towing question

[Turbo1010]

Can I tow a 831RLSS with a 2004 chevy silverado 1500 z71? I do have the reese dual cam weight dist/sway control with the brake controler. I have been all over the inet and I think I will be ok. Guess I am looking for a 2nd opinion from more experienced people. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[flyrotor]

MY Opinion... No,

My opinion is based on owning a Suburban 1500, 5.3L, 3:73, my trailer loaded heavy is about what the stated empty weight of the 831RLSS. My trailer length is 23', much shorter than the 831FLSS, personally I feel like I am near max even though the stated limits exceed what I am pulling.

If my budget allowed, I would replace my TV with a 3/4 ton truck, and I will when the budget allows.

[Wisconsin Camper]

If you're not traveling very far, I wouldn't worry about it.
If you are, then consider upgrading to something more powerful.
My '03 GMC 1/2 ton and '07 Denali tow our camper fine. (6600#)

[08flagvlite]

I pull our Flagstaff V-lite 30 footer with the same hitch you have with my 06 Ram 1500 hemi Quad cab 2 wheel drive 3:54 rear and 17" tires automatic trans. wouldn't want to pull it through the mountains, but in Fla. and Ga. where I live I don't see any problems. Yes, a diesel 3500 dually would be better, but you can make what you have work. My main recommendations are a 3:92 rear or steeper, and LT tires for stability. They alone make a WORLD of difference when towing. Good luck, Randy

[GAL119]

You haven't given us enough information to offer a properly informed opinion. For example, if your TT is a 2009 or older model, it's weight ratings are lower than if it's a 2010 or newer. Obviously, the '09 TT will be more "towable" by your Chevy than the '10.

The capacities of your truck vary widely based on the cab style and the differential gearing.

The only advice I can offer is information I dug up while I was selecting a GMC 1500 to be a tow vehicle.
The cargo capacity and the differential ratio are the two biggest limiters on how much TT GM says you should pull with your Z71.
More people and stuff in the truck, the less capacity to carry the tongue weight.
Differential gearing has a big effect on the maximum trailer weight and how much total weight your truck should haul (Gross Combined Weight Rating). GCWR for a 2004 Silvy 5.3L, with a 3.42 rear end is 12,000 lb.; with 4.10's it's 14,000.
Set your hitch up as close to perfect as you can get it. Something that most people don't talk about is getting good weight balance between your TT axles. You can adjust that by varying the TT hitch height (and by taking some care in how you load).

[Turbo1010]

Thank you for all your replies. The TT is a 2010 model. Oh and the truck is an 04 z71 ext cab with a 3.73 axle ratio. The TT is the is the best for the price that we have looked at so far. My wife and I have been shopping for a while and have looked at the: Outback, Surveyor, X-lite, Spriner, Sprintor select, Jayco eagle, Bullet. For the price and quality I don't think that we can beat the price. The closest 2nd would be the Outback, but it does not come with the free upgrades like the leather lazy boy chairs, 15k but a/c, independent wheel suspension, 76 gallon grey water tank. it is 4 feet shorter and $5000 more while the Surveyor does'nt seem to have anywhere near the quality and it has a flat roof, the cabnets and drawers look like what we have in the camper we are trying to get out of which is the 08 dutchman areolite. WHICH IS CRAP! The step are sagging and drawers are broken and it is 8 months out of warrenty. The Surveyor is the same price as the Outback with nowhere near the quality! Thanks again for all your replies.

[MtnGuy]

Turbo1010, I hate to rain on anyone's parade, but personally I wouldn't do it. You still haven't listed the engine that you have, and what the tow rating and GCWR of your Chevy has.

I have a similar truck pulling a trailer that is 6' shorter, and 2000 lbs. lighter. It does good, but I am right at the safe maximum my truck wheelbase for a 28.5 footer. If you have a similar wheelbase (145") then the maximum is ~29'. A long wheel based (Crew Cab, 8' bed) 3/4 truck would be more suitable for that trailer.

A quick rule of thumb is to take the wheelbase in inches, divide by 5, and that should be the maximum trailer length in feet. There is also a chart posted on several threads here.....I can repost that if you can't find it.

[GAL119]

I'll give you just a few more numbers and then I'll shut up.

With a 5.3L that I'm guessing you have, and 3.73 gears,

Your max trailer GVWR is 7,800 lb and your GCWR is 13,000. Your truck's GVWR is 6,400.

Loaded up for camping and with fresh water on board, you could have trouble keeping your wet axle weight under 7,000 and your hitch weight under 1,000.

Leather Lazy Boy recliners eh? Probably has atrium windows in the slide too. You don't have to tell me how nice these trailers are.

Damn.

[Don and Elaine]

Just my 2 cents worth...I have a Flagstaff 831fkbss which is 6900lbs dry and 34 ft long. I was towing this with a Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab shortbed with the hemi 5.7 litre engine,3:93 rear and the reese dual cam set up. I took it easy and really had no problems as I kept my speed under 65mph. I also loaded up the back of the truck with coolers and firewood etc. you will struggle on hills but slow and steady will win the race. Good luck on your purchase!...PS, I upgraded my TV to a 2500 Dodge diesel ram and can't wait for our first trip with this new truck!

[08flagvlite]

The key is that 3:93 rear end. That is a tremendous help when towing. Yeah, your gas mileage will suffer slightly, but you can do the job. Mine has a 3:54 rear, and it does it, but I wish I had your axle gears for towing. LT tires are also a big help. Randy

[milzat]

I towed my (6800#) 8315SS with my '06 Chevy Z71, 5.3L, 3:42 rear axle.
Equal-i-zer brand WD with 1200/12,000 bars. Towed great with no problems.

Note: Tow carefully withing the posted speed, keep your distance between vehicles and be aware of the traffic around you.