We are buying a travel trailer - probably the Keystone Outback 26RBS.
Has anyone had experience with the 2008 Silverado/Sierra 1500 with the towing package pulling a TT? I would rather get the 1500 because of the gas mileage, but I don't want to strain it. I am unsure as to whether to move up to the 2500.
I would get the 2500 in case you decide to upgrade TT's or switch to a 5er in the future. I feel much safer towing with our 2500 than with our old 1/2 ton.
We jumped from a ½ ton truck to a ¾ ton truck around 2 years ago. It was the best decision we've ever made when it comes to our trailer. DW's comment when she towed with the F250 for the first time "I feel safe now for the first time."
Granted we have a very heavy trailer and we were right at the limit of what our F150 was rated at.
You'll have to look at your individual "numbers" and see how they figure when it comes to your tow vehicle/trailer combination.
If you plan to tow the trailer every weekend for thousands of miles the 2500 and its advantages is the ticket.
Tow a few times a year? Get the 1500 if it is within the weight parameters (it should be with the 26' Outback) set it up with a good WD hitch and dual cam sway control, load light, and save fuel year round on the truck.
2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Z-71
2002 Trail Lite 8261
rlc323 wrote: If you plan to tow the trailer every weekend for thousands of miles the 2500 and its advantages is the ticket.
Tow a few times a year? Get the 1500 if it is within the weight parameters (it should be with the 26' Outback) set it up with a good WD hitch and dual cam sway control, load light, and save fuel year round on the truck.
For fuel mileage the diesel is the way to go. For that size trailer the gas or diesel should have plenty of power. In my opinion miles towing or running solo also do not determine the gas vs diesel debate. So what if I only tow 1,000 miles a year, I still have my solo fuel mileage to worry about. I get 20-22 MPG running solo with a diesel to an from work. Even with the higher cost of diesel fuel I feel my savings is still there. Now if you only drive a few thousand miles a year a diesel might be hard to justify. I would opt for the 3/4 ton truck. But then I have found it was always better to have more truck than needed vs wishing I had bought more truck.
2003 Jayco 308fbs eagle 33' tt, towed by a 2003 Ram 3500 slt, quad cab dually, cummins diesel ho, trailer towing package, with 6 speed manual. Hauls better 1/2, 3 kids, myself, and a 2003 ez go clays car.. I have added so far, neon lights, clearance lights, back up lights, black light, lift kit, mud tires, and everything necessary to make the golf cart street legal. It's now ready to spend the winter in the garage for more mods. More neon, strobe lights, alarm, a pa system, maintance, and whatever else that comes along. This golf cart does wheelies and travels thru 7 inches of mud when need be. Two honda eu2000i gens twinned to supply the electrical power. Latest addition an 04 Honda Goldwing. [url]http://www.hometown.aol.com/rvnagain/myhomepage/profile.html[url]
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