2013 Chevy Express 3500 vs. Jay Flight 32BHDS?
We are hoping to purchase a new travel trailer in the near future and just wanted to get some advice concerning the tow-ability of our proposed TT. We tow principally in the southeast with trips of 1-2,000 miles freeway use. We do not dry camp and mostly haul with tanks empty. I do try to keep speeds under 65mph.
First the details, our tow vehicle is a 2013 Chevy Express 3500 with the standard wheelbase of 135", it has the 6.0L combined with the 6 speed transmission and the 3.42 rear end. Curb weight is 6087#'s with a GVWR of 9600. Payload is 3513 according to our VIN. Tow rating is 9700 with a GCWR of 16000. Our van has a Curt V5 receiver and is wired with a Prodigy P3 brake controller. No hitch yet, but am looking at either an Equalizer or Dual Cam.
We have been look at the Jayco 28BHBE which I believe that our van will handle without a problem, but we really like the 32BHDS better. The problem is of course an extra #1,000 plus a couple of feet longer. Am I crazy to even consider this?
Here are my calculations:
Van 6087
Camper 8200
People 500
Cargo 1500
Total 16,287 which puts me right at (slightly over) GCWR.
Payload shouldn’t be a problem, but not sure about the rest. The extra length gives me concerns as well. What do you think? Is it doable without making the towing experience miserable?
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