Performance

[genecusano]

I have a 2011 Silverado half ton 4.8 V8. Looking at a 21' Micro Lite. What kind of performance can I expect?

Gene

[TURBS]

What exactly are you asking ?
fuel mileage ?
how well it will tow ?

what gear ratio is your truck ?


TURBS

[jevanb]

if you keep the weight below 4500 you should be ok, buddy just sold his 5.3 half ton because it was a slug pulling his GTO on a trailer ( around #5500) total trailer weight

[genecusano]

fuel mileage ?
how well it will tow ?

[TURBS]

fuel mileage most likely will be south of 9 mpg imo . gear ratio dependent

depending on what gear ratio you have will make a considerable difference on how well it will tow as well.

whats the weight specs on your camper and the towing specs on your truck ?



TURBS

[genecusano]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

fuel mileage most likely will be south of 9 mpg imo . gear ratio dependent

depending on what gear ratio you have will make a considerable difference on how well it will tow as well.

whats the weight specs on your camper and the towing specs on your truck ?



TURBS

The trailer weighes about 3700lb. Truck 6800

[bikendan]

you don't post which model you're looking at. there are 8 different models in the 21' range.
and you didn't post what rear end ratio you have, it makes a difference and does it have the factory tow package.
and is the 3700lbs. the fictional "dry" weight or the actual yellow sticker weight?

[genecusano]

Ok I'm going by the brochure for the 21 FBRS (base dry weight is 3624, Hitch 369, Cargo Capacity 1107) thats all I can go by at this time. It does have a factory tow package. I'll have to look it up rear end ratio the tommorrow.

Gene

[bikendan]

well, that 3624lbs. will jump up to around 4000lbs., when it arrives from the factory, since the brochure/website "dry" weight" numbers don't include the weights of "options" that most trailers have.
like: awning, a/c, spare tire, oven, microwave, tv, grill and so on.

my Roo 23SS weighed 400lbs. over its "dry" weight, when it was shipped from the factory. that was with the normal "options" that most trailers have.

then you add the weight of water, propane, battery and cargo and you'll easily take up the rest of the remaining 700lbs. CCC.

[rdw]

For comparison's sake, I have a Flagstaff 21RBS which is probably about the size you are looking at. Since I have only had it for about two weeks I can't tell you much, but pulling it south through Oklahoma and going against a 30-40 mph south wind, I got around 10 mpg. My F150 (5.4 liter) had no trouble pulling it, but I did know I was against the wind. I pulled travel trailers for years, and I expect around 10mpg no matter what trailer or what truck. That is just the way it works out for me. Would I love to get more, yes, but always expect the worse.

[Swaggler]

Originally Posted by genecusano

Ok I'm going by the brochure for the 21 FBRS (base dry weight is 3624, Hitch 369, Cargo Capacity 1107) thats all I can go by at this time. It does have a factory tow package. I'll have to look it up rear end ratio the tommorrow.

Gene

I had a 2001 Chev 1/2 ton with the 4.8. According to the specs the differential gear ratio can make a huge difference in the tow capacity. For example, the 4.8 liter with optional 4.10 gear ratio has the same tow capacity as the 5.3 liter with a 3.73 gear ratio.

[Rrickim63]

I have a 99 silverado 5.3L 3.73 rear end gears . I get about 9 mpg towing a 2006 roo 23b ( approx 4200 lbs). Tows well on flat, struggles a little on mountain climbs. I wouldn't think you'll have a problem. Keep it at 65 max and keep your speed up going down hills to maintain momentum for up the hill.

[genecusano]

Well i have the 4.8 with the 373 rear end. Sounds like i'll be getting less than 10 for sure. Thanks fo all the input, was very helpful.

[BicycleMark]

That is a small engine to be pulling anything with much frontal area.
Expect your mileage to be under 9 mpg. And I expect you will have issues in high winds and steep grades.
Your suspension and brakes should be fine. Just make sure you have a good brake controller.

[genecusano]

Thanks didn't think of brake controler. What are some sugestions

[Broadway Joe]

Prodigy P-3 is a good unit and seems very popular. I have this and am very pleased with it. There have been many threads about brake controllers, you might want to revisit.

[BicycleMark]

Originally Posted by joenic53

Prodigy P-3 is a good unit and seems very popular. I have this and am very pleased with it. There have been many threads about brake controllers, you might want to revisit.

Yes, the Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller (Prodigy) is a good controller. It is relatively inexpensive and works well. My Prodigy has been used with 4 different trailers successfully.

Check the various threads. There is a lot of good information.

[dalford]

Gene, Buying a TT is kinda like buying a big boat. If your worried about gas mileage don't do it. My experience and that of my friends who pull trailers is you will get between 7 to 10 mpg depending on many factors. The main factor is your driving speed. Slow down, better fuel economy. Wind and terrain will be your next biggest factors.

As far as performance goes, get yourself a good weight distribution hitch and preferably one with sway control and a good proportional brake controller such as a Prodigy self leveling unit (especially if you tow in the ountainsgeorgia). I used to pull a Coachmen Apex with a dry weight of 3600 lbs. with my Toyota Highlander equipped with a tow package. I got 7 to 9 mph but tended to drive too fast (70 mph). I would forget the trailer was back there as far as any sway or following performance. Good luck with your purchase decision

[genecusano]

Thanks everyone has been a great help. I'll be picking up my MiroLite 21FBRS next month.

[Scouter]

Congrats on the 21FBRS. We have had ours since last February and we love it! We tow with a 2006 F150 with the 4.6 liter V8. We get around 9 mpg overall depending on the wind and the hills. I do recommend the Tekonsha brake controller as well as the Equalizer hitch. Have fun!