Ok.. so I've been reading all these posts about what our 1/2-tons can or can't pull, and after trying to do all the calculations, it seems to me that I'm either right on the border or a little over on my payload capacity. My question is... so what? I already bought this equipment, and I'm not going to take the financial hit required to downsize my TT, or to upgrade my truck. So what's going to happen?
The question is really rhetorical as I really don't care. I'm going to keep doing it without the peace of mind, but it's really kind of maddening trying to keep up with the weight police.
I have a 2011 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab with the 5.3 V8 6-spd Tran, with the HD Trailering package. It has a 3.42 RAR. GCWR is 15000, MAX payload is 1732. My trailer is a Cougar X-LITE 26BHS, Dry Weight is 5870, GVWR is 7800. Hitch weight is 710.
I drove it around all last year, and had no problems. Taking it out again this weekend.
So I guess my question is... what's going to break first?
For me the problems were more from a handling standpoint and not from a things breaking. I only did it for a season so nothing broke but the fact that the TV was pushed all over the road and down a 7% grade was enough for me to upgrade. I do beleive many say you could be over the tire ratings and they could give out. Not sure what else. I say if you are fine with your combo then more power to ya if it handles ok.
* This post was
edited 04/11/12 04:30pm by anaro *
Officially, I will state now, I am NOT a member of the weight police. I am one that listens to what they say and tries to learn something that might help me in making the best decisions in the future. For that I thank the weight police.
I can't do the calculations for you with the info you have but if you think you are close and are going to run the equipment even though you may be over, load light. Is something going to break? Maybe, Maybe not. Are you at higher risk of an accident? Maybe.
I'm one that without being ridiculous about it, always likes a little safety margin. Some say that trucks can carry more than they are rated at safely. Some swear if your a lb over that you have significantly increased your risk of death and destruction.
I have had horses and trailers, boats and trailers and camper trailers since shortly after I got my drivers license. I've towed some wonderfully matched and well behaved setups and I've towed some that were so freaking scary, I never towed them again. Getting it setup properly with the right size and type hitch, W/D and sway bars is critical when pushing close to the limits. If you have not had a professional look at your setup, that would be the first thing I would to to maximize the safety of your truck vs trailer.
Do good maint, check your tires and air pressures before pulling out every time, drive a safe speed for the conditions, leave plenty of additional space between you and other vehicles, always leave yourself an out if something unexpected would happen requiring maneuvering and say your prayers and enjoy yourself.
And watch for mushroom clouds in your rear view mirror
2011 Silverado Crewcab 4x4
2012 Passport 238ML
Hope your travels are safe and the friendships made camping are lasting.
If you really want to find out head up to Ricketts Glen State Park just west of Scranton, take the section of PA Route 487 from the town of
Red Rock to the Lake Jean area of the park.
Happy Motoring
Bob & Deb
W Ma.
12 F150 HD SCAB EcoBoost LB 4x4
06 Starcraft 18SB
We tow with a Suburban (with tow package) and a trailer a little lighter than yours. Our Suburban does great. However, we headed to the PA Grand Canyon last summer. It was slow and steady on the highway. We really had to just take our time...especially the hills to the campground. OY! There was no indication of overheating and the rpm's stayed just fine. But, the suburban just didn't have the get up and go to get up those hills. We did, but it was slow.
@Bucky: The 2011 Silverado had something called an All-Star Package which gives you the 6-speed, locking rear diff, trailer package, and 3.42 RAR. The next step-up was the MAX trailering package which has the 3.72 and the 6-litre engine. I added an integrated controller and the trailer mirrors.
By my calculations, I am totally good on the GVWR (with some to spare). It's the payload I might be over on because of the trailer hitch rating. I guesstimate with all the trailer cargo, I am probably pulling 6500 - 7000.
I'm not worried enough about it to go track down a scale somewhere. Most of my trips are under 4 hours. Though, I am taking her up to 1000 Islands, NY this summer which is about 6 hours on the highway. I keep it between 55 & 60, and yes I always check my tires, and am super duper cautious with driving.
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