Pulling my solaire 267bhsk

[danielabram71]

In August of 2014 i bought a 2015 solaire 267bhsk. Dry weight on sticker is about 5,200lb. I had a 2012 frontier but used my dads f150 to pull it. It had air bags and was nice. But in Dec of 14 I bought a 2014 gmc 1500. Has tow bottom but I have to put the hitch and electric brake in it. Was just wandering does anyone have any idea how well it will pull my camper.

[Flagstaffer06]

Daniel,

Welcome to the forum, we will need more information to help you out.

Body style-Reg Cab, Crew, or Extended Cab
Engine size
Payload
Rear end gear ratio
4x4 or 4x2

A quick look in the GMC literature shows the 1500 can be anywhere from 4400lbs tow rating all the way up to 10800.

Let us know, you'll get alot of help, maybe even more than you want!

[danielabram71]

3.42 is the gear ratio. Motor is 4.3 v6. Crew cab and is 4x4. I still need to put electric in. But I have been told that the plug for it is already there under the dash. Book says it will tow 7,100 lbs. I have weight distribution bars

[Flagstaffer06]

I don't have a 1500 so I can't speak specifically if the plug is under the dash but, on alot of trucks the plug is there. You''ll just need the adapter from the brake controller to that plug.

7100lbs is the max trailer weight that the truck is rated for by GMC. Your trailer is 5200lbs dry. Everyone's loaded weight is different but, a rule or thumb is 1000lbs some are less and some are more.

You'll need to watch your payload, check out the sticker on the door.

What type of hitch do you have? Brand, size? I think that your truck should tow this but, may struggle a little on some hills. If your hitch is setup properly, the truck should handle it fine.

If it's not setup properly, it could be a good handful for that truck.

There are many brands of weight distribution hitches, and they aren't all created equal.

I think the truck will do it, but only you will know for sure as comfort levels differ as well.

You can always set it all up and take it to a CAT scale too and see how you measure up. This will help with your WD hitch setup as well.

[danielabram71]

On the weight distribution setup not sure the brand but the guy I got it from said it was for 1000lb tongue weight. I do mostly short trips around home. But will do a couple longer trips through the year

[danielabram71]

Where can you do the CAT scale thing at?

[fonzie]

CAT Scale

[danielabram71]

Ok thinks.

[danielabram71]

I have another question. When I level my camper is the only way to do so with board or blocking under my tires. I have the four stabilizeing jacks on it but know they are just to keep it from rocking. Anyone have any input on this as well

[danielabram71]

Thanks I found a scale 35 miles from me

[fonzie]

Here some reading on levelling.......

https://www.google.ca/search?q=level...EZasyASi_YDYAw

[Flagstaffer06]

Yes, you never want to use the stabilizer jacks for leveling. On a travel trailer they are just for stabilizing.

There is a procedure for getting the best scale weights.

Forest River Forums - Downloads - How To Weigh | CAT Scale

That's the link from the library page but, if you go through the library there are also alot of other helpful resources there too.

That will tell you alot and it will help ensure you have your hitch setup the best.

By the way, what brand hitch do you have? What are the weights of the bars? Is it a chain type? Does it have sway control?

[danielabram71]

Not sure the brand. It's chian type. When I get home I will look and see if I can find out more

[danielabram71]

No sway control

[fonzie]

This is good reading on wd hitch and sway control.....

Common Weight Distribution and Sway Control Questions | etrailer.com

[pappagrif]

I have the similar issue had a 2012 Chevy Avalanche with the larger gear ratio 3.73, similar to the 1500. Only difference is we have the 267 bhD version palomino with dual slides(1 for kitchen).

Ended up being a bit much for the Avalanche on long out of state trips. Moved up to the 2015 gmc 2500hd



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