high_pockets
Kingwood,Tx
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Joined: 04/02/2003
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I have a 1/2 ton GMC 5.3 auto, two wheel drive with towing package rated at 7600lbs and looking at TT empty wts around 4800-5000lbs and gross of 6800-7200lbs. Anyone out there towing with a setup like I am considering and wished they had a 3/4 ton to tow with? I sure hate to make an upgrade if I don't have to. We will be traveling both in the Western mountain states and the Eastern states eventually.
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mlts22
Austin, Texas
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Joined: 11/15/2010
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I'd look for a 3/4 ton. On the flats, it isn't as much issue, but when you hit the mountains, you will feel it. This from personal experience.
Sometimes you might find 1 tons the same price as 3/4 tons, so keep eyes peeled, you might snag a decent deal.
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rae10rae
Newportville, PA
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Joined: 09/25/2007
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I too feel under-powered in my 1/2 ton. I am fairly certain we are at our payload max, or darn near close.
Looking to upgrade to Ford Excursion very soon.
2012 Ford F-250 Lariat 4x4 Crew Cab
2012 KZ Spree LX 321BHS
2010 Ford Expedition 4x4 Eddie Bauer-TRADED Sept. 2012
2006 Palomino Stampede 22-TBRG-SOLD May 2011
1 partner, 1 dog, 3 non-camping cats
1 DD 08.24.08
1 Dog-"Luke Giovanni Dog" 5/21/2005-7/30/2012 RIP
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kzspree320
Louisiana
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I had about the same setup as you. My Spree 320, when loaded light for camping (like we do), is about 7300 lbs (6800 empty). We also had a Chevy 1500 5.3 auto with same max towing. Even in rolling hills, it did not tow well. I also thought the suspension was not handling the load well. I ended upgrading to a Dodge 2500 CTD. I think it would have been OK with a loaded weight under about 6,200 lbs or so. Just trying to help so you don't make the same mistake as me. Could I have towed with my Chevy 1500? Yes. If I was more patient, willing to limit speed to about 60 mph, and willing to accept some white knuckle moments. Did it tow it well? Absolutely not. Good luck.
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DrBaker
Oklahoma
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I could get away with it here as we have no hills. I wouldn't try it in a mountainous area.
2011 Chevy 2500HD CC/SB 4x4 Victory Red
2003 Crossroads Cruiser CF27RL
Champion Screamer, Reese 16k, and a Blue Status Symbol
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Jayco-noslide
Galesburg,Il., USA
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Joined: 11/24/2004
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I am pretty close to that set-up with a 2007 Silverado, 5.3 V-8, 4-wheel drive and tow a 25 ft. 5th wheel with a dry wt. of 5,200 lbs. For many years previously I used a 2000 Chevy, same equipment. I have always been satisfied with this combo. We regularly pull over the Rockies and Appalachians. Have never overheated. Sometimes have to go to 2nd gear and slow to the 40's or even 30's. I replaced the trans on the 2000 at 125,000 but no other problems. More horses would always be nice but this is also our daily driver so like the half-ton for that reason. I would say that I would not want to add any significant weight, such as a slightly longer trailer with a slide-out.
Jayco-noslide
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Stephensx04
Elgin, IL
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We tow a 26ft keystone 2670bh with a 07 Tahoe. 5.3 with a 7700 lb capacity. The trailer is 5500 empty and we load it good. Around 6500 loaded. It works good. we go through some hills in Wisconsin and it does good. I did have to install an aftermarket trans cooler with built in fan because of the heat we have been having. Now on last trip at 70mph trans temp stayed right at 205 and under.
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TennRiverRats
Tennessee
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Joined: 06/10/2012
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asf#2 wrote:I have a 1/2 ton GMC 5.3 auto, two wheel drive with towing package rated at 7600lbs and looking at TT empty wts around 4800-5000lbs and gross of 6800-7200lbs. Anyone out there towing with a setup like I am considering and wished they had a 3/4 ton to tow with? I sure hate to make an upgrade if I don't have to. We will be traveling both in the Western mountain states and the Eastern states eventually.
We've just been where you're at. The end result was that we bit the bullet and bought a 3/4 ton diesel. Not something we really wanted to do, but we want to be able to hook up and go without worrying about the strain on the TV and operating so close to max towing capacity. Plus, if we decide to upgrade the TT in a few years, we'll still have a TV that will do the job. Now, we can enjoy our trips.
Paul and Vonna
It's us and the three dogs, Buster, Daisey and Charlie!
07 Ridge Runner Lite by Ameri-Camp
06 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4
11 War Eagle Predator 861
09 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4
Camp, Fish and Be Happy!
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squarles67
Orange, Texas
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I tow a larger trailer than that with my 1500 5.3 Auto. It tows fine for me here in the flatlands and the hills of east Texas going to the local lakes but I don't get in a hurry.
A long steep mountain grade and I'd likley be down into 1st gear and going pretty slow by the time I got to the top.
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Stephensx04
Elgin, IL
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squarles67 wrote:I tow a larger trailer than that with my 1500 5.3 Auto. It tows fine for me here in the flatlands and the hills of east Texas going to the local lakes but I don't get in a hurry.
A long steep mountain grade and I'd likley be down into 1st gear and going pretty slow by the time I got to the top.
Are you triple towing a boat in that sig pic?
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