Suggestions needed TV for 2011 Tracer 205M

[BlissHunters]

We have no idea what will tow our new to us Tracer. Obviously we know one of those super pick-ups that require a step stool to mount will but we just want enough truck to safely tow.
No more no less

For now our budget allows for a used pick-up with an extended cab (2 large Bassett Hounds = just under 200 lbs. Other than a basic set of mechanic tools, couple bicycles, 30 lbs. of kibble, Portable Propane Colman grill & two loveseats in a bag chairs we tend to be ultralite packers.

GVWR listed on Tracer 205M is 5,924 lbs.

BF is a diesel mechanic so of course his mind set goes toward a big rig. Those he knows. All his grease monkey friends tend to drive those huge pick-ups so there mind set is go big or stay home.
BF currently has a lease on an SUV which is up in a year. Can't add a hitch/tow with this. I have a '97 Jeep Wrangler 4 cyl.
Doesn't have to be fancy just get us semi-local like Allegheny or Letchworth perhaps Old Forge for now. Our full-time RVing goal is in 2 years then we'll update the TV.

Hit up Craig's list to get an idea of what's out there but I don't know what I'm looking for my head hurts.

~~ Brenda & Joe ~~

[northstar1960]

chevy 1500 . with tow package will do you fine . or even a ford but never a dodge lol

[BlissHunters]

Thanks thus driveway camping is getting old, lol.
Stopped off @ dealership to get an idea test drove 2916 GMC Canyon fainted when u saw the sticker.

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[northstar1960]

Originally Posted by BlissHunters

Thanks thus driveway camping is getting old, lol.
Stopped off @ dealership to get an idea test drove 2916 GMC Canyon fainted when u saw the sticker.

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2916 that must be one futuristic looking truck . i think the canyon is only 1/4ton . did you drive a 1500 silverado ?

[The_Rhino]

Originally Posted by BlissHunters

For now our budget allows for a used pick-up with an extended cab (2 large Bassett Hounds = just under 200 lbs. Other than a basic set of mechanic tools, couple bicycles, 30 lbs. of kibble, Portable Propane Colman grill & two loveseats in a bag chairs we tend to be ultralite packers. GVWR listed on Tracer 205M is 5,924 lbs...

In 2013 I bought a 2 year-old (2011) Ram 2500 ST Crew Cab w/5.7 Hemi (gas) for only $14K which is much less than most used 1/2 ton grocery-getters. With a payload of 3,000 it can handle the 1100+ lb. tongue weight of our 8,000 lb. TT plus our family of 5 (700), fiberglass cap (love it), twin generators, firewood, bikes, etc.

Every season we find new gear to take-along camping - like heavier/comfy camping chairs, inflatable kayaks, etc. It all adds weight but unlike friends with 1/2 tons we don't have to worry about strategically packing stuff - we just load & go...

The 2500 is my daily driver & I get 16-17 on my daily commute & 8-9 towing. It has no trouble maintaining the speed limit throughout the Smoky Mountains but I haven't been out West yet... IMO the Big 3 all make reliable 3/4 & 1 tons. However, if you choose a 1/2 ton I would go with the F150 with Ecoboost...

[BlissHunters]

Originally Posted by northstar1960

2916 that must be one futuristic looking truck . i think the canyon is only 1/4ton . did you drive a 1500 silverado ?

Oh it was, it was. Resembled a DeLorean around the edges.
The Canyon was our 1st new test drive. We had just left Buffalo RV after putting a deposit down on the Tracer. More of a look see then real fact finding.

We both agreed that we preferred that size truck.

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[BlissHunters]

Originally Posted by The_Rhino

In 2013 I bought a 2 year-old (2011) Ram 2500 ST Crew Cab w/5.7 Hemi (gas) for only $14K which is much less than most used 1/2 ton grocery-getters. With a payload of 3,000 it can handle the 1100+ lb. tongue weight of our 8,000 lb. TT plus our family of 5 (700), fiberglass cap (love it), twin generators, firewood, bikes, etc.

Every season we find new gear to take-along camping - like heavier/comfy camping chairs, inflatable kayaks, etc. It all adds weight but unlike friends with 1/2 tons we don't have to worry about strategically packing stuff - we just load & go...

The 2500 is my daily driver & I get 16-17 on my daily commute & 8-9 towing. It has no trouble maintaining the speed limit throughout the Smoky Mountains but I haven't been out West yet... IMO the Big 3 all make reliable 3/4 & 1 tons. However, if you choose a 1/2 ton I would go with the F150 with Ecoboost...

I'll pass your recommendation along.

It's just us & the dogs. Tracer sleeps 3 but we are telling everyone the dinette is for the Bassetts.



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[BlissHunters]

BF said his boss just had to have the turbos replaced due to broken seals on F150 newer truck. Mechanic @ the dealership said good it was covered under warranty ... over $6,000.

My head is still trying to explode.

~~ Brenda & Joe ~~

[itat]

For trailer that size with only 2 people and 2 bassett hounds, a 1/2 ton that has a factory towing package will be more than adequate. If you find a good 3/4 ton at a great price you'll be ready to upgrade in the future but you really don't need that for your Tracer. When shopping for a 1/2 ton, look for factory towing mirrors and look at the payload sticker on the driver's door.

Good luck with your search.

[BlissHunters]

Thanks itat. We were just discussing exactly how much "stuff" we'd need to haul to even come close to the 1000+ cargo weight allowance.
Now I know what to look @ ... a door sticker !

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[itat]

Originally Posted by BlissHunters

Thanks itat. We were just discussing exactly how much "stuff" we'd need to haul to even come close to the 1000+ cargo weight allowance.
Now I know what to look @ ... a door sticker !

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To be conservative, just use the Tracer's GVWR and assume a tongue weight of 12% to 13%. The yellow/white sticker on the truck's driver door should tell you how much weight you can add to the truck in passengers, cargo and trailer tongue. Also pay attention to the axle weight ratings. Here's copy of my door stickers as an example.

[wbdavey]

Bliss... the tongue weight of your trailer will be about 600-700 pounds, if you load 300 pounds of people, 100 pounds of dogs, 100 pounds of tools etc, and 60 pounds of Weight Distributing Hitch you need a truck with at least 1,260 pounds Payload rating on the door sticker.

Every single pound that goes into the truck must be subtracted from the Payload to find out if you have adequate capacity.

[ShermanD]

Originally Posted by northstar1960

chevy 1500 . with tow package will do you fine . or even a ford but never a dodge lol

I would never even think about towing a 6000 trailer with anything less than a Chevy or GMC 2500 HD with a 6.2 gas engine and a trailer towing package. You will get about 10 mpg towing that load. A 1500 will pull it, but you won't be a happy camper at the end of the day.

Trust me I have one. FYI when my father had the 1998 Wildwood 5er, He traded in a Dodge because it wouldn't pull the trailer without working hard.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by ShermanD

I would never even think about towing a 6000 trailer with anything less than a Chevy or GMC 2500 HD with a 6.2 gas engine and a trailer towing package. You will get about 10 mpg towing that load. A 1500 will pull it, but you won't be a happy camper at the end of the day.



Trust me I have one. FYI when my father had the 1998 Wildwood 5er, He traded in a Dodge because it wouldn't pull the trailer without working hard.

You may have trouble finding a GM 3/4T with a 6.2. As far as I know, they only put 6.0L gas or 6.6L diesels in 2500s. They do put 6.2s in 1500s.

[itat]

ShermanD, it's a 23' TT. The actual loaded weight will likely be under 5000#. A 3/4 ton is overkill for 2 occupants with 2 dogs.

[ShermanD]

Originally Posted by Mr. Dan

You may have trouble finding a GM 3/4T with a 6.2. As far as I know, they only put 6.0L gas or 6.6L diesels in 2500s. They do put 6.2s in 1500s.

So I made a mistake but I would still not pull a 6000 pound trailer with anything less than 350 CU IN engine which happens to be the approximate size of a 6.0 chevy engine. the 5.3 is a 305.

and the OP posted this.

GVWR listed on Tracer 205M is 5,924 lbs.

which is what I based my response on. We all know that once loaded with everything but the kitchen sink, it will probably be overweight.

Now if you have the money get yourself an Excalade Hybrid. and pull 15000 lb with ease.. And yes they will, My half bro works for GM in their hybrid division and stops by with one on occasion, four planetary drive electric motors, a motor driving a generator and a bunch of batteries.

[itat]

All the Tracer 205Ms I found with a Google search had a yellow sticker weight of under 4000#. If the OP's unit is the same, there's no way they'll get to the 5924# GVWR. I only add 600# to ours when fully loaded for 5 people.

[BlissHunters]

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[BlissHunters]

Just us & the hounds.
I come from an ultralight backpacking point of view so no extra kitchen sinks. Tracer has more than enough amenities. Our current disagreement is to tv or not tv.
Full time 2 years when his daughter leaves the nest then we'll have $ to invest in an upgraded TV.
TT will be paid off. Ideally new pickup won't be as much as a house note.
We want to do the usual rites of passage; Alaska, Grand Cayon, Yellowstone.

For now just enough truck.


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[rockfordroo]

If you go with a 1/2 ton, be careful. My 2009 Chevy Silverado owners manual listed 99 (yes, I said 99!!) different permutations of the Chevy 1500, based on engine, transmission, bed size, cab size, rear end gearing, tow package, etc. The official towing capacity of these 99 permutations ranged from 4,000 lbs to 12,000 lbs. That's a pretty big spread. You don't want to end up with a 4,000 lb pickup and a 6,000 lb TT.

SO: Not all 1/2 ton's are created equal. KNOW WHAT YOU'RE BUYING.

Also, look at the sticker inside the drivers door frame to see what the payload is. You don't want to exceed the payload. For a used Silverado, the payload will be anything you add after the driver, so wife, basset hounds, and all your "stuff" plus the tongue weight of the TT. (I believe new trucks now include a passenger as part of the pre-payload load). Also add the weight of the weight distribution hitch you SHOULD be purchasing.

I bought my 2009 Silverado in 2012 with 35K miles for about $27K. It was good for 7500 lbs towing.

Good luck.