7
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Wd hitch = weight distribution hitch.
Hensley / pro pride etc etc

Ps- p rated tires gives you less overall towing capacity.
Upgrading to lt tires imo is your best bet.

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Old 11-06-2014, 11:11 AM   #8
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Ok got it so if all pax (600) + WD (200) + loaded tongue (1200) = 2000 I am already over my CCC regardless of other cargo in the truck right?
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Old 11-06-2014, 11:13 AM   #9
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Ok got it so if all pax (600) + WD (200) + loaded tongue (1200) = 2000 I am already over my CCC regardless of other cargo in the truck right?
Correct

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Old 11-06-2014, 11:16 AM   #10
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So I basically cannot purchase the TT until I upgrade my tires?
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Old 11-06-2014, 11:39 AM   #11
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Ok got it so if all pax (600) + WD (200) + loaded tongue (1200) = 2000 I am already over my CCC regardless of other cargo in the truck right?
Not 100%. When you tighten the bars on the WD hitch you transfer weight to the front axle of the tow vehicle AND to the trailer axles. Therefore, that entire tongue weight will not be riding on the truck. What you are discovering is that, if you use a crew cab truck for hauling people, which is why you probably spent the extra $6K or so over a regular cab for, you can't haul anything else IF you plan to not exceed the capacity on the sticker. The vast majority of 1/2 ton trucks out there with a family in it towing a camper larger than a popup are over the GVWR of the truck. It's possible to "overload" many crew cab trucks with just people. Lot's of Dodges have payload capacities of less than 1K. Put 6 people in there at 200lbs each and you are over on payload!!!
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Old 11-06-2014, 11:44 AM   #12
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Okay I think I'm getting it. So I should be good on towing the TT with my TV as far as max trailer weight is concerned; however, I need to fix my CCC by getting LT rated tires for my rig, correct? I understand that the Wd hitch (leaning towards Propride) will distribute some of that tongue weight to both the TT and TV axels, but how do I know what that weight will be? Is that where the 10-15% Of the gross trailer weight comes in? In that case I would be looking at a worse case of 1300+ lbs of tongue I think.
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Old 11-06-2014, 11:49 AM   #13
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Keep in mind that the tire loading sticker is for P rated tires.
I'm curious- what's your actual advice to elika63?
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Old 11-06-2014, 11:51 AM   #14
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So I basically cannot purchase the TT until I upgrade my tires?

All depends on whether or not you bring the family. I save about 450-500 lbs off my CCC when the wife, kids, dogs, their car seats, snacks, entertainment and whatnot follow in her minivan instead of riding in the truck.

When I first bought my TT I bought one that was 5800 dry based on a max tow of 8200. After learning more about how loads, etc, affect towing capacity I've realized I'm overweight when I have those extra pounds in the truck. Not much I can do about it since I can't afford a new truck yet so we accommodate. Either by taking the 2 vehicles, or by taking it slow and easy and staying off the highways as much as possible, giving myself extra space, etc...

What I'm seeing so far is that that trailer is too much for that truck, because it's tongue heavy, but it you really want it, then it's up to you if you're willing to drive it that way.





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Old 11-06-2014, 11:53 AM   #15
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Kaadk, I would rather not be over on any of my max ratings. But couldn't I tow the TT if I upgraded my tires to increase my CCC?
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Old 11-06-2014, 12:34 PM   #16
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IMO, if you will be towing you new camper regularly you will probably be happier and will certainly be safer with 2500HD.
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Old 11-06-2014, 12:35 PM   #17
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Problem is that I just bought this truck last month specifically to tow an RV
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Old 11-06-2014, 12:36 PM   #18
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CCC isn't just about the tires. It's an overall evaluation of whatever the weakest point is in your particular configuration. You need to look at tires, frame, suspension, etc... and evaluate all of them.

Changing the tires will reduce one of those weak points, but won't officially change your CCC. Legally that's going to be whatever's on your doorjamb, regardless of what you change.




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Old 11-06-2014, 12:50 PM   #19
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The tow capacity numbers are often misleading. I have no doubt a 1/2 ton could pull the weight but what happens when it is windy, the road is rough, you have to make a quick stop or evasive maneuver? The weight and size of a large travel trailer combined with the sudden movement inertia can make for a very scary ride. I know it stinks to already consider a different truck but I don't think you will regret getting something heavier and stronger.
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Old 11-06-2014, 12:51 PM   #20
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So I basically can't pull anything if I bring the family along because of my CCC and tongue weight restriction? Doesn't the Wd hitch from Propride or Hensley distribute that out so the tongue is less? How would you even measure that?

So if the tongue formula is 10-15% of gross trailer, then I basically have to find a trailer that keeps my tongue below 900 or so, right? Or at least lower than 1300 (what I calculate my current situation to be)
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