What size trailer is ok with my current set up

[Rangerdaniel]

I am new to the message board, so thank you for accepting me. 

I am looking into purchasing a camper.  I currently drive a 2011 Silverado 1500, 7,000 lb gross vehicle weight, and gross towing capacity of 9,500. 

What is the heaviest trailer I should feel comfortable pulling?  My initial thoughts are in the 4,000-5,000 lb range

 

[IBTripping]

Assuming the GVWR of a travel trailer (not unloaded weight rating), 4,000 to 6,000 lbs should tow just fine. However, you'll need to have a weight distribution hitch with included anti-sway system. Good luck finding a TT that works for you.

 

[Boat Addict]

Do you have the 4.6 or 5.3 engine? I think there was two engine options for those trucks. That also makes a difference coupled with the rear end gear ratio. Of course where your location and where you plan on towing makes a difference.  I would not buy into the 9,500 lbs gross.  I tow gross 7,000, but normally stay within 6,500 tops.  This is all I want to have behind me in the Rockies in particular.  This is not too bad in the Smokey Mountains on a short route.

 

[aguablanco]

I towed 6000# with my 2012 Silverado with the 5.3 for a couple of years and did OK. I would say that is the max for that truck and engine.
RichH

 

[Rangerdaniel]

You guys are amazing.  Thank you for the quick response.  5.3 liter, 3.42 rear end.  I am looking hard at a Rockwood Roo Hybrid, 4,100 dry, 6,300 GVWR

 

[Boat Addict]

If your truck is a half ton 2 wheel drive, I would look at the Helwig spring setup.  I use a single spring and what a difference it made from towing without it, even with the weight distribution bars.  This cut down the swaying with my TT and steered much better with similar weight behind me. . Its a much better arrangement than air bags or air shocks. The spring spreads the load across the frame and with your weight just adjust the spring's U Bolt about half the thread length. I don't know the extra stiffness is there without being loaded that way.

 

[SpencerPJ]

You guys are amazing.  Thank you for the quick response.  5.3 liter, 3.42 rear end.  I am looking hard at a Rockwood Roo Hybrid, 4,100 dry, 6,300 GVWR

I towed a similar trailer and set-up with a 2004 YukonXL.  It does it, but not nicely.  The 4 speed transmission is not the best.  What is your payload?  yellow sticker in drivers door, might say carry capacity.  If you are 1500# or greater, you'll be ok as long as you don't overpack.  You will easy hit the 6300# gross, and I think the Roo's are a bit tongue heavy to begin.  What exact model and we can help with more details.

 

[Rangerdaniel]

My truck is a 4x4.

The camper I am looking at is a 2007 Rockwood Roo 23SS

 

[SpencerPJ]

I did not find 2007, but 2008 Roo, hitch weight is 378.  Lets say 600 then 100 wdh, 700, I still think you will be fine with that truck.  Would still like to know your payload # and it's kinda important part of equation.

 

[Rangerdaniel]

Gross vehicle weight is 7,000
Gross towing capacity is 9,500
payload is 1,732

 

[1blue78]

You will be fine with that Rockwood at 6300#s. 

 

[SpencerPJ]

Gross vehicle weight is 7,000
Gross towing capacity is 9,500
payload is 1,732

You'll be fine with those numbers.  Go buy it before someone else does  ) 

See if the seller will throw in a WDH.  You will need one. I towed my trailer with the Yukon 100 miles home, it sagged bad in rear end, I kept it slow.  Bought a Reese wdh, much better.  If I was to redo, I would get a equalizer 4 point.

 

[Rangerdaniel]

Does the WD kit make that big of a difference?  Is the 4 point a big upgrade?  I would like to possibly pull it with a 2019 Tahoe if possible. Gross weight is about 1,000 lbs less than my 1500

Btw, picked up camper no issues on tow.  Except, kept blowing electric brake fuses (blew 3). Replaced the trailer plug in an O?Reilys parking lot. All good!!

 

[SpencerPJ]

Yes, a WDH makes a big difference.  Transfer weight to the front axles and makes a much better towing experience. Not even an option in my book, you will want it.  The 4 point would make the best experience IMO, although others are ok.  I'm not a fan of the type where the bars are curved, connect from the bottom.  Some people have dragging issues with them. The Tahoe, questionable.  It might have the ability to pull a 23' travel trailer, but with its short wheelbase, might not be fun, especially if the wind is blowing at all.  People do it, don't get me wrong.

 

[Rangerdaniel]

Thank you!!  Will be installing WDH

 

[scottydl]

Also be aware that the Tahoe will be a less stable towing platform than the pickup, because of the SUV's shorter wheelbase. That's not to say the Tahoe won't be able to handle it, but it might feel a little more squirrely on a windy day or when a big semi passes and throws a bunch of crosswind into the trailer. "Tail wagging the dog" as we sometimes call that, a scenario that can be pretty harrowing when the trailer starts to tell the truck where it's going!

 

[Rangerdaniel]

Thank you all for the help.  I did in fact purchase the  Rockwood Roo.  We took it on a trip about 2 hours from home.  The tow was very easy.  Picking up WD kit on Thursday, should make it much easier

 

[SpencerPJ]

Glad to hear  ).  Enjoy your trailer, and feel free to hang around, especially if you come into questions / concerns.