Towing review Silverado 3500

[Brewhedd]

Trailer: Rockwood TT 32' overall, 6000 lbs
Old Truck: 2015 Silverado 1500
New Truck: 2018 Silverado 3500 dual rears Duramax.

In anticipation of buying a 5th wheel in a couple years it was decided to purchase the tow vehicle now. The 1500 pulled the trailer fine with a Equalizer hitch. The sway was not completely eliminated but there was very little. Climbing hills meant downshifts to the 3500 to 4000 rpm range. Overall not a bad experience but never felt 100% relaxed.

The 3500 is a whole new experience, completely stress free relaxed towing. Haven't set up the Equalizer, towing with hitch head only. There is zero sway except when a large SUV passes, don't even feel a semi passing. This has always been the case, never quite understood why SUV's would cause more disturbance than a semi. Anyway, the sway is of no concern, it is barely felt. Never a downshift out of 6th gear, although in FL we are not exactly climbing mountains. Truck is rock solid, a pleasure to tow.

1/2 tons rated to tow upwards of 12,000 lbs are available but I can't imagine towing with one. I would recommend a 3/4 ton or larger truck to anyone planning to tow anything over 24'. It makes towing so much easier.

[aeblank]

It's hard to have too much truck. I have a 2500 duramax and a 23' TT. Nothing phases it. We push hard when trying to get somewhere and I'm no more fatigued from 12 hour days than in a car (driving or not).

[Cypressloser]

I agree with you, the 3500 D/A is a good reliable truck with lots of power.
I only wish GM would finally increase the payload capacity to at least match the other big 2 on the 3500 DRW trucks and get away from the 16" tires, it's not helping with their sales numbers.

[timfromma]

I will own one of those too some day.

[spock123]

If I was going to buy a new 3500 it would be a dually, it’s like somebody said you can’t have to much truck. I like Silverado’s but I would definitely look at a Ford and a Ram. I bet there isn’t two cents worth of difference between all three

[BandJCarm]

Chevy born
Chevy bred
and when I die
I'll be Chevy dead

LOL

My Denali will make coffee, dispense toilet paper, solve crime, and pull a house. I'm sure others are fine. But until a GMC will not do the job, that's what I'll own.

[bshort]

Originally Posted by BandJCarm

Chevy born
Chevy bred
and when I die
I'll be Chevy dead

LOL

My Denali will make coffee, dispense toilet paper, solve crime, and pull a house. I'm sure others are fine. But until a GMC will not do the job, that's what I'll own.

I drive Chevy's too, but if the Ford wasn't so ugly and the Dodge wasn't...well a Dodge, I would consider them too.

[timfromma]

I heard this the other day and it made me chuckle.

80% of all Fords built since 2000 are still on the road.
The other 20% made it to their destination.

[checkmate99]

Originally Posted by timfromma

I heard this the other day and it made me chuckle.

80% of all Fords built since 2000 are still on the road.
The other 20% made it to their destination.

Thanks for that one, Timfromma! Funniest pickup truck line I have ever heard! And I've owned all three brands.

[kayo]

I have A 2013 Chev. 3500 Duramax dually with 17" tires pulling a 16,000# Primetime. 65000 miles with no problems. 11.4 mph towing, 14.8 around town and 18 highway (not towing) After having an 'Allison transmission in my previous MH on a workhorse chassis for 80,000 trouble free miles. it is the primary reason I went with
Chevy

[aeblank]

Didn't take long to be a brand battle. What, 4 replies (I didn't count, but it couldn't have been more than that).

[EdnKat]

Originally Posted by aeblank

Didn't take long to be a brand battle. What, 4 replies (I didn't count, but it couldn't have been more than that).

Yep, these GM, FOMOCO, MOPAR guys n gals, been that way since they were toddlers. Owned 'em all, liked 'em all.

[aeblank]

Originally Posted by EdnKat

Yep, these GM, FOMOCO, MOPAR guys n gals, been that way since they were toddlers. Owned 'em all, liked 'em all.

I bought my fav as well, but practically speaking....as if it matters.

[Cypressloser]

Originally Posted by timfromma

I heard this the other day and it made me chuckle.

80% of all Fords built since 2000 are still on the road.
The other 20% made it to their destination.

I was in the 80% group twice

[timfromma]

Originally Posted by aeblank

Didn't take long to be a brand battle. What, 4 replies (I didn't count, but it couldn't have been more than that).

Apparently, your funny bone is broken so here's an updated version that I hope is more to your liking.


80% of all [insert your least favorite vehicle brand here] built since 2000 are still on the road.

The other 20% made it to their destination.

[aeblank]

I very much liked it. An oldie but goodie...

Every truck discussion will end up in a brand "battle". Just the nature of it, I guess. I find that entertaining as well.

[hollandsam]

I just also recently made the move to a DRW Chevy 3500HD. I have a grand total of 1700 miles on it so far and only towed once but really noticed the difference compared to my previous 2017 SRW Ford Super Duty. Great truck but not the relaxed feeling with the DRW. I tow '17 Cedar Creek 34RL2. About 14 or 15K so DRW is much better suited.

[doc73]

I said the same thing when I moved to the diesel from our 1500.the first trip was over the Appalachian mountains.. Had the cruise set at 65 from our house to Ohio.. No stress, no fuss no muss.. Did not even need to stop for fuel, 400 and some miles. I'll never go back!

[Big Bill]

I have a 17 3500 SRW quite a truck! A little overkill for you but you can upgrade easily . I think 🤔 I’d still use the equalizer hitch it will make it safer

[RJHuser]

Originally Posted by timfromma

80% of all Fords built since 2000 are still on the road.
The other 20% made it to their destination.

FORD = Fix Or Repair Daily

FORD = Found On Road Dead

Rick