Tracer 3150 towed by Silverado

[scubieman]

I had a 2005 gmc sierra 1500 with 5.3 engine, 3.73 and 5200 dry weight camper. It could barely do it and long trips would be terrible.

[airplane66]

I don't know about all those fancy number things but from my experience pulling about that same trailer weight with a 1500 silverado I sold it and bought a used 2500 GMC deisel. Life is so much better . Buy a smaller trailer or a bigger truck.

[scubieman]

Originally Posted by airplane66

I don't know about all those fancy number things but from my experience pulling about that same trailer weight with a 1500 silverado I sold it and bought a used 2500 GMC deisel. Life is so much better . Buy a smaller trailer or a bigger truck.

I will be waving the white flag for 1500 trucks. I went to diesel for my 5200 pound RV before first time of using it. I bought the truck for EGO, but also 5200 pound dry(weighed). I could barely make tiny hills and I was ALWAYS using 3rd. If anything get a 6.0 Liter 1500HD or 2500 HD silverado.

[flumpydog]

Hi Tom,
We have the Tracer model you are looking at, and I cannot recall what the sticker has on it, but on ours, the sticker weight was what the trailer weighed when it left the factory with 1 battery and 2 x 20 lb propane tanks. I even verified this on the scales. We added a second battery and changed out the 20 lb tanks for 2 x 30 lb tanks. Our trailer when loaded (we have 3 kids, so we pack a bit more stuff) with a little bit of fresh water in the tank, both fridges full comes in around 7400 lbs if memory serves me correctly. I will have to double check my notes, and if I am wrong, I will let you know. I believe the trailer is around 6600 lbs before we loaded it up. That was with the extra battery and both 30 lb tanks full.
Hope this helps!
Best Wishes,
Chuck

[ResQMoore]

Originally Posted by Iluv2fish

Are you sure about the Gross Tow weight on that truck...your figure looks low??

http://www.chevrolet.com/assets/pdf/...ring_Guide.pdf

see page 8.

OP- print this out and keep this with your trailer literature. lots of good information.

you also have to remember to include weight of all persons and equipment in the vehicle because that effects tow performance and towing ability.

on page 2- When determining the total weight of trailer and cargo, include the weight of any additional passengers and optional equipment (driver weight and base equipment are already included)

[lbrjet]

GM has no business putting a 3.08 rear end in a pickup truck that is marketed with a tow package. You got suckered by 'the man' and made an expensive mistake, but learned something along the way. By the way, I made the same mistake about 25 years ago so you are not alone.

The truck is capable but those gears are holding it back.

[EinDog]

The 3.08 gear set is a problem. With a max trailer weight of 6900 you are really limited in your trailer selection.

For the 2011 Silverado's, they have improved the trailering limits IF it is set up with the 5.3L engine, the 3.42 gears, and the 6 speed tranny. This gets you into a 9600 pound max trailer (depending on exactly which configuration of pickup you get.

The trailer you are shopping for will be one that sits on a pair of 3500 pound axles. With 10% on the hitch, that gives you a GTWR of 7700 pounds. The 700 pound hitch weight will bring you close to your GVWR on the pickup, so don't plan on hauling much in the pickup when you are pulling the trailer. A 7700 GTWR should have a weight off the lot of around 5750# with a battery, full lp tanks, and WDH. That leaves you with plenty of margin for water and provisions, so long as you are smart about it.

Anything bigger, you need more truck. Anything older than a 2011, you give up towing capability.

[True Believer]

Add to the list of weight you don't think about water. if you are ever going anywhere with out a hookup or place to fill at cg (which is probably very few and far between) water weighs 8# a gallon.

[PatrickCrotty]

I have the same truck, 2011, Ext. cab, 5.3, HD cooling, trailer package, but the 3.42 rear end. I have a 5ver that clocks in at 7800lbs loaded, CAT scale wieght. The truck is rated at 9400lbs for a 5ver and that is about all I would want to pull. I run 5th and sometimes 4th gear dropping to 45mph on steep grades. I say no. Get something smaller or upgrade the truck if you want to go that size trailer. Just my thoughts.