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Old 02-24-2011, 09:38 AM   #1
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Got a sweet Trailer....but the tow vehicle?

Well, hey all. Just got an '08 31BHDS and can't wait to get some camping done. While waiting for my account to get all set up, I did some reading around here and now I am second guessing my tow vehicle. It's a 2011 Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L and tow package, 3.42 gearing rated for 9600 lbs towing, 1100 tongue weight, 1600 payload. This trailer, dry, is about 7500 lbs with an 840 lbs dry tongue. With it, I got an Equalizer brand WD/sway hitch and a Prodigy P2 controller. What do ya think? Is it game on? Or do I have to make other trailer/truck plans?

All your input would be much needed. I've read, and search, and quite lost in all this as I am just that new to this whole trailering biz.

Jeff
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Old 02-24-2011, 10:01 AM   #2
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And Just going to add some additional info:
Will be traveling with the wife, (2) 25 lb dogs, 2 kids under 2, and a 4-wheeler (400lbs) in the truck.
Most trips should be in the 3-5 hr range each way and a cross country trip in Aug/Sep time frame.
Thanks again.
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Old 02-24-2011, 10:43 AM   #3
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Sounds kinda close to me but I dont know alot!
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Old 02-24-2011, 10:44 AM   #4
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Im getting my new 314BHDS in two months and just upgraded my TV for this reason. I had been towing my Kiwi 23b with a 2001 F-150 and had no issues. With this new tralier I didnt feel comfortable pullling this with a 1/2 ton pickup. So I went and got myseslf a 06 F-350 longbed. Honestly I think your pretty much at or just about your limit. Does your 1500 have a tranny cooler?
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Old 02-24-2011, 11:08 AM   #5
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Welcome to the forum, Jeff! It is very easy to get lost in all the numbers involved with towing. The one that stands out the most to me is the 1600 lb payload. Your loaded tongue weight could easily go 1000 to 1200 lbs.. Combine that with passengers and what`s in the truck and you could easily exceed your trucks GVWR, payload and Rear axle rating. There are folks that tow with that combo or similar and say they make out fine. Others would say do not even attempt it. My opinion is it would be too much trailer for my truck. But I never tell others what they cannot tow if I have not tried it myself, unless someone wants to pull a 35' TT with a VW beetle or such. Since you already own the trailer and truck the best thing would be to give it a trial run. Leave the 4 wheeler home, no room for the 400 lbs in payload. And load the trailer as lightly as possible. See how it does and then make a decision if you need to make a change. -Lee
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Old 02-24-2011, 02:30 PM   #6
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The more truck the better.
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Old 02-24-2011, 03:44 PM   #7
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WElcome to the Jayco Owners Forum Jeff and family~! Congrats on your "new" tt! We have a high rating capacity with out 1/2 ton, but even at max 7500lb tt, I really wish we could have afforded a 3/4 ton with the long distance and high/low altitude traveling we do.... actually with the gas prices going to $5 on west coast by Spring this year, we may not be traveling as far as we wished Good luck and happy camping to you!
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Old 02-24-2011, 08:15 PM   #8
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I would say you are very close to your limits on the TV.
However, I do not know where you tow as far as hills, mountains and terrains.
I would say you are at the upper limits and may need to take it out on short trips to see how it handles.
As for me, I would upgrade to at least a 3/4 ton, gas or diesel.
Sorry for the bad news, but I sure hope you enjoy the your trips in the Jayco!! :hihi:
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Old 02-25-2011, 08:55 PM   #9
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Hook it up and see how comfortable you are with it. If you had a 3.73n axle you would have a higher rating. If you are not in the mountains you should be ok.
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Old 02-26-2011, 10:32 PM   #10
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Hi Jumbotron, I think crabman and Clutch are right on the money, hook them up, keep it lite, and see how it feels, try a couple different hills in the area and keep a very close eye on the gauges, and good luck, by the way I'm haulin' a 23k JayFeather with a 1500 Avalanche, works well for my but we keep it as lite as possible. Fill the water when we get where we are going, etc. Lets as know how it works out.
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Old 02-27-2011, 09:55 AM   #11
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It sounds like it could go either way... but like Crabman, Clutch and Js'stoy mentioned, best to hook it up and take it for a spin on some hilly road. Keep it at least 25 miles and see how it feels. If it struggles, keep in mind that you will probably add alot more weight to the TT as you furnish it with all the necessities...Good Luck and i really hope your truck works out for you.
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Old 03-05-2011, 07:12 PM   #12
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Thanks all for the replies, I am currently searching for a 3/4 ton to replace the current truck. I just don't think I would be able to keep it light enough to make the long trips with the family. I will keep you posted on what I get!
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Old 03-05-2011, 09:31 PM   #13
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I have had in the past a trailblazer pulling a 256RKS was at the trucks limit and it pulled fine 90% of the time it’s the 10% you have to worry about. Cross wind are unreal when they get to 30MPH not to mention straight on winds of 40MPH and the hills are killers. I traded it for a ¾ Ton and not one problem with winds or hills any longer.
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