Towing 22BH with a 2017 V6 Silverado

[elihusmails]

Looking to become a first-time camper owner.

I have a 2017 Silverado 1500, V6 Z71 4x4 with the towing package. I'm interested to hear how easily (or not) it'll be to haul a Jayco SLX 8 224BH. I definitely want a bunkhouse but I'm unsure about how comfortably I can tow a camper. Does anyone have this same truck or are familiar with how well it'll tow a camper that may be upwards to 6,000 pounds.

I've had my eye on the SLX 7 174BH, the wife and 2 kids are looking for something minimal. We don't plan on living in it, just sleeping and cooking. We'll be outdoors kayaking/hiking/fishing during the day.

I hear many people say that they wish they went bigger and its the only reason I'm considering the 224 over the 174. I'm curious to hear what people have to say. Salesmen will always tell me that it'll be OK, but they make more commission off the 224 so I'm hesitant to believe them.

[RedHorse1]

At 6000# I would expect around 900# on the hitch (15%). If you add another 100# for the hitch you are around 1000# on the hitch.
With 4 folks and their associated gear you could find yourself over weight on the rear axle.

I suggest a visit to a CAT Scale with the whole tribe aboard and weigh your TV. Comparing the Rear GAWR (from the sticker on the driver’s door jamb) and the rear axle weight will tell you how much weight can be added to the rear axle. Having an idea in advance of the weight your TV can handle will arm you with information that will help when making that first TT choice.
I was intimidated when making my first visit to the scales but the next two I acted like I knew what I was doing.
The CAT Scale is your friend.

[gladecreekwy]

Just got the 174bh Baja this August. Same deal, myself, wife and two kids. Like you we spend minimal time inside. I wanted the smallest, lightest trailer with the most ground clearance. After 5 weekends pulling it into remote sites we are loving it. Under 4000# tows easy. Very happy.

[Midnightmoon]

My 22BHM is exactly 5500# and 800# on the hitch via CAT scale. I've pulled it extensively with both my F150 and my Ram 2500.



As mentioned above, just insure you have enough payload to handle your tongue weight and you should be fine. I can't speak specifically for a GM product, but a trailer your size is well within the capabilities of almost any 1/2 ton on the market as long as the payload capacity is there.