Tow question

[Dave_Monica]

Originally Posted by debbilicious

I'm purchasing a 35' 5th wheel with a dry weight of 9644 lbs and a hitch weight of 2020 lbs. I'm looking at purchasing a Chevy Silverado 3/4 ton, Diesel with Ally tranny. My research so far tells me this: "The 2500HD ups these ratings to 16,100 pounds (7,300 kg) with the 8.1 liter engine or 10,600 pounds (4,800 kg) with the 6.0 liter engine, and 4,058 pounds (1,841 kg)"...I don't know what all that means really, so is the "horse" big enough to pull my "cart"? ; )

Moderators...

Perhaps you could re-post this as a new thread.

Dave

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by Dave_Monica

Moderators...

Perhaps you could re-post this as a new thread.

Dave

Good suggestions....done deal.

[TTNewbees]

Well first big test, no issues. Drug it around in 30mph winds up and down the hills, no issue. Of course smokey mnts ain't no Jackson hole Wyoming. Hardest thing so far was getting cable to work. Turn off power boost for antenna then they came in. Of course no manual to tell me that!!

[teamgl]

Hi Mike


From edmunds.com "Towing capacities for the standard Yukon XLs range from 7,100 pounds on the 1500 2WD to 9,700 pounds for the 2500 2WD."

Does your Dinali have leather seats? If you tow a camper that is overrated for your tow rig, you'll most certainly notice butt cheek bite marks in your leather seats. If you can tow without driver related stress based on your towing conditions you may not need a larger tow vehicle... (i.e. putting down the road to the local campground.)

On a completely unrelated note - a salesman is a tool that works for you, the buyer - not the other way around. Knowing what you want before entering any discussions will result in a purchase decision that meets your needs - not their sales quota.

MTNGUY's feedback seems to be worth your consideration.

Good luck and best wishes in your travels.

Darren

[TTNewbees]

Thanks, not sure what u r saying but I am good and comfortable with the existing set up battled 35mph crosswinds thru the hills with 0.0 issues. Fully loaded. My 6.2 liter Denali is flat out a beast, has a 1 ton transmission air ride, would a 2500 diesel be better, absolutely but without a 3rd row dog needs a kennel which is not in the cards.

[TTNewbees]

Probably the biggest issue I have is not load or tow related, it's compartment doors falling off. Further investigation shows crooked screws everywhere. This thing is loaded with storage, so lots of screws falling out everywhere.

[Sgt. Schultz]

Mike - not sure if you went through the GMC specs for your truck (attached) or available here:
http://www.gm.ca/media/vehicles/comm...rochure_EN.pdf
....
With your Lacrosse being on the large & heavy side of TT's (Prime Time Manufacturing, Manufacturers of travel trailers and fifth wheels) You are going to want to be sure you are within the manufactures' set legal limits for your truck, (see calc at Travel Trailer Weight Calculator ) & know how to set your hitch especially if you have the Autoride suspension (unique steps) it will go along way towards peace of mind when on the road with your family.
....
cheers

[TTNewbees]

Thank you, and I did review the specs. I can only say that the truck hasn't hicupped going through the hills at 65-70mph and hardly an inch of sway. When hitched it takes a minute for the truck bags to bring everything level. I will say, these are the smoky mtns not Jackson hole, so that can all change.

[Vols]

2011 Ram 1500 Sport 4x4 Crew Cab (3.55 gears)
2012 Tracer 3150Bhd
Pulls & Stops like a champ!! Only truck mod is Timbrens which made a world of difference in bounce.
Zero sway , I try n keep between 55-62 mph. Avg 9-11 mpg depending if hills or head wind.
We did not plan on trailer when bought truck but Thank God it's worked out for Great for us!!!!

[crocus]

TTN, don't forget that when you go out west into the high country, you will be losing a LOT of power with the increase in altitude. Your Denali may be a "beast" around home, but the mountains can turn it into beast doo-doo.

[TTNewbees]

Well 11 hrs behind the wheel through tn, ky, in and Illinois at 65-70, rain, 30-35 mph winds and no issues except the closet door fell off, hinges screws and all. I think I am worried more about the unit falling apart than the TV. Dropped it off at dealer told them I wanted all new screws and hinges along with a small grocery list of other cosmetic things.

Since we all determined the weight specs are on the edge if not exceeding I wonder if it's the EZ tow that is helping my setup ride completely level with almost no sway felt? As far as power the 6.2l was powerful enough to gain speed uphill passing many people at 70.
Maybe the equalizer, EZ tow, self leveling suspension all adds up to a balanced setup.

It may not have the raw power of a cummins or dura max but handles 8000 lbs fairly easy.

Pic from the grotto falls: