I just got my first trailer. 2000 Dutchmen Lite 22 foot. UVW (dry-weight) 4065 lbs.
I am towing with a 2004 Chevy Express full-size 1/2 ton van, regular (short) wheelbase, passenger model, AWD, 5.3 liter, 4-speed auto tranny, 3.73 rear end. Rated to 6200 for towing. I live in Washington state, so I took 20% off 6200, giving me 4960. So that leaves 900 lbs. for water, propane, and camping gea, which should be enough.
I drove it home unloaded last night. On totally flat hiway, no wind, it had a hard time keeping speed at 62-65 mph without downshifting. I had it in Cruise, Tow mode. It would downshift, get up to speed, then shift back into 4th, and repeat this a couple minutes later. I tried 60 mph, it was better, but not great. Without Cruise, still needed to downshift.
I thought I was playing it safe with 4065 pounds. I don't want to kill my van. Do I need to cruise at 55? I hope not.
Shakedown trip planned for tommorrow night, close-by.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Doug
I am towing with a 2004 Chevy Express full-size 1/2 ton van, regular (short) wheelbase, passenger model, AWD, 5.3 liter, 4-speed auto tranny, 3.73 rear end. Rated to 6200 for towing. I live in Washington state, so I took 20% off 6200, giving me 4960. So that leaves 900 lbs. for water, propane, and camping gea, which should be enough.
I drove it home unloaded last night. On totally flat hiway, no wind, it had a hard time keeping speed at 62-65 mph without downshifting. I had it in Cruise, Tow mode. It would downshift, get up to speed, then shift back into 4th, and repeat this a couple minutes later. I tried 60 mph, it was better, but not great. Without Cruise, still needed to downshift.
I thought I was playing it safe with 4065 pounds. I don't want to kill my van. Do I need to cruise at 55? I hope not.
Shakedown trip planned for tommorrow night, close-by.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Doug