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Towing heavy with gasser

RPaul
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RPaul Enthusiast

RPaul

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Posted this in 2014+ forum as well for longer term answer and will ask here as well…

 

 

Looking into a travel trailer buts it’s near the upper end of the capacity of the truck

 

posting here because I’d like to see how many guys are doing a significant amount of towing with their 5.3 or 6.2 at the upper end of the capacity and if there have been any failures or issues with doing so. 
 

of course I know that you shouldn’t go over the GCWR and should probably stay 25% under. But my question is strictly related to how drivetrains and engines have fared after a good amount of miles towing heavy on the gassers?

 

thank you

AirForceAngler Enthusiast

AirForceAngler

Posted
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When you get into towing bigger and heavier trailers, it isn't so much about the drivetrain as it is brakes, tires and suspension and being able to control and stop the trailer.  

It might help if we knew what weight you were looking to pull and what truck you have.  I've been pulling a 26" box trailer that weighs around 7K loaded and doing pretty well so far with my 2021 RST/Z71 with the 6.2 and 10 speed.  It can get sporty in the wind, however but I do use sway control and a good weight distribution hitch.

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RPaul Enthusiast

RPaul

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Trailer is about 7000 lbs unloaded. So it’s pushing the limit when loaded.

 

I’ve driven them before and know how the truck will handle, mileage etc. Just really wondering how the power train, suspension and brakes will hold up. Lifter failure etc. Kind of a broad question.

 

the real answer I’m looking for is someone who’s towed 7-8k pounds for many miles trouble free, OR done so and had serious issues

diyer2 Senior Enthusiast

diyer2

Posted
Posted

Maintenance, Maintenance, Maintenance. If you don't abuse it then good maintenance helps. Lots of gassers towing heavy. 

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Phantom 4D Enthusiast

Phantom 4D

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1 hour ago, RPaul said:

Trailer is about 7000 lbs unloaded. So it’s pushing the limit when loaded.

 

I’ve driven them before and know how the truck will handle, mileage etc. Just really wondering how the power train, suspension and brakes will hold up. Lifter failure etc. Kind of a broad question.

 

the real answer I’m looking for is someone who’s towed 7-8k pounds for many miles trouble free, OR done so and had serious issues

I haul a 20' enclosed V nose with two Spyder reverse trikes. Grossing right around 7k not counting passengers, luggage etc. If you add that in, probably around 7,500 total. 2019 Sierra SLT X31 with 5.3. Trailer tow package. No major issues with the truck. Longest round trip tow was probably 3000 miles. Some of that through the NC mountains. Only issue I have is gas mileage. But then, that's to be expected. 

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bowtie76 Enthusiast

bowtie76

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I'm towing a 28' toyhauler, loaded it's mid 8500lb.  When I run over the scales I'm right at weight limit for tongue and rear axel. 

Using a 1500lb blueox WDH and it tows fine.  I've had no issues.  Only have 36000miles but brakes etc all are doing well.  Drive in your limits, use the scales and you should be fine.  20210807_113639.thumb.jpg.a7aaf863a1f4c1fc3be076d35af0b867.jpg

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RPaul Enthusiast

RPaul

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27 minutes ago, bowtie76 said:

I'm towing a 28' toyhauler, loaded it's mid 8500lb.  When I run over the scales I'm right at weight limit for tongue and rear axel. 

Using a 1500lb blueox WDH and it tows fine.  I've had no issues.  Only have 36000miles but brakes etc all are doing well.  Drive in your limits, use the scales and you should be fine.  20210807_113639.thumb.jpg.a7aaf863a1f4c1fc3be076d35af0b867.jpg

Thanks for reply. What’s the math on your tow capacity on the door jamb? 

bowtie76 Enthusiast

bowtie76

Posted
Posted
On 3/29/2022 at 8:22 PM, RPaul said:

Thanks for reply. What’s the math on your tow capacity on the door jamb? 

Sticker says:

GVWR                7000

GCWR              15000

RGAWR              3800

Curb Weight      5492

Max Payload      1508

 

attached a scale number, was 120 over on rear axle, since then I stopped towing with full water, switch to lithium and moved the battery off the tongue into the trailer, and went from 1000lb bars to 1500lb bars on the WDH to get back under numbers just can't find that weight slip.

 

image.png.bb03c4007f52aa47aa059c801cd2abb2.png

bowtie76 Enthusiast

bowtie76

Posted
Posted
On 3/29/2022 at 8:48 PM, pokismoki said:

you guys ever think about getting a 2500 truck, it's really perfect for those heavy toyhaulers

Still thinking about it....

 

But I have the 1500, and not sure I want the 2500 for the other 20,000 miles i drive a year.

dieselfan1 Senior Enthusiast

dieselfan1

Posted
Posted

This is based on my old 2018 5.3 6 spd. 3.42

Trailer is 25 ft. and weighs around 6200 ready to camp.

On a trip from Minnesota to Wyoming it was fine on the flat. As soon as we hit the grades it struggled. Add in a 20 mph headwind and I was looking at 5 mpg and a constant 3000-3500 rpm.

If you ask me, that's beating the snot out of it.  

I got a new High Country with the 6.2 10 spd 3.23 and the extra ponies and gears will make it a lot easier to tow.

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