Max towing or keep below

lightcs1776 · 09-15-2014, 06:57 PM

I have a 2015 26BH, which is approximately 400 pounds heavier than the current camper. According to the sticker on the door of the 2004 Trailblazer, I should be able to tow a max of 6400 pounds. We are looking at approximately 5300 pounds towing, and 10,400 pounds max GCVW (if I have the acronyms right). I should have 12,500 total weight. Is it a good idea to stay a certain percentage under the max tow weight? Thanks.

Rustic Eagle · 09-15-2014, 07:43 PM

There isn't any factual or specified "percentages", but yes, it's always nice to be able to stay below any TV weight limits (GVWR, GCVWR, actual Tow Rating, etc.) thus allowing for unexpected cargo weight, and/or fluid weight in the TT tanks. How much under a "limit"has a lot to do with your personal towing expectations, and where you tow (mountains, etc.).

In respect to published Tow Ratings, the following JOF link will explain what an "actual" tow rating is: http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3866

You mentioned that the loaded weight of the 26BH will be around 5,300lbs, I assume you aware that the Jayco published UVW of 4,365lbs is not the ship weight, the actual ship weight could add another 400ibs-500lbs (yellow sticker on TT has actual shipped UVW).

The 26Bh is a 29ft TT, so a recommended loaded tongue weight in the 13% to 15% range of the loaded TT weight will enhance TV handling of the TT. I don't know what "available" payload capacity your Trailblazer has, but I would confirm that it can accommodate the increase in the 26BH's loaded tongue weight.

Hope this helps a little.

Bob

lightcs1776 · 09-15-2014, 07:52 PM

Thanks, Bob. Yes, I am aware of the dry weight. Typical delivered weight appears to be closer to 4900 pounds. I figure about 100 pounds for the battery and propane, plus another four hundred or so for passengers. We are hoping to take the trailer through the Pennsylvania mountains, so I am a bit more concerned about a reasonable weight for the TV. I will have to look at tongue weights as that may be an issue. Thanks again.

Rustic Eagle · 09-15-2014, 09:46 PM

I agree, the TV Payload Capacity and/or GVWR may be a challenge, in concert with the loaded TT tongue weight.

I'm not sure if you have the 26BH yet..., but you can take just your Trailblazer under loaded conditions (full fuel, passengers, simulated cargo) to a CAT scale and weigh it. Subtract the CAT scale weight from the GVWR noted on your TV's driver's door......, the remaining weight is your "available" payload capacity for the loaded tongue weight, a 50lb WDH, and any other items not accounted for at the CAT scale.

The CAT is a 3 minute process and $9 investment, but at least you have eliminated a lot of the guess work on where you stand......., just a thought.

On Edit:

Once you have both the TV/TT under loaded conditions, then you can take both of them to the CAT scale for a complete weigh-in. It will take three passes over the scales but the data will tell you everything you need to know (WDH adjustment, confirm all weights/limits, etc.). The two additional CAT scale passes will cost an additional couple-bucks each.

Cat scale TV/TT combination how-to: http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3871

Bob

lightcs1776 · 09-16-2014, 05:11 AM

Thanks again, Bob. I don't have the trailer yet, but bringing it to a scale sounds like great idea. I didn't realize it was so quick and inexpensive. I know I can keep it under max weight, but I could see it overloaded if I fill the water tank and pack it for a week or two of camping.

DocBrown · 09-16-2014, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lightcs1776

I have a 2015 26BH, which is approximately 400 pounds heavier than the current camper. According to the sticker on the door of the 2004 Trailblazer, I should be able to tow a max of 6400 pounds. We are looking at approximately 5300 pounds towing, and 10,400 pounds max GCVW (if I have the acronyms right). I should have 12,500 total weight. Is it a good idea to stay a certain percentage under the max tow weight? Thanks.

Help me understand a couple of your numbers. You are figuring your total weight of truck and trailer is going to be 12,500# and the GCVW listed in your manual is 10,400# (which sounds about right as I used to own a Trailblazer)? If that's the case you are going to be 1100# over the max total weight you can tow.

Ignore the dry weight. When you get the trailer look for the yellow sticker on the front right of the trailer. Look for "shipped weight". That's the weight of the trailer as it left the factory also adding in the weight of 2 full propane tanks. If the dry weight is listed at 4,365#, realistically with options (like A/C, spare tire, etc) the shipped weight will be closer to 4700#.

Towing capacity is a guide, not the highest weight you can actually tow. Having owned a Trailblazer I can tell you flat out that your 26BH is far too much trailer for that truck. I think you are going to be very disappointed. If you must tow with this truck, get an axillary transmission cooler.

All that said I have knowingly towed closed to my rated capacity with 2 different combos and will likely do so again some day. It's doable but with limitations, such as shorter trips and no mountains. Towing with some margin in your capacities is a far better towing experience.

nbhybrid · 09-16-2014, 07:53 AM

IMO you will be fine. you will likely be at 5500lbs loaded to go and the 5.3 will work great. Mountains are mountains they are going to downshift your tranny. Gas engines are able to rev. It doesn't hurt them. the manufacturers actually put a rev limiter on them to avoid hurting them.

I would definitely go with a quality hitch though. I think an Equalizer is the best and by the numbers of sales most others do as well.

Towing requires the best equipment.

Iraqvet05 · 09-16-2014, 08:15 AM

IMO, you probably won't like the 5.3 and 4 speed transmission pulling that much weight. I had an 07 Silverado 5.3 that I towed my 26BH with and I didn't like the constant transmission shifting and gutless climb up hills. The 5.3 maybe capable of the task but it is better suited for the job when a newer (09-up) 6 speed transmission behind it.

crtc_01 · 09-16-2014, 12:20 PM

I had a 2006 silverado 1500 with 5.3 and max towing package. I believe it was rated for 7200# towing. I pulled our 28dsbh with a dry weight of 6000#. Loaded with fuel, passengers and cargo I was close or over the GCVW. The trucked pulled the trailer but had a lot of transmission hunting and the overall experience was less than enjoyable. It was enough that I purchased a used 2010 2500hd 6.0l gas and the ride is much more comfortable and stable with less transmission hunting.

lightcs1776 · 09-16-2014, 01:42 PM

DocBrown, I have those numbers reversed. Max towing capacity per the door sticker is 6400. Max total weight for this particular model is 12,500. I calculate approximately 10,400 for all required items, people, trailer and vehicle. Sorry, wasn't as worried about the last camper, and the ones before that were pop-ups, so the names of each specification is a bit foggy. I don't plan to get another vehicle for a few years, so I want to ensure I am not making a mistake by matching the TV with the trailer. If I understand everyone's comments correctly, I should plan on a stronger tow vehicle when this gets replaced.

DocBrown · 09-16-2014, 01:52 PM

OK, thanks for the clarification. If that's the case and you can keep that weight down to 5500# like nbhybrid said, then I think as far as weight you'll be fine. That's essentially the same drive train as a 1/2 ton PU. Do you know what gears you have? I'm assuming 3:73. Look in your glove box for your RPO code list. GU6 = 3:42, GT4 = 3:73, GT5 = 4:10.

It's still a long trailer for a Trailblazer, so yes, you most likely will want something more suited when you do go looking at replacements for the TB.

lightcs1776 · 09-16-2014, 02:01 PM

Gears are 3.73. I definitely would like a truck for a replacement, but it will have to wait a while. Ideally a 3/4 ton PU would be great, especially as the number of kids at home starts to shrink. I can't see us every going to a bigger trailer, especially since we were hoping for a smaller one. We just couldn't find something to fit a family of six with a decent floor plan (although we haven't had all six in a while).

Thanks to all of you for your advice and assistance.

tjpolsin · 09-16-2014, 02:22 PM

As a starting point on this issue, I look at the max gross trailer weight listed on the sticker (usually) located on the front left outside corner of the trailer. (This is the same sticker that lists tire size and inflation pressure).

I compare this number to my max towing capcity of my truck and decide there.

My '06 suburban had a 10,000 lb tow capacity and my 2008 26BHS has a max weight of 9300lbs. I doubt if I ever exceeded the max of the trailer, and the rig towed fine behind the suburban (although, never very fast over the hills).

I upgraded to a CCLB ram w/ a towing capcity of 12,500# and life is even better.

Nighthawk 96 · 09-17-2014, 06:34 PM

My 26BH weighed in fully loaded at about #5600; delivered weight #4800, with #620 of the total loaded weight on the hitch.

Hope that helps

lightcs1776 · 09-17-2014, 07:16 PM

That's great information, Nighthawk. Does that include water in the fresh water tank? If not , I will want to watch how I load the unit. Next vehicle will be something that will tow at least 8000 pounds.

Skaling · 09-17-2014, 11:28 PM

My 2015 26BH elite was 5100# from factory, 6000# loaded(food, clothes, toys, bikes, etc for family of 4, no water in tank,) 720# tw when loaded..
I tow it with a 2014 ram 1500, and as far as I am concerned, my trailer is as big/ heavy as I would go with my truck allowing for safety margins..
I think a new tow vehicle will come to you sooner than you think after towing a few longer trips..
Good luck. Enjoy they trailer..

lightcs1776 · 09-18-2014, 04:16 AM

Thanks Skaling. We stay fairly local, within an hour. However, we have talked about some longer trips as the kids are starting to move out on their own. Guess we will start saving towards a new TV.

**Crabman** · 09-18-2014, 04:30 AM

I towed our 28BHS for 3 years with my Chevy 1500 5.3. Its a bit heavier then the 26 BHS at 5350 dry, around 6500 ready to camp. The truck had the power but with a tongue weight approaching 1,000 lbs and a truck payload of only 1450 lbs the suspension was maxed out, and I never was real comfortable with the combo, especially on windy days. Moving up to the 2500 with a payload of over 3400 lbs and heavier frame/suspension/brakes/tires has made for a much more enjoyable towing experience. I`m not telling you to run right out and buy a huge truck, but as others have said your TV will be marginal at best and I think you are on the right path of saving towards a new one.

Here is a thread I started, comparing the 1500 and 2500. I still own both.

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/sh...hevy+2500+1500

lightcs1776 · 09-18-2014, 04:40 AM

Thanks, Crabman. A new TV isn't an option, but we can certainly keep the trips shorter until it is possible. I like paying cash or at least as close to cash as possible.

**Crabman** · 09-18-2014, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lightcs1776

Thanks, Crabman. A new TV isn't an option, but we can certainly keep the trips shorter until it is possible. I like paying cash or at least as close to cash as possible.

I like to pay cash too when possible. Which is why I bought an 8 year old, well kept 2500 with only 73,000 miles on it, at a cost of less then 1/3 what a new one would have been. The 40-50 grand trucks are just not in the Crabman budget.

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