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Towing/Hauling

SBoyne

By SBoyne
in Troubleshooting, Warranty & Recalls

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SBoyne New Member

SBoyne

Posted
Posted

I have a 2019 5.3  8 speed GMC Sierra AT4. The problem I have with this truck is that it can not tow an open 20 foot car trailer or a 16 foot enclosed trailer.  This truck has an option for a touring mode, sport, off road and tow haul mode for the transmission. I have tried to tow in every mode, the sport mode seems to be the best option where the truck doesn't float so bad. The trailer stays straight in the lane, but the truck floats all over. I have taken it into the dealership and they tell me that they can't do anything with it. Anyone one else have this issue? 

garagerog Enthusiast

garagerog

Posted
Posted

Only thing I can think of is when your trailers are loaded you may not have enough tongue weight on the hitch, might try scaling things, also are you using an equalizer hitch?

Z45 Senior Enthusiast

Z45

Posted
Posted

How fast are you driving when this occurs?

batman900 Enthusiast

batman900

Posted
Posted

I have towed both of those trailers so far without an issue with either going up to 75 mph. They actually felt a lot better loaded rather than unloaded. Unloaded, the rear of this truck is too light and the springs too stiff so it bounced around but never floated.

 

 

Jack D Enthusiast

Jack D

Posted
Posted

Hitch setup and/or weight distribution is your problem. Your explanation could also be better. You say that the trailer tracks straight, but the truck floats all over. How does the truck float and the trailer track straight when they are connected? Explain "floating". Do you mean that you are constantly correcting the steering? If so, you probably have too much tongue weight, and you are taking weight off of the truck's front axles, reducing steering traction. Too little tongue weight will cause the truck and trailer to sway. You also don't mention how much the trailer weighs, or what is loaded in it, or loaded in the truck.

 

Thoroughly read the towing chapter of your manual, and take the stated measurements to determine hitch type, and the proper way to weigh your rig. Never assume that because your new truck has a towing package, that you can just hook up a trailer and go. Once you determine what type of hitch you need, and properly set it up, your next stop should be taking your loaded rig to a certified weigh station. Follow the truck and trailer weighing instructions stated in your manual, and adjust the trailers weight so that you have 10-15% of total trailer weight on the tongue. Your hitch setup may not be correct for both trailers, especially if the two trailer frames sit at different heights. There is no "one size fits all". When properly loaded and connected, the truck and trailer frames should each be level, and parallel to the road. Remember that everything that you load into the truck, including passengers, counts against the tow rating. 

 

I tow a 7000 lb., 29' travel trailer, and it tows like a dream. I've been towing travel and enclosed car trailers for about 45 years, using Chevy, Ford and Dodge trucks, half and 3/4 ton, and my '19 Silverado is the most stable, yet. It tows so well that I often catch myself driving with just two fingers.

SBoyne New Member

SBoyne

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Both of my trailers weigh about 1500lbs. The truck tows the same whether they're loaded or not. I have a CLD, so I have been hauling trailers for years. Weight distribution is not the problem. My truck also comes off the line with a 2 inch lift and 31 inch tires. The front end floats everywhere trailer stays straight. 

bshort Enthusiast

bshort

Posted
Posted
21 hours ago, SBoyne said:

Both of my trailers weigh about 1500lbs. The truck tows the same whether they're loaded or not. I have a CLD, so I have been hauling trailers for years. Weight distribution is not the problem. My truck also comes off the line with a 2 inch lift and 31 inch tires. The front end floats everywhere trailer stays straight. 

The combined weight of the trailer and load is 1500?  If your front end floats everywhere, your tongue weight is too high.  Bag it or use a wdh.  

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