Tow Vehicle Advice for a 1st Timer

[PenJoe]

Originally Posted by JimParker256

We also started with a Silverado 1500 (5.3L V8) towing a 21-foot TT (6,900 lbs GVWR) using an load-leveling hitch. It towed fine, but would downshift (even with Tow/Haul mode engaged) any time there was a slight uphill or headwind. There was still a bit of sway (very minor, but noticeable) from 18-wheelers. Towing the trailer, we averaged about 6.5 mpg, driving 55-60 mph. Ride-wise, everything was fine, but you definitely knew there was a trailer back there because of the constant down-shifting. Braking was OK, but I would not have wanted to be on a really long downhill run that required brakes...

When time came to replace the truck, and with the thought that we might eventually purchase a 5th wheel, we bought a Chevy 2500 HD with the diesel engine. Man, what a difference! With the light trailer and EQ hitch, it was easy to forget you were towing something. You literally could not tell (unless you looked in the rear-view) that you were towing it! Averaged 16-18 mpg driving 60-65 mph.

Ultimately, we decided to upgrade to a 5th wheel (Wildcat 313RE – the perfect floor plan for us. We LOVE it!). The drivability of the 2500/diesel with the 34'8" trailer attached is just amazing. You know there's a trailer back there (9,855 lbs empty, about 11,000 lbs with all our stuff loaded), but acceleration and braking are great, and the engine brake on downhills is amazing. This is the perfect combination for our needs. We get about 14-15 mph towing (65 mph), and average 19 mpg around town (22-24 mph on the highway without the trailer).

One more thing: The Demco Highjacker auto-slide 5th wheel hitch is amazing! Never any worries about forgetting to slide the hitch to the "turn" position when maneuvering. So glad we got it!

You never mentioned the year of the Silverado 1500. We had a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 and the trans shifting was terrible pulling a trailer. The engine would scream well past cresting a hill. We moved up to a 2013 Silverado 1500 and there was a world of difference in shifting. We have air bags and never had abnormal sway with either truck.

[Deni]

The Disco's of 20 years ago are very different to the more modern cars. 20 years ago your choice was a 200tdi or a 2.0l petrol, neither were very good in a 2000kg 4x4-as you found out.

Try a TD5 or even better a TDV6, serious load lugging kit.

Taken about 10 years ago, TD5 towing a totally illegal 4500kg for over 3000 miles to Menorca and Back, never missed a beat. The Nissan did OK too, but even with only 3000kg it was down to less than 10mph on some hills.
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[JimParker256]

Originally Posted by PenJoe

You never mentioned the year of the Silverado 1500. We had a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 and the trans shifting was terrible pulling a trailer. The engine would scream well past cresting a hill. We moved up to a 2013 Silverado 1500 and there was a world of difference in shifting. We have air bags and never had abnormal sway with either truck.

Hmmm. If I remember correctly, ours was a 2006. But I suspect the issue was the smaller V8 just didn't have enough torque to overcome the aerodynamic drag of the truck plus the trailer. And ours would shift back up to the higher gear as soon as started down the hill – unless we had headwinds. Headwinds that were noticeable caused it to downshift even on level interstate...

In any case, going to the 5th wheel would have meant getting a bigger truck anyway, so we just bit the bullet and bought the 2500 HD diesel. DW doesn't like it as much as the old 1500 (taller, wider, longer, harder to get into), but loves it when we're pulling the trailer.

[beavertrap]

Grin. My wife would make me drive ALL THE TIME

[JimParker256]

Originally Posted by beavertrap

Grin. My wife would make me drive ALL THE TIME

Funny – that's how our "system" works. But we have to stop at night, because she can't see to "drive" for me... LOL

[Camping-man]

Once the wdh is set up correctly and the TV and TT are leveled, it will tow just fine. Don't get in a hurry going anywhere and you are good to go.

[PenJoe]

Originally Posted by JimParker256

Hmmm. If I remember correctly, ours was a 2006. But I suspect the issue was the smaller V8 just didn't have enough torque to overcome the aerodynamic drag of the truck plus the trailer. And ours would shift back up to the higher gear as soon as started down the hill – unless we had headwinds. Headwinds that were noticeable caused it to downshift even on level interstate...

In any case, going to the 5th wheel would have meant getting a bigger truck anyway, so we just bit the bullet and bought the 2500 HD diesel. DW doesn't like it as much as the old 1500 (taller, wider, longer, harder to get into), but loves it when we're pulling the trailer.

We sold the bumper pull, and tow boats and smaller trailers now. The trans in the newer models makes a world of difference even under load. So, for our needs, this is adequate. But that does not mean I am not a bit jealous. You have an awesome combo. Happy camping!