2014 Silverado and 27rkss

[buzzboik]

Hello, new to the Forum. I've searched and searched for anyone talking about the 2014 Silverado 5.3 and 3.42 rear end pulling a wildwood 27rkss. I've run all the numbers and it certainly looks to be towards the high end of gross combined weight and pulling limits. But not at max (about 1500 below max pulling amount). I was looking to see if anyone has actually had a towing experience with this combo? Feedback appreciated. Thanks. Dan

[Great Laker]

I towed my current TT with a 2012 1500 Chevy Crew Cab. Power was no issue, but the tongue weight wreaked havoc on my crew cab wheel base. After adjusting my w/d hitch and replacing my tires with LT tires I was pretty comfortable driving. Definately made a big difference in the rear end with the tires. My trailer is a comparable model although heavier and longer. I would not have any concerns with the right set up.

[W4NT3D]

Dan,

I have the 2014 LTZ, I pull a HW296, I know weights are different but mine pulls very nice. Not much of a help, I just like talking about my rig😜


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[S1LV3R4D0]

Whats the specs on the trailer. Im pulling a Wildcat Maxx T28RLS with a 2013 z71. 5.3, 3.42 gears. Diablo tuned the engine. Weight distribution hitch. Works just fine. My Truck has no issues pulling my trailer. I dont try to do 65 goin up hills but we aint in a hurry. We want to get to our destination safely and enjoy life. Mileage sucks, about 10-11mpg but what do you expect pullin that kinda weight.

[buzzboik]

GVWR on the trailer is 7720. Sticker says 6450 dry. Tongue weight is ~720 dry. I'll have a 1200 lb weight distributing hitch on it. numbers work. Glad to hear the feedback on pulling experience. Thanks much.

[S1LV3R4D0]

Make sure you got some sort of sway control and a good brake controller also and you should be good to go.

[tmarshall]

Hi
I have the same trailer only I have an 06 Silverado Z71 same rears and motor. I have no problem loading the trl up and still well under gross. Its a nice pulling trl tows nicer the my 24 kodiac we had.

[hilitephoto]

I used to tow a Freedom Express that is roughly the same size as your Trailer.
I towed it with a 2002 Avalanche with the 5.3 It did fine in the Michigan flatlands but when I attacked the larger hills in Northern Lower Michigan it fell short. It can be done but the 5.3 is just too underpowered for the hills. I upgraded with the '14 2500 with the Duramax which is overkill but fifth wheel is comming.

[MKClark]

2014 1/2 ton Silverado, 5.3 and 3.42 pulling 2015 2819VS Windjammer 31', dry weight 6,239 with 794 hitch weight. Pulls just find in flat lands of North Texas. Run about 60 to 65 mph.
___________________
MK Clark

[Robbsails]

I have a 2011 Silverado with a 3.08 rear end!!! Does anyone know where I can get a better rear end for towing. I'm limited to 7000 lbs. and love the truck!

[Ncgrandma]

We are looking into a new Silverado or GMC 1500 with 5.3l V8 3.42 rear axle ratio towing a 2015 21DK dry weight 3946 adding 1-1.5k loaded. Have a Reese weight distribution hitch. Added weight in truck approx 650lbs. Looking at local and cross country towing, flat and mountains. Since we are new to this, am I in the ballpark with my vehicle choice? Or should I be looking at a 1500 or 2500 HD with a higher # rear axel ratio, bigger engine? Thanks


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[Ncgrandma]

Forgot to add. We are looking at crew or double cab. Dog and grand kids need space!


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[buzzboik]

I would certainly think so? No practical experience yet, but the numbers will certainly work. Look at the combined gross numbers for the truck and for the trailer to be sure. May need the next level up of rear end for the hills? You're starting with the same truck and a trailer that weighs a ton less than the one i'm getting and I'm still safely under the max for the fully loaded numbers for the truck and trailer..

[mduff]

We have a 2013 Silverado 1500 with the tow package and tow a Wildwood 26TBSS. To date towed through Gros Morne in NL, and Cape Breton Highlands in NS with no issue. Have the Reese dual cam hitch set up with integrated sway control.


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[buzzboik]

Well, took it camping for the maiden voyage this weekend. The truck can pull the camper pretty easily from a power perspective. Both times I've pulled it now have been a bit hairy from a trailer sway perspective though. Granted, both days were pretty windy.. but it was scary a couple of times. I changed the tires to Michelin LT grade tires and that helped some, but not enough. I have a weight distributing hitch and a single sway bar.. Truck looks good from a weight/squat perspective but I still get sway. I'm going to get a second sway bar and make sure my weight is distributed evenly front to rear.. Hopefully the next trip will be a little require my knuckles to be a little less white.

[SilverbackMel]

Just a suggestion ....if I had a TT again vs fifth wheel, I would do research on those Hensley hitch systems. More expensive, however, reviews are very positive. Nothing worse than white knuckle towing, been there, not again!

There is a reason some systems cost heavily.....they get the job done!
Of course you also need the correct TV setups as well. 😁🏁

[buzzboik]

Took it across the state this weekend after adding the second sway bar. That seems to help quite a bit. 60 - 65mph was ok with only a little wind. The ride home was in 35+mph.. that was an adventure to be sure..

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by buzzboik

Took it across the state this weekend after adding the second sway bar. That seems to help quite a bit. 60 - 65mph was ok with only a little wind. The ride home was in 35+mph.. that was an adventure to be sure..

Tighten the both down as tight as you can get them. They should make noise when you turn into a drive or street.

[MickeyD]

Driving around with a swaying trailer (windy or not) takes the fun out of camping. Here are a few other things to try.

- Upgrade your shocks to real heavy duty ones (the ones that make the ride sort of bad).

- Add a rear anti-sway bar to the truck if you don't already have one. I think they are standard on the Z-71 series.

- Run your tires at max psi.

- Get a ProPride or Hensley hitch.

- If all else fails, get a bigger truck (what I did).

[Brewhedd]

I don't have a 5.3 but I do tow the same trailer with a '15 Silverado 1500 V6. The tow rating difference between the two is about 900 lbs. The V6 is 285 hp/ 300 lb-ft and I have had no issues at all.