Can I tow my camper

[jscraig]

Hello all. I need some expert advise. I have a shamrock 19 camper. Not sure exactly how much it weighs, but am considering purchasing a 2013 Chevy silverado 2 wheel drive ext can standard box with a 4.8 liter V8 and 3.23 gear ratio. Can this truck pull my camper? Or am I pushing what it can handle? Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.

[Rrickim63]

Was trying to figure it out. The 3.23 rear end is the killer. Can you have a dealer run the vin to your potential truck to be sure of everything?

[Rrickim63]

I forgot to add my dad has 2013 extra cab with 5.3 3.45 rear end and his is rated for 6,000 lbs max.

[4mula1fan]

Hitch Weight 344 lbs
Dry Weight 3,524 lbs
Cargo Weight 1,182 lbs

[Shawnmg]

Max towing capacity for that truck is 4700 pounds. Dry weight is approximately 3500. It is tight. Maybe if you are really careful with loading.

[The_Rhino]

Since you haven't purchased the truck yet, there are better options... The 4.8 liter V8 w/3.23 doesn't tow well & the mileage isn't better than larger engine/tranny combos...

[bikendan]

what year is the Shamrock?

it's easy to find the weight of it:
if it's older, it will have a white factory weight sticker, in the inside of a cabinet door.
if it's newer, it'll have a yellow factory weight sticker, on the outside of the trailer.

both will show what it weighed when it left the factory.
it doesn't include the battery weight, propane weight, water weight, weight of items added by dealer and of course cargo weight.

that truck, with the smaller v-8 and poor rear end ratio, will be marginal with the trailer loaded but it should be o.k.
but you should have better trucks out there to choose from, for a tow vehicle.

that one is a grocery getter. probably doesn't even have the factory tow package with a 7-pin connector.

[jscraig]

It does have a 7 pin had towing package installed. Does that make a difference?

[jscraig]

Sorry 7 pin hd towing package.

[MKClark]

Started out our RV with a 2011 Chevy with the 4.8 and 3.23 pulling a Rockwood 2502S. Pulled it just fine on the flatlands of N. Texas.


______________________
MK Clark
2014 Chevy
2015 Windjammer

[JWHybrid2B]

I tried pulling my Shamrock 23IKSS with my 4.7 liter V8 Toyota 4Runner with 3.83 gear and it pulled okay, but only averaged 5-6mpg and really struggled on hills. Mine is a 4WD with factory tow and a 7,000lb towing capacity. Yours trailer is quite a bit lighter than mine, but the high axle ratio and towing capacity may effect your decision.

[jefferson]

I am wondering the same thing. i have a 2009 Ford F150 Supercrew 4x4XLT 4.6V8 with an aftermarket hitch. The sticker on the shows Towing Capacity 6000lbs/ Hitch Capacity 600lbs and Weight Distribution 11000lbs/ Hitch Capacity 1100lbs.

My trailer is about 6500lbs if it loaded to the max.

[VT Skier]

Originally Posted by JWHybrid2B

I tried pulling my Shamrock 23IKSS with my 4.7 liter V8 Toyota 4Runner with 3.83 gear and it pulled okay, but only averaged 5-6mpg and really struggled on hills. Mine is a 4WD with factory tow and a 7,000lb towing capacity. Yours trailer is quite a bit lighter than mine, but the high axle ratio and towing capacity may effect your decision.

I have an 03 Tundra 4.7 with the towing pkg and the 7,000 lb capacity I haven't towed it yet as it is stored at the dealer till spring arrives (July) I'm a bit nervous about towing it it weighs 4850 lbs unloaded (not brochure wgt but actual) I fall into being ok specs wise but still apprehensive.

[KDHfan]

I think you will find that it comes down to the fact that everyone is different and has different levels of comfort when it comes to towing. Some have been towing for years and have no issue running at or above their weight ratings. Others towing for years believe in staying well under the ratings. Same is true for us newbies. However, I'm not sure if anyone one would recommend buying a TV that might not be capable (I'm not saying this truck isn't up to the task) of towing your camper. Spend the money and get something you know will tow it safely.
I've been towing for exactly 3 years, which I consider almost no experience, and believe in staying well under my ratings. I have two little guys with me, and sometimes mom too. No chances. My trucks tow rating is 9800lbs and my camper is about 5800lbs fully loaded to camp. That's my comfort level. Everybody's different.


2015 Coachmen Apex 288BHS
2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7L CrewMax

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[KDHfan]

Originally Posted by jefferson

I am wondering the same thing. i have a 2009 Ford F150 Supercrew 4x4XLT 4.6V8 with an aftermarket hitch. The sticker on the shows Towing Capacity 6000lbs/ Hitch Capacity 600lbs and Weight Distribution 11000lbs/ Hitch Capacity 1100lbs.

My trailer is about 6500lbs if it loaded to the max.

A weight distribution system doesn't increase your tow capacity. If your capacity is 6000lbs, that number won't increase no matter what you do to the truck. The only thing you can do is make adjustments to tow that 6,000lbs more safely.


2015 Coachmen Apex 288BHS
2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7L CrewMax

Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[VT Skier]

We are casually looking at a new truck but after buying the camper and the upcoming wedding of our daughter this summer we are a bit stretched cash wise so kinda hoping this tv works out for this summer also we don't have any big trips planned everything is within a hour or less. That being said all this is dependent on whether or not SUMMER ever gets here....Any recipes for groundhog stew ...lol

[Flybob]

Originally Posted by jscraig

It does have a 7 pin had towing package installed. Does that make a difference?

Remember it is much easier to tow something than it is to stop it in an emergency. You mention you had towing package installed. You need to inquire as to what was installed. Many times dealer installed towing packages mean they had a hitch and 7 pin connector installed. Factory installed towing packages usually include those two items PLUS an aux trans cooler and HD brakes. Depending on where you plan to tow, those two items could be critical. The real question should not be can I tow it, but can it tow it to my destination safely not worry the entire trip?

[KMP44]

Originally Posted by jefferson

I am wondering the same thing. i have a 2009 Ford F150 Supercrew 4x4XLT 4.6V8 with an aftermarket hitch. The sticker on the shows Towing Capacity 6000lbs/ Hitch Capacity 600lbs and Weight Distribution 11000lbs/ Hitch Capacity 1100lbs.

My trailer is about 6500lbs if it loaded to the max.

A couple things to consider - whether its your trailer or the OP's Shamrock 19, they have a similar frontal area and the same square profile. This will create a lot of drag. Towing a square front trailer "feels heavy." Much different than a popup or even a boat.

And with your trailer weight and truck specs you need to look at payload. That is usually the limiting factor for half ton trucks. Manufacturers put big tow ratings on these trucks and rv salesmen use those to sell people way too much trailer if they can a buck, but in reality, most half tons and full size suv's are over the rated payload from tongue weight, people, and gear long before the max tow rating is exceeded.

Our 23IKSS has a max GVWR of 6500. Weighed it loaded and it was 6200. Tongue weight was 800lbs, and that put my 5.4L F-150 w/ factory tow package within 50lbs of max GVWR. Every setup is different, but that's what we came up with.

Now, how well your actual combination tows and where/how far you tow and what your comfort level are will all affect your final decision. Until you actually try it, its hard to know for sure. And, keep in mind, towing adds wear and tear to the truck. Things like a transmission oil cooler that you get in factory tow package help with that.

[jefferson]

Thanks for the insight. The truck came with the oil cooler option and I have towed a lot of different combinations in the past so my comfort level is good. When I hear what others are towing with, i think I'm good.

Proper loading and smart driving.

[Happy Vibe]

Flyybob can you be specific about who has HD brakes as part of a tow package? I have never seen this myself.