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4.3 V6 and holiday trailers

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Donstar Senior Enthusiast

Donstar

Posted
Posted

I use to pull a heavy holiday trailer in the mid 80's with a 350 V8 Suburban c/w 3 kids and summer gear. My 2015 4.3 ecotec is probably a stronger motor and the truck is lighter. My wife and I are now retired and looking at a comfortably sized travel trailer for extended road trips. I know the towing specs but am wondering what forum members have found to be a comfortable "real world" model/size to pull with a 6 cylinder crew cab. Pictures would be very appreciated!

LongrangeLauber Senior Enthusiast

LongrangeLauber

Posted
Posted

Get something that is 1000 lbs lighter than your max tow spec, in order to leave room for your gear and such. Should be comfortable then. If you go over the limit and DOT pulls you over, you could face a nice fine

redwngr Senior Enthusiast

redwngr

Posted
Posted

It also depends on speeds you plan to run and your expectation of 'towing performance' when pulling.

Donstar Senior Enthusiast

Donstar

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It also depends on speeds you plan to run and your expectation of 'towing performance' when pulling.

One of our plans is to drive from southern British Columbia to Houston, Texas and I want to be able to keep a respectable speed on the Interstate!

Donstar Senior Enthusiast

Donstar

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Find something light weight and stay comfortably under all your weight limits.

 

As an example, Lance makes a line of light weight trailers.

 

http://www.lancecamper.com/travel-trailers/z

 

attachicon.gifLance Towing Compatibility.PNG

Thanks for the suggestion. I enjoyed the video on how these are constructed! No debate over wood or aluminum framing as they are virtually frameless!

Donstar Senior Enthusiast

Donstar

Posted
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Lance makes some of the best smaller towables. Put them high up on your list.

Their assembly techniques are certainly impressive. Thanks.

Ridersfan Enthusiast

Ridersfan

Posted
Posted

I had a 2014 4.3L double cab and used it to pull a 6000 pound trailer that was 31' total length. It could do it yes... it was legal yes... but a tad underpowered for my weight. I swapped it for a 5.3L in 2015. (Have since swapped to a 2016 again, but that's regardless)

 

I would say if you want good power with your truck, stick to 4500 lbs and under

BigBadSierra Senior Enthusiast

BigBadSierra

Posted
Posted

You have to remember Air Drag as well some trailers are better but some suffer from allot of drag so it harder to pull them.

 

Mines a light weight fiberglass 26Ft trailer at 3,682 lbs but I can feel the aero drag and and I'm glad I have the 5.3 as it would have been hard on a a 6 cyc.

 

Plus the trailer is slant nose and it still has a good amount of drag.

 

11844952_10152856498151525_6004298225179

Donstar Senior Enthusiast

Donstar

Posted
  • Author
Posted

You have to remember Air Drag as well some trailers are better but some suffer from allot of drag so it harder to pull them.

 

Mines a light weight fiberglass 26Ft trailer at 3,682 lbs but I can feel the aero drag and and I'm glad I have the 5.3 as it would have been hard on a a 6 cyc.

 

Plus the trailer is slant nose and it still has a good amount of drag.

Good point. You are telling me that it is worthwhile to select a trailer with a more aerodynamic nose. The picture is great information. It shows how big of a trailer I can tow and still be under ridersfan's 4500 lb. recommendation. Thanks!

15slvrDbl Enthusiast

15slvrDbl

Posted
Posted

Our TT is 5280 dry it's a 27' with slide out. I've only made one trip about 1 1/2 hours with it before winter. It handles it well. This was in the flats. I don't think I would be comfortable trying to pull up mountains with the 6. I will know more in the next few months as we do many 3 & 4 hour trips all summer long.

Donstar Senior Enthusiast

Donstar

Posted
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Our TT is 5280 dry it's a 27' with slide out. I've only made one trip about 1 1/2 hours with it before winter. It handles it well. This was in the flats. I don't think I would be comfortable trying to pull up mountains with the 6. I will know more in the next few months as we do many 3 & 4 hour trips all summer long.

This is very helpful information. You are still within the rated towing limits of your truck and it handles the load well. A trailer the size of yours would probably exceed our needs but it is good to know we are not restricted to a small size trailer. We do want a walk around queen bed and full bath. Thank you!

xelli Enthusiast

xelli

Posted
Posted

We do want a walk around queen bed and full bath. Thank you!

 

Good to know up front the features you want.

 

post-152266-0-73445000-1460609511_thumb.png

post-152266-0-73445000-1460609511_thumb.png

post-152266-0-73445000-1460609511_thumb.png

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Donstar Senior Enthusiast

Donstar

Posted
  • Author
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Good to know up front the features you want.

 

attachicon.gifLance-1985-3Dfp.png

 

This trailer looks great! Thank you! It has a dry weight of 3925 lbs. I imagine this would be an easy tow for a six cylinder Sierra. I know there are ultra light trailers that can be pulled by small cars to huge fifth wheels that require a V8 1 ton. I am trying to establish a "real world" limit for my new truck. I remember what it is like driving through hilly terrain with the gas pedal pushed to the floor on the uphill climbs hoping that you make it to the top! Going downhill can also have some stresses. I suspect that the advertised tow rating of my truck is safe and doable but I like my decision to be based on real life experiences.

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