Towing 2009 Silverado 1500 ?

[Daniel G]

I was considering towing my 2009 Silverado behind my 2003 Fleetwood Discovery but in doing the research, the coach data states that the maximum tow weight is 5000# and the GVRW on the pickup is 7000#.  As I understand this, I either need a lighter tow or a larger RV.  Am I correct?  Do any of the smaller quad cab pickups fall below the 5000# weight limit?

Thanks.

Daniel G

[Joezeppy]

Well, the GVWR is the maximum the truck can weigh when fully loaded. However, I had a 1999 Silverado (ext cab, 6-1/2' box) that I seem to remember weighed about 5,200 lbs empty so you would probably be over the coach's limit even with an  empty truck. You could check the Chevy's door sticker to see if the UVW (unladen vehicle weight) is listed. To see what the truck weighs exactly, load it up with whatever you plan on taking with you -full tank of gas, bikes, firewood, etc. and head to a public scale. I think that you will find a Dodge Dakota or Chevy/GMC Colorado/Canyon are more within the coach's limits.

[RV Roamer]

Yeah, even the curb weight of a Silverado 1500 is around 5200 lbs, according to the Chevy web site. The exact weight will vary with cab style, bed size, engine, etc., but its will be in that ball park.

According to the Freightliner Custom Chassis specs for the 2003 Discovery, the chassis can tow at least 10,000 lbs (GCWR is 37,910 lbs). It may be that your Discovery is only equipped with a 5000 lb hitch receiver. If that's the case, a qualified hitch shop ought to be able to upgrade it to a heavier duty model.  Both the hitch and the method of attaching it to the chassis would have to be upgraded.

Here are the chassis specs for your coach:

http://www.freightlinerchassis.com/pdf/Fleetwood/XC0103-2003.pdf

[Daniel G]

Thanks, Gary!  You are right.  The hitch is only rated at 5000#.  According to the numbers, do you think I would be safe going to a heavier hitch?

[RV Roamer]

Assuming Freightliner didn't lie, YES.

[COMer]

Keep in mind that a "heavier hitch" does not just mean buying a heavier mount (the thing the ball fastens to).  It means having a higher class receiver mounted to a part of your frame that can handle the upgrade.  Then buying a heavier mount and ball.  Putting a heavy duty mount into a 5000# receiver is not the answer although there would be salesmen who would lead you to believe it does.