Towing and Toy Hauler with a 5.3L Silverado

Josh121 · May 20, 2016

This is an update from my previous thread.

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/182459-towing-a-toy-hauler-with-53l/page-1

So i got some mixed reviews if i would be able to comfortably tow my toy hauler with my 5.3L 2015 chevrolet silverado, but i decided to go ahead and buy the toy hauler.

Its a 2016 Pacific Coachworks Rage'n 22fbx. Weighs around 5900lbs dry

has a private bedroom in the front, large bathroom, kitchen, seating and bed lift in the back and patio kit.

I had basically zero experience with towing before this. I can happily say i had basically no problems towing the trailer. I had two people in the truck, gear in the bed, two dirt bikes in the toy hauler and supplies in the trailer. The unit has a 100 gallon fresh water tank and a 40 gallon gas tank. The 40 gallon gas tank was filled basically the entire time and i had the fresh water tank filled for a good portion of the trip. I could barely notice the added weight from the water and gas.

I started in Edmonton Alberta Canada, drove over 7500 kms (4660 miles) over the course of 3 weeks. Hit pretty much every kind of weather and terrain imaginable. Went to St.Anthony idaho, Little Sahara Utah, Glamis California, downtown L.A, Venice Beach, Las Vegas and multiple stops in between. Had Severe rain and wind storms, hail, and even a little snow. Even drove over soft sand in the dunes with the trailer to set up camping. Only had a slight problem with wind after my sway bar actually broke off my hitch (pretty sure i didn't set it up right) But i just slowed down to about 120-110 kph (74 mph) and i was fine. I was able to comfortably drive on the highway at 140 kph or about 86 mph. Going up most hills i was able to keep the speed at 130 kph (80 mph) but that would be with the pedal to the floor on the bigger hills. Of the entire trip there was only 2 hills where i got stuck at 90 kph (55 mpg) and its because i wasn't able to get the truck to downshift for some reason. I had a few moments where i needed the hit the breaks and never had any issues with being able to quickly and safely stop.

I will say my gas consumption was pretty terrible hahahah i was averaging around 10-12 miles per gallon.. its a good thing i had a gas card from my work hahaha.

grampadirt · May 20, 2016

Sounds like you had a ton of fun in your travels.Nice to be able to go on a long road trip with minimum problems.I'm also glad I was nowhere near you when you were towing at those speeds,towing that fast is not safe at all.

Josh121 · May 20, 2016

Sounds like you had a ton of fun in your travels.Nice to be able to go on a long road trip with minimum problems.I'm also glad I was nowhere near you when you were towing at those speeds,towing that fast is not safe at all.

my average highway speed was probably around 120 kph or 74 mph. sorry i should have clarified that. I only went to those higher speeds really to see if i could and did it on long straight highway roads with little traffic. Never had any problems or concerns. It was fine.

mookdoc6 · May 20, 2016

That is actually very good gas mileage......the ecoturds or ecoboosts would have gotten 8mpg's tops!

Josh121 · May 20, 2016

That is actually very good gas mileage......the ecoturds or ecoboosts would have gotten 8mpg's tops!

my gas mileage would be about 10-12 on flat roads and would go down to the 8 range on hills.

FishAr · May 20, 2016

my average highway speed was probably around 120 kph or 74 mph. sorry i should have clarified that. I only went to those higher speeds really to see if i could and did it on long straight highway roads with little traffic. Never had any problems or concerns. It was fine.

i doubt your trailer tires are rated for more than 65 mph.

Premature tire wear and a possible tire explosion from going that fast.

G Mcpherson · May 20, 2016

Would be interested to see what the loaded scale weight for your hauler is.

dmax_highcountry · May 20, 2016

Be careful at those speeds and weight. I had a '14 crew cab 1500 with a 5.3. Towed my Coachman 291QBS (dry weight 6,400 lbs with about 700 lbs tongue weight). Added an E2 sway and weight distribution hitch. Not the best idea for a half ton- the rear of the truck walked way too much. Thought about adding air bags to the rear to stiffen up the ride but "convinced" myself it was time to step up to a 2500. Night an day performance.

jhplak325 · May 20, 2016

Trailer tires are only rated for 65 mph, so I do not see how you were towing safely at all.

Having a hard time believing the fuel mileage also. You are probably around 7,000 lbs loaded and factor in the speeds you were going. Does not add up.

ShawnR · May 23, 2016

Beautiful looking combination you've got there. However, you're heading for a problem with those speeds. RV's are required to follow "truck rules" concerning speed limits and lane travel. It's a safety thing.

Josh121 · May 23, 2016

Beautiful looking combination you've got there. However, you're heading for a problem with those speeds. RV's are required to follow "truck rules" concerning speed limits and lane travel. It's a safety thing.

would have not known this. Will definitely be slowing down from here on out. Thank you very much

Josh121 · May 23, 2016

Trailer tires are only rated for 65 mph, so I do not see how you were towing safely at all.

Having a hard time believing the fuel mileage also. You are probably around 7,000 lbs loaded and factor in the speeds you were going. Does not add up.

will be sure to slow down. wasn't aware of the 65 mph for trailer tires. But by safely i mean i drove over 7000 kms with no accidents, incidents or feelings of unease. Other then the trailer tires possibly not being rated for over 65mph (even though i had no incidents with them either) i literally had no unease or incidents... so thats why i said i safely towed the trailer for 3 weeks and over 7000 kms.

I have no reason to lie. Next time i take the trailer out camping ill take a video for the gas mileage for you.

Josh121 · May 23, 2016

Beautiful looking combination you've got there. However, you're heading for a problem with those speeds. RV's are required to follow "truck rules" concerning speed limits and lane travel. It's a safety thing.

will slow down next time. Although i did notice maybe less than 10 percent of people hauling trailers abide by those rules lol.

j-ten-ner · May 23, 2016

...Will definitely be slowing down from here on out...

Good call. Be safe.

so long

j-ten-ner

grampadirt · May 24, 2016

Good Call Josh You have a very nice rig and we all hope you can enjoy it for a long time.Sometimes going so fast you miss things,slow down and smell the roses(old dirt bike saying).