2 years after my 2014 1500, 4.3-V6 doublecab purchase...

[cnrtool]

The wife tells me she's like to buy an RV and do some traveling as we pass our retirement ages. The million dollar question, is what kind of "weight" of a trailer is reasonable to pull with this truck? I really don't like the idea of stepping up to a 3/4 ton.

[nserafini]

What gear ratio in the rear? 3.43?

 

P.S. - I looked into this too, but found out my wife can't be in the tow'd trailer while I drive. This changed my outlook on the idea

[TJay74]

I wouldn't pull anything with the 4.3 DC, the 5.3 crew cab only has around a 9k lbs tow rating. The 6.2 crew cab with the max tow package is above 10k lbs tow rating. Even still, 10k lbs isn't much when it comes to a bumper pull RV. Factor in the RV weight, gear, fuel, water, people and that 10k lbs rating disappears quick.

[Bigmac]

I just finished ((Nov) a 3 month , 12,000 mile trip around the US. Towed a 6500 lb RV with my 2015 1500 Silverado 5.3 with 3:42 gears. It did incredible. Not 1 issue and had an average 12.4 mpg on the entire trip. Loved it and am planning to get a max tow to increase rv size. Sure wish GM would have put a larger fuel tank in. Went with 2 other couples ( all had our own rigs) who had diesels with large fuel tanks. Only problem was trying to coordinate everyone's plans and wife and I finally left by ourselves in Tennessee. We live in Oregon so finished trip in relative peace. Only asked the wife 1 time if she wanted to fly home but muttered it under my breath several times. Heck of a lot of memories. Not sure any of this is relative to the op but I ramble

[KARNUT]

I used to add an in bed tank with a switch on the floor next to the seat gas or deisel. I would tie in on the return fuel line so it would fill the truck tank.

[Camaro45th]

Well the 4.3 is rated at 7000 lbs. I'm not sure how heavy the RVs are that your looking at. But remember that you need add more weight onto whatever the RV is for all the stuff you'll add into it.

[Garykk]

They make a lot of light weight TTs now, so best option is to visit a few dealers and see what's out there. Whatever you decide to get, most definitely get a weight distribution hitch with an anti sway. A good brake controller is a must to. Kenosha makes a good one.

[nserafini]

Well the 4.3 is rated at 7000 lbs. I'm not sure how heavy the RVs are that your looking at. But remember that you need add more weight onto whatever the RV is for all the stuff you'll add into it.

The v6 with a standard bed and 3.43 gears is 7100 lbs, while the v6 (2wd or 4wd) with 3.23 gears is 6000 lbs... just clarifying.

 

https://www.chevrolet.com/content/dam/Chevrolet/northamerica/usa/nscwebsite/en/Home/Ownership/Manuals_and_Videos/02_pdf/MY14%20Trailering%20Guide_1113.13.pdf

[joshc64311]

I do 5500 with my 5.3 and 3.08 rear end, it does great on the hills and mountains of South West Pa. There are some long grades on route 22, my transmission stays at 190 no over heating issues at all! My father in law has a 2013 with the v6 max tow and his tt weight is about the same

[sdeeter19555]

I wouldn't pull anything with the 4.3 DC, the 5.3 crew cab only has around a 9k lbs tow rating. The 6.2 crew cab with the max tow package is above 10k lbs tow rating. Even still, 10k lbs isn't much when it comes to a bumper pull RV. Factor in the RV weight, gear, fuel, water, people and that 10k lbs rating disappears quick.

A lot of ultralight RVS out there now...mine is 24 feet and 3750#s dry...

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

[cnrtool]

Tell me more Sdeeter. Is your truck a 4.3? Whats the make . Model trailer you are pulling?

[Camaro45th]

The v6 with a standard bed and 3.43 gears is 7100 lbs, while the v6 (2wd or 4wd) with 3.23 gears is 6000 lbs... just clarifying.

 

https://www.chevrolet.com/content/dam/Chevrolet/northamerica/usa/nscwebsite/en/Home/Ownership/Manuals_and_Videos/02_pdf/MY14%20Trailering%20Guide_1113.13.pdf

Sorry I thought all the4.3L was the same as mine. I have the crew cab 4x4 short box that pulls 7100 lbs.