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possumman

East Tn

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Posted: 03/18/12 03:01pm

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I am considering a travel trailer and am wondering if my truck can handle it? I have a 2011 Silverado 1500 w/ 5.3 vortec, 3.08 gears and towing package. I am looking at TT's along the lines of Jayco 264 BH or similar. Any comments or suggestions? I have considered changing gears to 3.73. What could I pull if I did? Thanks.

downtheroad

Pacific Northwest

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Posted: 03/18/12 03:22pm

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With limited information...I will say probably.
It looks to be about 4800 lbs. dry...but again I'll qualify with a "probably".

What is the GVWR and tongue weight of the trailer? Also, bunk house means more than just you camping, more people, more gear, more weight..
Yes, 3.73 would help with towing, but not with payload.
Good luck with your search...and keep doing research before you buy---very smart.

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MARKW8

Akron OH

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Posted: 03/18/12 03:26pm

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Is your's the 6speed auto, if it's the 4spd I think you would be in trouble.

Mark

ddepr1217

New Jersey

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Posted: 03/18/12 03:31pm

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I have the same truck-2011 Silverado 1500 with the 3.42 and I pull our Rockwood Mini Lite 2109s like it isn't even back there. If given the option for the 3.42, I would go with it. I am very happy with our truck.

* This post was edited 03/18/12 05:49pm by ddepr1217 *

2011 Chevy Silverado 5.3 V8 3.42
2012 Prime Time Tracer 245bhs Touring Edition

RoyB

King George, VA

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Posted: 03/18/12 03:32pm

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You should be able to pull it ok but the word safely should be thought about. To me it would be very borderline... That thing is almost 29-feet long...

You definitely will need the WD hitch. If it were me I would look for something in the 21 to 23-foot range with your truck. JAYCO also offers the bunk beds in those sizes....

There will be some on here that will say you will be ok... To me it is very borderline and camping is suppose to be fun and not worrying about if I can tow my trailer or not...

Your small gear ratio will be pretty lacking in towing power. The 3:73 gears is probably the best of both worlds of gas mileage verses towing power.

Hopefully others on here will pop in as I dont have a whole of experience towing the bigger trailers. I just remember a few trips I made with that size truck towing something that big...

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RandACampin

Kathleen, Georgia

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Posted: 03/18/12 03:50pm

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I pull a 4400lb dry camper with a 2000 Z71 5.3L 3.73 gears. I can pass everything but gas stations. The truck pulls it effertlesy and VERY SAFELY. My truck is rated at 8800 lbs. I would feel comfortable pulling more.

possumman

East Tn

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Posted: 03/18/12 04:20pm

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The Jayco 26Bh is 4860# dry weight and 580 tongue weight. The 264BHS is 4565/550. My truck is rated for 6700# towing capacity and 1928# payload. It has 6 speed auto and is 4WD.

downtheroad

Pacific Northwest

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Posted: 03/18/12 04:40pm

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Given that info...I say go for it...pack light. You aren't going to be camping on Mars and you don't need to take along a lot of extra stuff like 3 kitchen sinks and formal dinner service for 24 people.

old guy

Oregon (pronounced Or e gun)

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Posted: 03/18/12 05:46pm

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3"08 gears? those are pretty high, I', surprised they pull the truck out of the drive way. for pulling a TT I wouldn't use any thing less than 3:73's/ But then we are out west where the hills are real hills and require a lot of gears to make it to the top.

CKNSLS

Northern Utah

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Posted: 03/18/12 05:50pm

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You don't need a dullay or a diesel. The 1500 will tow it fine. You just won't win any speed contests.

I tow a 5,000 pound 29 foot travel trailer with 4.10 gears and the six speed transmission which makes the whole thing work.

Truck is rated at 9,600 pounds.

Yea, I know not a lot of payload.