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Old 07-08-2015, 01:42 PM   #1
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What could we upgrade to?

We have a 2006 Silverado 1500, 5.3L, but it only has the 3.23 back end (didn't understand what that meant until AFTER we bought it...and I know now). Have a Prodigy P3 brake controller, and a Pro WDH (10000# limit). We do not have sway controller bars.

We currently have a Jayco 16XRB hybrid TT. For now it's big enough with me, the wife, and two small boys. However...in the next couple of years, I'd like to find a slightly bigger TT.

We've looked at the X254, X23F, and 23MB. We don't pack much, and we wouldn't be boondocking anywhere for more than 24 hours (and that's if ever). We live in FL, and would like to travel up and down the midwest and the east coast. Top speed would be 60-65, depending on the sweet spot at the time on the road.

Would we be able to pull any of these reliably? Any other possible TT's? I want to keep the total trailer weight under 6000#.
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Old 07-08-2015, 01:59 PM   #2
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Have you considered the 19BH? Or is that too small?
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Old 07-08-2015, 02:02 PM   #3
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2WD of 4WD? If it's 2WD, I'd consider a gear swap. There's a lot to be said for a paid for vehicle. If this is an option then just go to 4.10s right away.

If it's 4WD, a gear swap isn't practical because more than just the rear end needs to be changed out.

Also, and more importantly is to pay attention to your payload.
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Old 07-08-2015, 02:08 PM   #4
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2WD. What would it cost to upgrade, and would it be worth the cost to do so?

The 19BH is too small. I'm 6'1", and I have to sleep diagonally on my bunk (or at the very edge where my feet hang over the corners of the ledge).

I just checked Jayco, and they just released their 2016 models today (so new there aren't weights on them). There's now a 22BHM that looks nice. I want to stay at the 21-24' range, something my boys can grow into over the next 7-10 years. We're upside down on our little 16XRB, so I want to make sure whatever we trade up to is "worth it" for the long haul.
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Old 07-08-2015, 02:23 PM   #5
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2WD. What would it cost to upgrade, and would it be worth the cost to do so?
Not sure, but I don't think it would be more than a few hundred bucks. Yes, I think it would be well worth it provided the rest of the truck can handle it., i.e. cooling system, payload, tongue weight. But I think you'll be in most areas.

Like I said, your payload may be the limiting factor. Look at the weight sticker in your driver's door. It'll list the payload. If it's in the 1500+ range, you'll most likely be fine. If it's like a lot of the older style GMs, it may only be 1200#.
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Old 07-08-2015, 02:46 PM   #6
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...Look at the weight sticker in your driver's door. It'll list the payload. If it's in the 1500+ range, you'll most likely be fine. If it's like a lot of the older style GMs, it may only be 1200#.
"Cargo and occupants should never weight more than 1825lbs."

Just saw the new 2016 19BH...made us do a double-take too.
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Old 07-08-2015, 02:51 PM   #7
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Figure ring and pinion plus bearings and installation kit around $4-500 and installation by a competent guy who knows how to set up gears properly another $4-500 plus whatever the dealer charges to re-program PCM to make it aware of the new ration.
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Old 07-08-2015, 03:01 PM   #8
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"Cargo and occupants should never weight more than 1825lbs."

Just saw the new 2016 19BH...made us do a double-take too.
That's nice and hefty!

The 19BH, double take in a good way or bad?

Regarding the cost of the gear change, I appreciate 33 RLDS's input. Even $500 would be worth it. Like I said above, it beats a payment!
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Old 07-08-2015, 04:36 PM   #9
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Around a thousand but I wouldn't put 4:10 gearing in a half ton I would go with at the most 3:73 it's a half ton you would loose a lot of fuel economy when you are empty and you will be running a lot higher rpm.
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Old 07-08-2015, 05:00 PM   #10
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If you consider upgrading your TV ... here are my (as DW) observations. When we got our 2007 GMC, we got the crew cab and IMHO, inside it felt (and drove) like a sedan with a big useful trunk (thanks to the lid and bed rug). With our new TT, and in anticipation of cross-country trips, we upgraded the TV to a 2015 diesel crew cab (see signature) that can handle anything and again IMHO, the interior is even more luxurious and spacious than our last truck! I feel safe and pampered and really love the ride!
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Old 07-09-2015, 08:41 AM   #11
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Not looking to get new TV. I'm new to the idea of re-gearing (no idea where to go, etc), but I understand what it would bring (pros and cons). Right now, I'm going to approach this as if we don't change the TV's current capabilities.

I'm hoping that if we keep the total TT weight (with whatever we pack in it) to 6000lbs or less, that we'll be able to tow even up the eastern coast or highways over the hills in TN/KY. I don't mind going slower for that, as long as my TV can handle it.

Right now, our forward thinking between the X23F, X254 (and maybe others) comes down to this... do we want everything enclosed (no tents, faster and easier setup), or do we want more room (and longer setup, more maintenance).

Just want to make sure our current truck could tow either of those and if I had wiggle room.

I plugged my numbers into a spreadsheet from one of the other threads and it looks like I could go up to 6250# and be at 87%. That tells me I want to stay at that or lower, preferably 5750-6000lbs. Where we would be camping, we'd buy stuff when we arrive as opposed to packing a lot.
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Old 07-09-2015, 09:15 AM   #12
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I had a 2007 1500 with nearly the same specs (5.3, CC, 2WD, 4 speed, 3.42 gear) and hated the way it towed our 26BH. I cannot give the the exact specs on the loaded 26BH weight but suspect it was close to 6k lbs. The combination on that truck was fine of open, flat roads but felt inadequate in the rolling hills we have in Missouri. The 4 speed was constantly shifting gears or I would have to manually shift to keep the RPMs up.

If you want to keep your truck, call a few trusted mechanics and get the price on a gear swap. A complete axle swap from a donor truck with the right gears may also be an option. A ring and pinion swap is complicated and only a few shops in your area will have the knowledge and tools to do it.
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Old 07-09-2015, 02:02 PM   #13
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+1.....

I would go to an autowrecker and price out a complete axle. Easy to swap that out yourself if you are handy.

Or just get the new trailer and if you feel lower gearing would help out do it then.

Your truck should be fine for any of the trailers you are looking at.
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Old 07-09-2015, 07:59 PM   #14
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Quote:
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If you want to keep your truck, call a few trusted mechanics and get the price on a gear swap. A complete axle swap from a donor truck with the right gears may also be an option. A ring and pinion swap is complicated and only a few shops in your area will have the knowledge and tools to do it.
A ring and pinion is NOT complicated for any journeyman mechanic, it might be for a parts replacer. Check with the local dealer he's likely got the parts in stock.

I have a 2002 GMC with the same set up and pulled a 4800LB 24ft 5th wheel. OK on the flats but will die on a grade. Bought a second truck w/ the diesel and keep up sizing trailers.
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Old 07-10-2015, 02:37 PM   #15
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Buy what you need (I would say X254 but I'm biased), test your truck with it and then decide if you need to modify your TV.
It may well be that for your application and personality, your car is ok....
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