Need advice

[Leatherneck58]

We have a 2011 GMC Sierra 2500 HD with the 6.0 ltr gas engine crew cab short bed 4x4 with the 3.73 axle ratio. Considering purchasing a 2018 Laredo 298srl. GCWR for my truck is 16,000 lbs. Campers dry weight is 8,400 lbs. Added to my trucks GVWR ill be several hundred pounds under the GCWR but once loaded ill probably be slightly over. We are weekend campers staying within 100 miles of home... not full timers. Should i worry and consider a lighter camper or not?

[Frank G]

If you are going to encounter any amount of hills, Yes get a bigger truck or smaller RV.
That is the short answer. You will not be happy, and always overloaded.

[K_N_L]

I had a Fuzion 290 and the Chevy version of your truck, comparable weight camper and the same gear ratio. I towed for about a year with it and it was okay, but get used to high revving and about 8 mpg. 6th gear was not option till close to 70mph. Short trips and 55mph speed limit back roads made it tolerable. After the first year, I traded over to a Duramax version.

[ChuckS]

It will work but a duramax with Allison will live a much longer life and mpg much better

[Gegrad]

If you are staying within 100-200 miles from home you will be fine. The problem comes when a family/friend member ask you to go 500 or more for a longer trip. Then you might be outclassed and have to decline invites.

[sourdough]

To me, it's a bit of a mistake to buy a new trailer to be towed by a truck that is overloaded (and engine overworked) thinking you will never go more than 100 miles. You WILL want to make that trip. You WILL be invited to go somewhere. The allure, yes, the reason for the RV, is to be able to TRAVEL. 100 miles? I drove that today just to take the RV in. In W TX it's like walking to the bathroom.

Just saying that to me it's a mistake to try to get the RV that is going to overload the truck and then make it where you can't, in essence, go anywhere; or if you do, you will be worried constantly (and you should be) about the proverbial "oh! no!. Think it through. If you have the means just get the truck and go anywhere you want and have fun!! Best of luck.

[jsmith948]

Originally Posted by Leatherneck58

We have a 2011 GMC Sierra 2500 HD with the 6.0 ltr gas engine crew cab short bed 4x4 with the 3.73 axle ratio. Considering purchasing a 2018 Laredo 298srl. GCWR for my truck is 16,000 lbs. Campers dry weight is 8,400 lbs. Added to my trucks GVWR ill be several hundred pounds under the GCWR but once loaded ill probably be slightly over. We are weekend campers staying within 100 miles of home... not full timers. Should i worry and consider a lighter camper or not?

The trailer you are considering has a GVWR of 10000#. That's the weight you should be using in your calculations. As far as your GCVWR, I believe you are too low. With 373 gears, it should be more like 23500?
I think the 16000# you reference is the tow rating (the weight of the trailer you can pull). We have that model trailer and we pull it with a diesel F250. Your truck should be lighter than ours. You should be OK.

[Gegrad]

Originally Posted by jsmith948

The trailer you are considering has a GVWR of 10000#. That's the weight you should be using in your calculations. As far as your GCVWR, I believe you are too low. With 373 gears, it should be more like 23500?
I think the 16000# you reference is the tow rating (the weight of the trailer you can pull). We have that model trailer and we pull it with a diesel F250. Your truck should be lighter than ours. You should be OK.

I was thinking he was probably too low on that GCWR, but didn't say anything. My GCWR for my half ton of the same generation is 14,500. 16,000 GCWR seems too low for a 2500HD with 3.73s.

Edited: No, just looked in the manual. His GCWR is 16,000 lbs, so the OP has it right. If he had the 4.10 rear end he would have a 20,500 GCWR and have a lot more leeway.

[notanlines]

Leatherneck, let me provide a reasonable solution to your perceived problem: https://www.4wheeldrivespecialty.com/ They are right in your neighborhood. Give these people a call about installation of 4:10 gears in your truck, front and rear. Cost should be in the $2400 range, including good quality gears. You get the best of both worlds. No truck note and a little better towing capacity. At least give them a call.

[Leatherneck58]

Thanks. Ive considered that option. Might just do it.

[NorskeBob]

The pin weight will be about 2000 lbs. If you use the truck/trailer - add air bags and check the brakes.

The trailer:
Shipping Weight 8910 lbs
Carrying Capacity 1090 lbs
Hitch 1410 lbs

It does not take much to add 1000 to a RV. Water is about 8#/gal and propane is about 6#/gal

I have towed out west and allot on the east coast - 3500HD with a diesel does the job.