2002 gmc 1500

[lsttype]

Hello all, my current tow vehicle is a 2002 gmc Sierra 2wd 1500 with the 373 rear end and tow package. It currently pulls my jayflight 26 bh with no issues with a dry weight around 5000lbs. I am looking at trading it in for a whithawk 28dsbh which weighs 5800lbs. The tongue weight is about the same. Yes I use an equalizer hitch. I was wondering if installing 4.10s in my truck and adding an extra leaf to the springs would help it tow the extra load easier? Owners Manual says it will tow 8500 with the current 373 rear end. Thanks

[Boss Wagon]

You did not note what engine you have, but in my opinion the mods would make your truck a better tow vehicle; however, the real question is are they really necessary. Other factors to consider are the terrain you tow in, ie: level, hilly or in the mountains. The 4.10s would be an asset in mountainous terrain but a negative if you're a flatlander. The extra leaf or the addition of supplemental air bags, such as the Firestone Ride Rite, would be a definite asset to any 1/2 ton truck.

Either method of beefing up the rear suspension is a winner in the cost benefit analysis in my book. Sometimes the net gain from say the gear change might not justify the expenditures.

[lsttype]

Oh sorry I forgot to put the engine type in. It's the 5.3. I will be towing mostly flat but maybe twice a year be dipping into the ozarks. It's been such a good truck I just don't want to get rid of it for a 3\4 unless I have to. I could put a catback exhaust, cold air intake and a programmer I suppose for a little more hp. Will I notice a big difference in 800lb more of a trailer?

[Boss Wagon]

Personally I'd really consider the supplemental air bags. You can adjust the pressure when towing and lower them when not towing. I had the Firestone Ride-rite bags on my old Class A motorhome for 10 years and they required no maintenance so I really feel good in recommending them.

The 3.73 is a good tow gear, (same as mine). I'd stick with them and see how it works with the new trailer. You may not notice a great deal of difference since drag is more enemy than weight. If you use it and find it needs help, then re-evaluate your options.

[clutch]

Your money best spent would be the air bags. In all probability you won't notice much difference on level ground.

[lsttype]

Thanks for the replies. I'll look into the airbags. I use them on my Buick for drag racing, never thought of them for my tow rig.

[Seann45]

You stated that the tongue weight is the same so why would you bother with heavier springs? Unless your having trouble now.... Tow with it as is see how it handles and go from there.. by the way dry weight means nothing.. you never tow like that the fully loaded weight is the important number...

[Plowtoy]

Many talk about air bags... You should also check into Timbren's. They are a heavy duty bump stop that goes in place of the factory bump stops. When installed, there should be roughly a half an inch clearance between the bump stop and axle so you notice no change in ride with no load, but when you put a load in the bed or tow a trailer, it makes contact with the axle and transfers the load off the springs onto the frame and still provides a decent ride. Other than the sag issues from a half ton, that truck of yours will do everything you want it to do and more just as it is. Check out www.timbren.com for more info on them. I use them on my truck and love them.

[lsttype]

Dry weight means plenty to me. My current trailer weighs 5000 and the new trailer weighs 5800. The extra lbs from loaded weight will transfer straight over to the new camper. It's the extra added 800 lbs that I was curious about but it sounds like the truck will be suitable. Thanks for all the input guys.

[mtelkhntr]

If you don't already have E rated tires, I'd consider that also. When towing or hauling with my 3/4T I fill them to 80# and when I'm not, I run them at 65#

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by lsttype

snip........The extra lbs from loaded weight will transfer straight over to the new camper. It's the extra added 800 lbs that I was curious about but it sounds like the truck will be suitable.......snip

Keep in mind that the Jayco published dry weight (UVW) of 5,710lbs on the 28DSBH doesn't reflect the actual ship weight...., one JOF member had an actual ship weight just under 6,000lbs (yellow sticker) on his 28DSBH, but may not be an issue in your case. Actual "ship weights" can add another 100lbs to 600lbs on top of Jayco's published dry weights (UVW) depending on model HTT/TT/FW.

Bob

[lsttype]

Hmmm, I wasn't aware of that but it makes sense. I'm assuming the ship weight includes the battery and full propane tanks? Or are there things that are included in shipping weight?

[William]

I just did the same trade from a 26 bh to the white hawk 28 dsbh the white hawk pulls better and I get better mileage by 1 mpg and I use a 08 Tahoe and I travel with a full water tank. No up grades on the Tahoe.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by lsttype

snip...... I'm assuming the ship weight includes the battery and full propane tanks? Or are there things that are included in shipping weight?

The Ship Weight does include the weight of the LP tanks filled even though they are shipped empty, but doesn't include the weight of the battery (by RV dealer) or any other dealer items. If the dealer adds more than 100lbs of weight they are required to update the factory Ship Weight yellow sticker (adjust CCC).

Bob

[Nighthawk 96]

The yellow sticker weight of my White Hawk is 432# more than the published unloaded vehicle weight. Fully loaded CAT scale weight 5960 trailer axle and 720 hitch. This includes 1/3 tank of fresh water. (about 100#) This is about 1000# more than my old 26BH. This is 1280 lbs above the listed unloaded vehicle weight. If you load your trailer in a similiar way you wil have around 6600 total with 700 on the hitch.
I would think your truck should be ok with this and I would not make any mods until I tried it out.

[lsttype]

Cool thanks. If all goes well we are going to pick up the new whitehawk this Saturday.