Flat towing full size truck w/ Georgetown XL

[Mike60]

Here we go... did not find any threads on this so I thought I would ask I have a Chevy Silverado that weighs 4750 lbs. I want to flat tow behind our Georgetown XL Gasser. The hitch weight is 5k. Is that cutting it to close? Should I get the next size up hitch? Not to fond of the one on there now-"Buyers" brand, never heard of it is that from China? All advice and input appreciated.

[DougW]

The 5K hitch should be fine, more likely the reason the tow capacity is rated at 5K is because of the GCVWR of the MH. You certainly want a brake unit in the toad, then you should be fine.

[spicercars]

If you can afford to change the hitch I would change it. The truck weight listed empty? If so it won't take much more to be right at or over you hitch weight. If you change it then you won't have to worry. Just my 2 cents.

[kenandterry]

Originally Posted by Mike60

Here we go... did not find any threads on this so I thought I would ask I have a Chevy Silverado that weighs 4750 lbs. I want to flat tow behind our Georgetown XL Gasser. The hitch weight is 5k. Is that cutting it to close? Should I get the next size up hitch? Not to fond of the one on there now-"Buyers" brand, never heard of it is that from China? All advice and input appreciated.

Just because some people have never heard of a brand of product, does not automatically mean “is that from China?”
The internet is a great assistance.....here you go.

https://www.buyersproducts.com/catalog/towing-12

[db7512]

My 2 cents no, down size your toad. Your GT had a 5K hitch installed for a reason and your actual tow limits may be less than 5K. The chassis is not designed to pull a heavy weight. This is engine/breaking/suspension all factored in for Safe operations. Also the actual weight of the truck with extra gear will proably increase the total.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by kenandterry

Just because some people have never heard of a brand of product, does not automatically mean “is that from China?”
The internet is a great assistance.....here you go.

https://www.buyersproducts.com/catalog/towing-12

And scroll to the bottom of the page to read

Founded in 1946, Buyers Products is a fully integrated manufacturer and a leader in the truck equipment industry. Our engineering, manufacturing and assembly operations take place in the USA.

[jkoenig24]

You state your Silverado weighs 4750#. Is that the GVWR or the actual weight? Either way, the HITCH weight should only be a percentage of the actual weigh of the toad and or trailer. I am NOT familiar with your RV so I will not comment on your set up. The "numbers" ARE confusing and, that's one area where RV Boot Camp really shines. RVBC can take a complex topic and present it in such a way that all those numbers can be understood. You NEED to get YOUR rig "Smart Weighed". This important service is often offered at major rallies (which during the Covid19 Pandemic have all been canceled). The weight you'll get at a CAT scale will NOT give you the results you need (it can be done BUT, multiple repositioning of the RV and the toad are involved). Smart Weigh is done by trained technicians who will go over YOUR numbers after they Smart Weigh your rig. Unless you make MAJOR changes, Smart Weigh is a ONE TIME expense that is actually is modest (figure $40 ~ $80 depending on your configuration). Escapees RV Club run their own program. The RVSEF can often be found at FMCA and smaller RV events. Walter Cannon at RVSEF states that MORE THAN 50% of RVs they weigh are overweight in at least one parameter. Overweight RVs are a major cause of tire failures. Check the Escapees and RVSEF websites. The rig you save may be your own.

[PenJoe]

It would be suggested to sell the 5,000 lb hitch and opt for a 7,500 lb hitch. In one instance, I was in your dilemma and made the change. There is too much at stake when being on the edge of limits.

[Bob2019]

Consider downsize your load for a number of reasons: Weight of that truck adds more stress to the whole motorhome and hitch. Even if you have an excellent brake system, it will still take more distance to stop. Any environmental concerns with the extra energy and pollution from the motorhome towing the truck? What about driving around with the truck? I have seen several motorhomes towing a Surburban? A Suburban is needed as a toad?

[CurtPutnam]

Not going to comment on tongue weight or GCVWR but instead, I'll simply ask whether or not a Silverado can be flat towed at all. Chevrolet cars cannot be flat towed, ADAIK.

[NXR]

There is a thread on the Georgetown forum that I started asking why the XL and it’s GT7 replacement have a 5K hitch when the GCWR is 30,000 and the GVWR is 24,000. An FR employee responded that it’s solely for safety reasons.

The next hitch size up is 7,500 lbs and they did not want people thinking they could tow that much or more.

I’d upgrade the hitch and be fine with that weight.

Ray

[Scrapper]

Originally Posted by CurtPutnam

Not going to comment on tongue weight or GCVWR but instead, I'll simply ask whether or not a Silverado can be flat towed at all. Chevrolet cars cannot be flat towed, ADAIK.

A 4WD Silverado can be flat towed. Look up Recreational Vehicle Towing in your owners manual. 2018 Silverado Owners Manual Page 426-427.

[CurtPutnam]

OP did not state the year for, or drive system in his truck. Too lazy to go get my manual, especially since I do not have the problem.

I think you are correct. AFAIK, only conventional 4WD vehicles can be flat towed anymore with maybe an exception or two.

[Wesley1249]

We have a 2016 Georgetown 378 TS XL that we use to tow q 2001 full size Chevy Tahoe that weighs 4500 lbs. and have no problem what so ever. Someone said you can’t tow a Chevy and that is absolutely incorrect. Our Tahoe is even 4 wheel drive and if you read the manual you will find out its flat towable. We use a Blue Ox tow bar 7500 weight capacity and a Patriot breaking system. We have towed through the Rockies and had no problems for 30 k miles. It does make for a long rig and limits where you can stop for gas. Good luck and enjoy.

[satdog01]

We have 2020 GT5 31L that had a 5k hitch. We flat tow a 2015 GMC Canyon 4WD which weighs 4800 on Cat scales. We haul a 300 pound Cricket cart and ramps. I spent a lengthy time on phone with Ford engineer. Came away with upgrade hitch and keep tv weight under 5400 pounds which allows for extra storage in tv.. GWR etc comes into play as tow weight goes up. Notice new hitch has more bolts and a little more beefy. Added less that 20# difference in weight.

[NXR]

Originally Posted by satdog01

We have 2020 GT5 31L that had a 5k hitch. We flat tow a 2015 GMC Canyon 4WD which weighs 4800 on Cat scales. We haul a 300 pound Cricket cart and ramps. I spent a lengthy time on phone with Ford engineer. Came away with upgrade hitch and keep tv weight under 5400 pounds which allows for extra storage in tv.. GWR etc comes into play as tow weight goes up. Notice new hitch has more bolts and a little more beefy. Added less that 20# difference in weight.

May I ask the make and model of hitch you installed? Did you do the work yourself or have a hitch shop install it? If you had someone else do all the work, would you mind saying what it cost?

It looks like you have a 22,000 GVWR chassis with a 26,000 GCWR, unlike the OP who has a 6,000lb difference.

Ray