Towing, Hauling & Hitches Latest Topics

New To Me NEO

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 08:37:46 +0000

Picked up a 6 x 12 NEO to haul my sled. Getting too old to do the in the box hauling, plus not sure how the alum' tailgate would hold up in the long run.

A lower drop hitch has been purchased since.

Trailer tire recommendations

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 17:45:34 +0000

Our 8'x20' Ainsley's Angels trailer tires are aging out. Great tread but over 7yrs old. Need to get 5 new tires. Currently it has Good Ride ST 205x75-15 load range C. I plan on going up to at least a D. Not much weight since the running chairs are not that heavy, may be around 5k lbs trailer weight loaded. What's a good brand?

Trailer Sway Control Questions

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 02:35:41 +0000

I asked over on the Forest River Forum, but the respondents were in the dark like me but curious too.

If towing & the truck's electronics detect trailer sway, is there any indication on the cluster icons or info center that the TSC has been activated?

TV is a 2024 Silverado 2500HD SBCC gasser. Truck is not equipped w/ the 5th wheel/Gooseneck package.

We were also wondering w/ trucks equipped w/ the electronic TSC is it necessary to use an aftermarket sway control device?

TIA

T1XX Hitch Drawbar Issue

Wed, 21 May 2025 15:40:31 +0000

Last fall after camping season, I replaced my 2017 K2XX 3/4 ton w/ a 2024 T1XX 3/4 ton. Last week was the 1st time I hooked up to my Rockwood Mimi Lite 2106 w/ the new truck. After hooking up I went to lower the tailgate, to put the caster in the box & grab the sway control, I found I could not completely lower the tailgate. W/ the 2017, there was no interference between the top pf the tailgate & the tongue jack. Afterwards I took some measurements & redrilled the hole in the drawbar 3" 'forward. Yes the drawbar is still completely in the receiver, but the amount it sticks out rearward is noticeable.

I know there has been talk online about the Multipro tailgate interference w/ trailers since its intro, but nothing about the conventional tailgate. Has anyone had the same experience?

Service Trailer Brake System?

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 21:57:25 +0000

Service trailer brake system come on my Vehicle Information Center an im not sure why, I accidentally grounded a hot wire under the dash when i was hooking up my work lights on my rack. I have checked the fuse under the hood and disconnected the battery for 15 minutes an it still comes on. If you squeeze the blades the input comes up on the dash its on a 2011 Sierra 1500 with integrated TBCS. Id rather not deal with the hassle of going to the dealer and having them fix it but i will if i have to Thanks

Settle an argument: TSC vs Sway Bars

Sun, 27 Dec 2020 17:58:01 +0000

About to pick up a new travel trailer next week. It’s well below all maximum load limits of my 5.3 CC with Max Tow, so not worried about that. Called up a couple of buddies that tow travel trailers often and got conflicting advice regarding the Trailer Sway Control system. One friend swears that a sway control hitch is nice to have, but overkill because the truck’s electronic TSC is quicker to react to sway than the mechanical system, but if I do install a sway hitch be sure to deactivate the TSC as they will work against each other.

Friend #2 insists a sway hitch is necessary as it will prevent sway from happening in the first place, but leave TSC turned on as a backup.
I’ve searched all over and found opinions supporting both options. Neither friend has ever had a problem operating their own ways, so hard to say who’s right.
What say everyone here?

Safety Chain Hookup

Wed, 26 Apr 2017 19:05:04 +0000

We aren't a big fan of the hitch setup on our 2500HD in regards to attaching the safety chains for our Arctic Fox 22G trailer. As you can see in the pics, the hooks are too big for the rather odd hitch hole arrangement. Even if I were to remove the little latch on the hook it still won't quite go through the holes. So, the dealer came up with the smaller chain and quick link type solution so we can attach the safety chains. I guess I don't like the added length from this setup.

I really don't want to drill more holes or grind on the existing ones. I've tried a bigger quick link by itself but it won't go all the way around and through both holes. This GMC hitch setup is just weird. I've looked at a little bit smaller hooks for the safety chains but then they won't fit all the way through on the hitch. Maybe I just haven't found the right hook yet?

Anyone else run into this problem and what solution did you come up with that you are satisfied with?

Lets See Some Towing Pics!

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:03:47 +0000

This is my 2009 Chevrolet Silverado LT with a 5.3. Got it in March 09 and loving it. Recently installed a 3inch suspension lift (not pictured, I'll post some later). I tow my 2005 Angler 204fx.

The Toy:

The Rig:

2011 Wells Cargo Trailer Question

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 23:32:28 +0000

My above trailer; 6x10' single axle was purchased new in 2011 with electric brakes.................i ordered it that way.

They were a PITA from within the first year..............constantly adjusting.................finally quit working about 2016, and I never bothered to repair or replace them. Drove a few years with them frozen/not applying. Then there was noise.

So I pulled apart the both sides, removed all brake paraphernalia, cut the electric lines, and put new bearing, races, and seals in the existing drum hubs. Hubs were tough looking..............a lot of rust scale that I could peel off with my fingers, and even more with a wire brush. At the time I thought they may be compromised...............but I reinstalled with new innards. Have been fine since; but if I traveled more than 40 miles a day, that was a lot.

My question is this.....................This trailer came with the Dexter torsion axle with electric brakes. Can I replace the old electric brake drum/hub with a standard hub???? New bearings, races, and seals of course.

Thanks.

Towing and MultiPro Tailgate

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 21:53:37 +0000

I'm considering a hard fold up tonneau to secure items, but figure I'll be needing to access my bed when hooked up to my fishing boat and/or TT. I'll need access via tailgate.

When you are towing (ex. fishing boat or even a TT) and want to access truck bed via tailgate, how do you handle making sure that the step portion does not deploy? If it did, it would be smashed!!!

Is there any way to lock out the step portion?

Thanks!

Towing with the LZ0, EXPERIENCES?

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 15:47:40 +0000

I have a '23 Sierra 1500 CC SLT 4wd and X31 off-road packages. I'm looking at a travel trailer that is 24' (29' overall) dry weight of 5,300 lbs and tongue wt of 577 lbs. Per the door tag, GVWR IS 7,200 LBS. max. trailer is 8,800 lbs, TW 880 lbs, and GCWR of 15,000 lbs.

The truck loaded will be 6,700 lbs, trailer loaded will be around 6,500 lbs. for 13,200 lbs. I'll be using a WDH.

So is this enough truck and what experiences, rigs etc. do you tow?

Thanks!

Front Lights ideas

Sat, 17 Jun 2023 00:30:50 +0000

I'm looking for ideas. I use a Propride 3P hitch for my travel trailer, which won't allow me to use a bike rack double stack on the hitch like I have done with previous hitch setups. So I got a front receiver hitch for the truck, and I just use my Swagman 3 bike rack on it.

However, last year (2 years ago?), we got caught in heavy rain at night, with the bikes mounted on the front, and I could hardly see because my headlights were mostly blocked. Fortunately, we were on a divided 4 lane highway, and I was able to pull over until it was safe to drive. But I got to thinking....what if I was on a curvy country road, or something else less than ideal?

I want to put lights on the front, but I'm not sure what I want to do. I don't really want to mount lights on the hood or cab; I am not sure lights mounted below or on the front bumper would help the situation.

Truck is 21 years old, but I love it and want to keep it, but also don't want to sink a ton of money, unless it is a top shelf idea.

So what other ideas are there?

2022 Sierra brake control system disconnect

Sat, 17 Sep 2022 16:12:31 +0000

22 Sierra

Elevation

Trailer brakes

Towing a gooseneck with a 1500

Thu, 28 Sep 2017 03:11:48 +0000

Thinking about going to a gooseneck over my bumper pull for my tractor to get ride of the sway when I have everything on the trailer I can't get enough tongue weight is there anyone that pulls a gooseneck with a 1500 and what are your experiences with them I have the 6.2 with the 8 speed and it pulls it fine now other then the sway but the trailer it self will add 1400 lbs

Daily towing

Thu, 26 May 2022 13:07:17 +0000

I have a 2011 Silverado 1500 LT Z71. I’m getting a 16’ enclosed trailer soon for my business and wondering what all I need to upgrade on my truck to pull this daily full of tools (roughly 1500lbs+trailer). I don’t really want to get a new truck right now.

2020 - 7 pin charging circuit over-current protection?

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 15:22:59 +0000

I have a 2020 Sierra 1500, and just purchased a dump trailer for occasional personal use.

There are general reports (not vehicle specific) of people blowing the charging circuit fuse if they don't unplug dump trailers prior to using the hydraulics. It seems to stem from a low charge on the trailer battery, and then drawing too much current through the tow vehicle charging system when operating the lift.

With everything computer controlled in these new vehicles, is there a built in protection from this type of occurrence, where I don't need to be mindful to unplug the trailer prior to operating the dump hydraulics?

2011 Suburban LTZ Overheating

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 21:08:30 +0000

Hey Guys, I have a 2011 suburban that my wife and I with our 4 boys use to tow a 25ft ultra light camper. It weights in around 4800 lbs dry. My trans seems to struggle with keeping cool every time we tow with it. Ive looked into adding external trans coolers and such, but im looking for some advise as to how I can solve this problem.

Thanks,

Jordan.

Enclosed trailer and a 1500

Sat, 08 Jan 2022 17:43:27 +0000

Looking for advice from those that pull enclosed trailers. I have a 5.3 without max tow and looking at moving cross country this summer. My preference is to pack as much as possible in an enclosed trailer, move and sell the trailer. I intend to use a WDH, I probably will find an aluminum trailer.

I don’t think I am going to tow more than 7/8k lbs, so I’m really looking at floor space/volume. Is a 20x8 out of line for my truck? What’s the biggest size I can tow? Am I better off going shorter and 8/8.5’ wide or 7’ wide and longer?

Service Trailer Brake System message

Mon, 13 Mar 2017 23:04:18 +0000

My 2014 1500 LTZ crew cab started giving the "Service Trailer Brake System" message last summer while towing our camper during a heavy rain storm. Shortly after this message came in, I received a message saying the Braking System was Disabled. I figured it was our camper since it is 7 yrs old and didn't think much of it since it was our last camping trip of the yr and we were nearly home. In December I bought a new enclosed trailer and while towing the brand new trailer home the "Service Trailer Brake System" came on 3 times in 10 miles. I had the truck in for service and recall work in February before a long trip and had the dealer check it, the truck is still under it's Bumper To Bumper warranty with only 25000 miles. I was told there was no "Code" in my system so they wouldn't/didn't do anything more to fix it. A couple days later we headed out for our trip and the "Service Trailer Brake System" message chimed in 3 times in 2 minute with no trailer attached to the truck! I have put an additional 3000 miles (without towing) on the truck and the message has NOT returned since the beginning of our trip. The first time it happened conditions were very wet but both times since have been during dry weather. For me towing time is approaching and I need this fixed. Please offer any ideas I can forward to the Dealership. I have contact GM's Customer Service Team but have not heard anything in going on 2 weeks.

Hitch recommendation for '21 2500 AT4 towing 13K LB 5th Wheel

Mon, 31 May 2021 15:15:05 +0000

I get my '21 Sierra 2500 AT4 tomorrow. I got it so we can get a 5th Wheel Camper.

Truck is standard bed with 5th Wheel Prep. Trailer is around 13KLB (GVWR is 15,000). What hitch do you recommend for it?

I am leaning towards the B&W slider:

https://www.etrailer.com/Fifth-Wheel-Hitch/B-and-W/BWRVK3770.html

Single Axle Trailer VS Dual Axle Trailer

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 12:14:02 +0000

Besides weight capacity are their advantages to dual axles?

brake controller

Sun, 08 Aug 2021 17:39:53 +0000

install gm brake control on 2014 suburban LTZ after market.

Transmission Overheating?

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 02:24:07 +0000

I recently purchased a 2013 Sierra HD with around 197K miles on it. I bought it to tow an enclosed trailer which weighs around 3500 to 4000 lbs fully loaded. one day while driving I switched to the transmission temp display to see what it was reading and found the temp to be running around 240 degrees. I took it in to my mechanic to have it looked at having read that anything over 200 degrees is considered to be overheating. My mechanic looked things over and told me that the transmission looks to have been replaced at some point in time and the lines also looked to be new than the rest of the underbody. The fluid looked and smelled normal. no signs of burning.

So my question is... What is considered normal running temp for the transmission under normal towing load? Ive been seeing widely varied opinions but nothing that says factory-wise what is normal.

If the 240 mark is high will an aux trans cooler solve the problem? Also what could be the reason(s) it is running hot? Thanks in advance

I have questions

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 14:31:57 +0000

Sooo supposed to go camping this weekend, a few hours drive. Anyways my truck will be out of service unfortunately. I do however have access to my fathers 16 F250 gas. Thing has almost twice the payload of my truck lol, like 3250lbs. Question is, do I bother with the WD hitch or run it without? I know it doesnt need Weight distribution, but I like the idea for anti sway. I hitched up yesterday just to get an idea with the WD and looks fairly level to me, mind you the truck is down a bit on the driveway. I almost feel like I should adjust the hitch angle some, but then I have to set it back up for my truck after the weekend and blah maybe Im over thinking things.

halp??

Chevrolet TTPMS

Fri, 14 May 2021 22:17:48 +0000

I have a 2021 2500 Silverado hd

my trailer tires are more than the recommended 23’ from the back of the truck and I’m struggling to get the sensors to read on the screen

Any ideas?