TV and Trailer Question

[Tbeuler]

I am looking to purchase a new TV because my last trip the TV really could not pull my TT. The TT is a Jayco 26BH and has a dry weight of 4850lb usually when were loaded up its closer to 6000lb. My TV is a 2009 Silverado 4.8l and 4spd. I was wondering if I should go with a 2009 2500 Silverado 6.0l 6spd or just the Silverado with the 5.3l 6spd. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[clubhouse]

2500 all the way.

I came to the same realization after a few trips pulling my '26 BH with a 1/2 ton. Both a Tahoe and silverado each with 5.3 4speed 3:73 set ups. Both could do the job, but were working hard especially in the mountains. I'm sure the newer 6 speed transmission would help that 5.3; but a 3/4 ton is built for the job and the extra HP will be helpful.

As you can see in my signature I went diesel too. Can't state strong enough what a better experience pulling with a diesel is. Lots of folks are happy with gas, but it's no accident diesels are used for all the heavy duty applications. You will read diesels are more expensive here is my take and then I'll leave it to others...

-- Diesels cost more up front but are also worth more to when you sell down the road. I bought used and paid about $6k more than comparable gas models. At the time I checked used prices for trucks ~8 years older (as long as I ever expect to mine) and the diesels are still ~$5k higher so you get that premium back.

-- maintenance is higher, yes and depending of if you Do it yourself or take it in the extra is almost nothing. DYI oils change is $20 more because the amount of oil you use. Take it in and it's about $40 higher than a gasser. Diesels have fuel filter changes every 10k miles or so. DYI $30. Take it in $60-80. Other than that everything is about the same.

So yeah diesels cost more, slightly more...but so worth it.

[Crabman]

The differences in the 1500/2500`s are considerable, as my comparison thread below indicates. Also consider you may choose to upgrade trailers someday.

http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...al-differences

[Mustang65]

Crabman is right... the diesels were made to be a work horse, but like he said it is more personal preference. I have always been a GM BIG block gear head “as there is no replacement for displacement”, but time has caught up with me and the big block has all but gone away. So, since we were planning on a 8K lb trailer, and I am NOT a Diesel Fan, I spent 6 months researching my gas TV options. Understand, I have ALWAYS been a GM guy, but after researching my V8 options/limitations, I ended up with a Ford EcoBoost. It has a combined weight package of 17+K lb with the truck options I selected. Not that I would ever take it to its limits. I was not sure at first, but after this trip to the mountains around Denver area, I am a true believer. Towing, we get about 10mpg in the mountains and 12mpg on flat roads. With out towing the TT we get 14/15 in the city and 19/20 on the hwy. We did encounter the inherent acceleration issue with moisture (2x), which Ford has corrected with a new intercooler design. They replaced ours and have not had an issue in 12K miles. The towing performance is UNBELIEVABLE. Example, we were going up a greater than 6 degree grade west of Denver, and we went up the grade with no reduction in speed (55mph), we passed up this TT like it was standing still. I smiled.. We got to the CG and that TT followed us in. We got to talking and he said that he had his truck (Chevy 2500 w/largest V8) with the pedal to the metal… maxing out at 45mph. When he returns to Texas he is going to look at the EcoBoost.
Good Luck at research
Don

[Iraqvet05]

I'd agree with clubhouse...the 5.3 in a 1500 can tow the 26BH but it works hard in the hills and the 4spd/5.3 combo struggles above 60 mph.

[33 RLDS]

When we were looking at bigger and heavier campers we too were looking for another TV. I really liked the 2 Avalanches I have had so figured I would look for a rare 2500 Avalanche with the big block. I found an 04 with only 26K miles less than an hour from our house. Jumped on it and have not regreted it. I seldom see more than 3K on the tach and it handles the big tounge weight unlike the old 1/2 ton Avalanche could do even with air bags..She has plenty of life in her but I am sure my next TV will be a diesel. I got the HD bug and want even more truck !!!!

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Tbeuler

snip..... I was wondering if I should go with a 2009 2500 Silverado 6.0l 6spd....snip

I would...., the 2500HD will give you added payload capacity which is always the down-fall of 1/2 tons when hitching to the heavier TT's.

Bob

[THABULL]

2500 6.0 with 4.10 gears if staying with a gasser.

[IdahoDave]

We use a 2000 F-250 7.3PS, 4x4, Auto 285-75-16 Toyo's Have pulled a Cougar 243 for 4 years, now with the Eagle 316, the added weight is hardly noticeable. We are across the scales at 17500 combined loaded with the ATV in the back of the truck, 1/3 water and personal effects. The smaller gas engines will work them selves to death and live a short life

[lagman]

Originally Posted by Tbeuler

I am looking to purchase a new TV because my last trip the TV really could not pull my TT. The TT is a Jayco 26BH and has a dry weight of 4850lb usually when were loaded up its closer to 6000lb. My TV is a 2009 Silverado 4.8l and 4spd. I was wondering if I should go with a 2009 2500 Silverado 6.0l 6spd or just the Silverado with the 5.3l 6spd. Any help is greatly appreciated.

I tow a '13 26BH, 5500 lbs loaded and ready to camp with my '13 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4.0 v6. I just returned from a 1500 mile trip around Lake Michigan and had zero issues. I did my research first, and the people on this forum were very helpful. See these threads:

http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...ht=towing+26BH
http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...ht=towing+26BH

The result of my research and CAT scale results revealed that I was very close, but within the safe limits of all of the important measurements (payload, GVWR, GAWR (front/rear), and tongue weight). I made sure to buy the best WDH and Brake Controller I could afford (Equal-I-zer and Prodigy P2). I also bought a ScanGuageII so I could keep tabs on the transmission temp. Other than that, I have made no modifications (air bags, tires, etc) to the stock Tacoma.

Here's what I can tell you:

Sway: I get virtually no sway at all. I've been in 30MPH+ winds passing semi trucks and while you can feel them pass, the WDH does a great job of correcting in a very short amount of time. I've never experienced unprovoked (i.e. not caused by wind or a passing vehicle) sway. I've never felt like the "Tail is wagging the dog" even though my TT is a little heavier than my TV.

Brakes: Never felt out of control when it comes to stopping, and I've already had at least one quick stop. The trailer brakes, when adjusted properly, do a great job. I can barely tell the rig is back there when braking except after coming to a complete stop sometimes I feel a light "push" a second or two after stopping.

Gas Mileage: I get between 8 and 12 MPG. Wind speed and direction determines MPG.

Power: Sure, I could use more power, but in my opinion the Tacoma does very well, even on moderate hills. That being said, I've never taken the rig into the mountains and I don't think I ever would (luckily I live in Iowa). I usually keep the speed around 60-65. I've learned to speed up on the down grades and use the momentum built up to get me up hills without the need to downshift to 3rd (5 spd auto trans). Rarely do I need to downshift to 3rd to make it up hills. I usually keep it in 4th but if there isn't any significant wind or grades, it will go into OD if I let it. On my last trip, transmission temps stayed below 200F while in 4th but crept up over 230F in OD so I just kept it in 4th unless going down a long grade, even though I'm sure I could have kept it in OD for most of the trip and stayed under 250F.

So in summary, here are my thoughts:

1.) First and foremost, you need to do the research and go to the CAT scales to make sure you are within your tow limits. This is your responsibility to ensure the safety of you and others on the road.

2.) Beyond that, it depends on your comfort level. Personally, I'm willing to deal with the lack of power if it means I don't have to find a way to squeeze a Diesel or 2500 into my garage and spend so much money on gas to drive it to work every day. Also I only go on 1 or 2 long trips per year, the rest of the time I camp close to home so I can put up with it. Actually an added benefit on longer trips is that it forces me to stay alert at all times.. If I were towing and couldn't feel the weight back there, I think I'd be less secure and more prone to forgetting what I have behind me. In any case, I would suggest going with the best hitch and brake controller you can if going on the light side.. That has really paid off for me.

Hope that helps!

Dan

[Nighthawk 96]

I pulled a 26BH with a 4.7 litre Tundra. It worked hard for a living going up hills. With the 5.7 Litre Tundra towing is a lot more pleasant experience. My 27DSRL is 1000# heavier than the 2BH and it tows just fine, but I would not want to pull anything much heavier. I am a long time Toyota owner because of the quality. In your situation I would go with the 2500 series and the larger gas engine. This will give you the option of a heavier trailer if you decide to upgrade in the future.

[Bassdogs]

Have pulled a 6K TT for 5 years with an 08 Silverado 4x4 w/ 5.3 vortec engine. Have never had a problem and have found the tv to have plenty of get up and go. Can start from a crawl at the bottom of a max degree interstate hill and be hitting 80 by the top. The thing has never left me wanting for power. Get 8 - 10 mpg. Getting the 6.0 or going all the way to a Diesel is a choice you have to make yourself, but unless you are doing a lot of travel in the mountains or such, I think its just a matter of personal choice.

Just took possession of a 2014 white hawk that will be pushing the 7500lb tow limit on my truck. Pulling it home [dry] 450 miles it didn't feel any different than my previous tt. Know I will have to manage my TVW but didn't want to have to step up to a 2500.

[usmc616]

No one has ever complained about having too much TV.

[Paulx213]

At $1.51 / liter or about $6 per gallon I do. My TV has to wear more hats then just towing.

[Ecfeick]

I tow a 2013 26bh with a 11 1500 silverado 5.3 w 3.73 rear end.

No issues on flats or hills. Haven't been in strait mts yet. But I know even in hills it's not searching in reg mode.

I think I'd be fine in mts in tow.

But. The 2500 isn't a bad idea. The mileage and price differences will be relatively small if you buy used.

[Grumpygp]

2500hd, 6.0, 4.10.

[Flyrotor]

for a recommendation for the original post, get the 2500 (3/4 ton), you will never regret have the extra payload

[newrvguy68]

I was in the exact same predicament that you are currently in...26bh and towing with a 2007 Chevy Avalanche w/4.10's. Absolutely, it would pull the trailer but I never really felt completely comfortable with the setup. I also tended to stay a little closer to home when towing because of the confidence factor. Then came the opportunity to move up to a 2012 Chevy Silverado 2500HD with the 6.0L and what a difference! It was meant to handle greater loads including payload capabilities and is a far more solid truck/trailer combo. Now I am confident heading out just about anywhere with my current setup and the truck makes the task of towing seem so much easier. Hills and most all inclines and declines are a breeze. And, the best thing of all, is how instead of gripping the steering wheel until I was white-knuckled before, now I can one-hand the steering wheel and know that the truck I am driving is meant for towing and working. Do yourself a favour and move up to the 2500...you won't be sorry.

[grayco]

I just bought a new "13" Silverado Crew 5.3 and a "13" 28BHS. All seems good so far. Do I think a 2500 would have been a better choice? Yes, if all I did was pull the camper with it, but I do a lot of travel with the truck not pulling anything. So for me I feel it was the right choice.

Good Luck,
Marty

[mtelkhntr]

We have a 262FK that I originally towed behing an '85 3/4T 4x4 suburban and more than once the tail started wagging the dog. I can only hope for your sake you never come as close to losing it as I did. I now tow the same trailer with a 2005 GMC 2500HD CC 6.0 4sp and the difference is remarkable. From experience, a light marginal TV is a recipe for disaster. Go big enough to have room for margin. P.S. I firmly believe the original tires that came with the trailer had a lot to do with the trailering issues and I up sized them and went with a 10ply. So much better.