Is this truck and trailer combo doable for this trip?

[wadecool]

I’m new here and have a question regarding towing.  First off, I have a 2016 Silverado 4x4, crew cab with 3.08 gears. I’m aware of my 6100lb trailer limit (12,000 lbs total truck+trailer).  I drive 100 miles round trip for work and if we ever do buy anything to tow it will be a ski boat.  Due to the low profile of a boat and trailer and our not going further than 200 miles for weekend trips to the lake, I’m sure my truck will do fine in that scenario.

All that being said, we are planning a big trip to Yellowstone next summer.  I’m looking to rent a travel trailer and pull it to Rapid City, through Black Hills, and on to Yellowstone.  The camper I have my eye on to rent is a Keystone Passport 2400BH.  Its about 28ft long, and has dry weight of 4730 lbs.  I’m figuring on adding 500 lbs of cargo, propane tanks, etc.  I’ll be deadheading to St Louis, picking up camper there and heading to Yellowstone.   My truck has 1800lb cargo capacity and I’ll be keeping it under 1500 lbs total.

What is the opinion of those in the know of my trucks ability to tow this camper.  I’d like to be able to maintain 60-65mph on the flats and obviously slow as necessary for mountain passes. 

 

Thanks in advance.

[Mike GMC]

That sounds awfully light for a 28 footer.  Also, 500 pounds sounds light for a total cargo load.  All that said,I think your biggest problem would be cross winds with such a long trailer.  The tail might start to wag the dog.

[wadecool]

59 minutes ago, Mike GMC said:

That sounds awfully light for a 28 footer.  Also, 500 pounds sounds light for a total cargo load.  All that said,I think your biggest problem would be cross winds with such a long trailer.  The tail might start to wag the dog.

I'm just basing the cargo weight on a guess of how much 3 camping chairs, groceries, cooler, etc would weigh.  We will also be able to haul some gear in bed of truck.  I appreciate any expertise you'd lend me as far as getting a better cargo weight estimate.

[Mike GMC]

I usually figure 1000 pounds to be safe.  Just an example, 5 gallons of water weighs over 40 pounds and I usually bring 2 for each week we are out.  Propane is about 20 pounds per cylinder.  My coolers are usually 30-40 pounds each and we bring 2.  This is just to go camping for a week without a trailer.  I know I'd bring even more crap if I had a 28 foot box to haul it in.  By the way, when we go it's me, the wife, both teenagers and the dog so I tend to bring everything I think I even might need.  Oh, and don't forget to bring some tools just in case.

[Doug83]

I have A 2017 crew with a 5.3 and 8 speed with 3.42 gears and I pull a 21’ trailer with a dry weight of 4500.   I looked up the specs and it does say that the dry weight is about 4800. I have no problem here in Idaho with the hills, it pulls fine.   The hitch weight does get very heavy though and I get some sag and bouncing even with my weight distribution hitch.  I would be worried about the 3.08’s though.   

[wadecool]

43 minutes ago, Mike GMC said:

I usually figure 1000 pounds to be safe.  Just an example, 5 gallons of water weighs over 40 pounds and I usually bring 2 for each week we are out.  Propane is about 20 pounds per cylinder.  My coolers are usually 30-40 pounds each and we bring 2.  This is just to go camping for a week without a trailer.  I know I'd bring even more crap if I had a 28 foot box to haul it in.  By the way, when we go it's me, the wife, both teenagers and the dog so I tend to bring everything I think I even might need.  Oh, and don't forget to bring some tools just in case.

In order to save weight,  I had planned to not buy a lot of provisions until we get to Rapid City.  But yeah, I can see how a couple coolers, water jugs (I'll leave the tanks in camper empty while towing), and misc gear adds up.  I'm just trying to ensure I don't do any mechanical damage to the truck while towing, especially in the mountains.

[Mike GMC]

The main concerns I would have would be wind and weather like I said before as well as the brakes on the truck.  One of the big differences between a half ton and a 3/4 ton is the brakes.  Make damn sure you can stop that trailer before you take off with it.

[ray2005]

1800lb cargo capacity with 3.08s? Is that the payload on the door? Most of the 1500s I looked at had 1500lb or less payload depending on configuration.

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[cire0309]

You'll also need to subtract the tongue weight of the trailer from your payload. 

[Donstar]

Those Passports are nice trailers!  Your truck will manage fine and you appreciate the combination tests the recommended limits.  The advertised dry weights are usually for a trailer with no options and if they've added features this will contribute to your calculations.  If you get hooked on a TT, and decide to buy, you may want to give a little more weight room for cargo.  The advertised net of my trailer is 3900 lbs and it is 7 ft wide.  my truck's towing capacity is 7,000 lbs.  (payload 1600).  I feel comfortable loading my truck and trailer with all the supplies we need and not having to leave towels behind because of their weight. My experience so far has me comfortable with this combination.  Be prepared for a shock on your mpg read out.  I'm confident yours will be far worse than mine!

[amxguy1970]

You are fine, it is under weight and a one time trip. The 3.08 means it will be struggling more in the mountains and revving more but it will get through. Have fun.

 

Tyler

[wadecool]

I'm now leaning toward a 2017 Venture Sonic 220 VBH.  Its GVWR is 5200 lbs which is 900 lbs under my max tow.  My problem is at 6'7'' 300lbs, its tough to find a camper I can sleep comfortably in, lol.  Plus, I prefer to find a camper with tandem axles for a 4000+ mile trip like that for peace of mind in case of a trailer tire blowout.

 

I appreciate everyone's knowledge and expertise!  It will be taken seriously.