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Small travel trailer advice for my 2014 Silverado needed

Txjose

By Txjose
in Towing, Hauling & Hitches

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Txjose Senior Enthusiast

Txjose

Posted
Posted

Ok so long story short.

 

I don't tow much but now find the need for a travel trailer as i am more and more finding it harder to find decent places to live when getting shipped off all over the US for work.

 

I want a small travel trailer.... Not too small but i dont need a 30ft with pop outs or whatever. Its just me and maybe my girl if i can ever convince her to quit her job and tag along to pamper me haha.

 

I have a 2014 silverado 1500 double cab with the 3.08 rear end, i do plan on upgrading to 4.10s front and rear later on but right now thats what I have.

 

I don't know where to look, start, or even what to do.

 

Please someone educate me :)

 

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ember1205 Senior Enthusiast

ember1205

Posted
Posted

3.08 rear end will tow fine for lower trailer weights. You'll give up some fuel economy, but should have NO issue towing anything up to about 4000lbs or even a bit more. As you get closer to the max tow limit for your truck, it will work harder and harder to maintain speed, climb hills, accelerate, etc. The larger gears will help you when you tow to drag heavier trailers, but you're going to sacrifice fuel economy when you aren't towing.

 

I would suggest that you try to get a really solid feel of what kind of weight you'll be towing before you worry about how well it will tow and whether you need to consider changing out the gears.

Txjose Senior Enthusiast

Txjose

Posted
  • Author
Posted

3.08 rear end will tow fine for lower trailer weights. You'll give up some fuel economy, but should have NO issue towing anything up to about 4000lbs or even a bit more. As you get closer to the max tow limit for your truck, it will work harder and harder to maintain speed, climb hills, accelerate, etc. The larger gears will help you when you tow to drag heavier trailers, but you're going to sacrifice fuel economy when you aren't towing.

 

I would suggest that you try to get a really solid feel of what kind of weight you'll be towing before you worry about how well it will tow and whether you need to consider changing out the gears.

Gears are more for the "go faster" itch but nit necessary.

 

I have towed before but its always been smaller trailers and maybe i have done a 3Klb trailer with this truck. Again towing noob to the weights and propper way to tow and all that.

 

Im very comfortable with hauling something just want to make sure its within safe guidelines as i could be going anywhere in the US.

 

So something thats in the 4K lb range wouldn't be too hard on the truck?

 

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ember1205 Senior Enthusiast

ember1205

Posted
Posted

Your specific truck will have its max rating for GVWR, GTWR, and GCWR on a label in the door frame. Those numbers are based 100% on the build for your truck, including the gear ratios. If what you're intending to tow is within all of those ratings, you're good to go.

 

Be advised that if you end up wanting to tow a trailer that EXCEEDS those numbers, you can make changes like you suggested for the gears, but your truck will NEVER be able to be certified to tow those heavier weights according to DOT / GM.

Txjose Senior Enthusiast

Txjose

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Got it.

 

Whats a good travel trailer to look for? As long as its in the low 20s i dont want to finance much more then that but if its worth it il consider it.

 

What do i look for and all that jazz on trailers?

 

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GPGuy Senior Enthusiast

GPGuy

Posted
Posted

To increase your number and quality of replies it's always best to use a more detailed title for each thread. Even something simple for this thread could be "Small travel trailer suggestions for my 2014 Silverado"

Jon A Senior Enthusiast

Jon A

Posted
Posted

Your specific truck will have its max rating for GVWR, GTWR, and GCWR on a label in the door frame.

 

There is a GVWR sticker and a Payload/tire sticker. GTWR and GCWR numbers do not appear on any sticker on any part of the vehicle. If somebody wanted to hassle him they'd need to look in the owners manual....

Txjose Senior Enthusiast

Txjose

Posted
  • Author
Posted

 

There is a GVWR sticker and a Payload/tire sticker. GTWR and GCWR numbers do not appear on any sticker on any part of the vehicle. If somebody wanted to hassle him they'd need to look in the owners manual....

Bought used and didn't have a manual :(

 

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GPGuy Senior Enthusiast

GPGuy

Posted
Posted

I'm partial to Airstreams. They tow great. Not the cheapest option though.

 

They are truly one of the best made and longest lasting trailers too... not to mention usually pretty light too.

aeblank Enthusiast

aeblank

Posted
Posted

Since you're not picky, buy used and save lots of cash. Plenty of people "plan" to camp and never do. 22' strikes me as a nice size...

 

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runsdeep Enthusiast

runsdeep

Posted
Posted

RV trader.com is a good place to look new or used, with what your wanting & being an avid TT owner pulling a 32' Laredo with an HD, maybe look into a Jayco, Jay flight in the 22'-24' range we had a good used one a few yrs. back pulling it with my 1500 5.3 & 3;08s I think we paid in the mid-high teens for it out the door. Good luck in your search.

Txjose Senior Enthusiast

Txjose

Posted
  • Author
Posted

RV trader.com is a good place to look new or used, with what your wanting & being an avid TT owner pulling a 32' Laredo with an HD, maybe look into a Jayco, Jay flight in the 22'-24' range we had a good used one a few yrs. back pulling it with my 1500 5.3 & 3;08s I think we paid in the mid-high teens for it out the door. Good luck in your search.

I have been looking at the Jayco's and man they are nice. I do have acess to a large RV lot back home so I will look at them in person.

 

Being that i will be using it to live while working i want something well equipped and preferably new since it will be where i rest while i make the bacon. To be honest i work an avg of 80 to 90 hrs a week and want something comfortable to just go and get a good rest, cook a good meal and kick back and watch a movie or 2 and go to bed.

 

Also.... What does "this unit is winterized" mean??

 

Gimic or is their actual heated plumbing tubing? Good to know since last job was in North Dakota during the winter. Now am blessed with working in Texas but still.

 

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