New member from Michigan

[Jared]

Hi everyone,

We purchased our first TT last year and have been on about 7 trips. Loving the RV lifestyle! Anyhow, glad to be a part of this community.

Here's the stats:

Trailer: 2011 Outback 295RE

Truck: 2002 GMC Sierra 1500HD

I've already had to repair a couple things since purchasing, but overall I'm very impressed with how well this 11 year old TT is holding up (crosses fingers) looking forward to soaking up the collective knowledge on these forums.

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by Jared

Hi everyone,

We purchased our first TT last year and have been on about 7 trips. Loving the RV lifestyle! Anyhow, glad to be a part of this community.

Here's the stats:

Trailer: 2011 Outback 295RE

Truck: 2002 GMC Sierra 1500HD

I've already had to repair a couple things since purchasing, but overall I'm very impressed with how well this 11 year old TT is holding up (crosses fingers) looking forward to soaking up the collective knowledge on these forums.

Welcome to the forum. I see that you likely camp on a budget with and older camper and tow vehicle. I suspect your tow vehicle is pretty unsuitable for a 34' camper with a tongue weight of north of 1100 lbs based on gross weight. Once you add passengers and hitch and stuff in the truck perhaps you are over your payload. I can't recall but I suspect there is no tire loading/payload placard in your driver door frame to check. Anyway, if you start saving up for a heavy duty truck, you would enjoy towing a lot more. Good luck. BTW: I have a 2006 F350 and a 2002 Cougar 278EFS. I like to camp cheap as well. My last tow vehicle was a 96 F250 gasser. The issue with it wasn't so much engine/power or payload but the brakes were sketchy (drums on the rear).

[Jared]

1500HD stats:

Payload: 2837 lbs
Tow capacity: 10,300 lbs

This particular model came loaded out with a tow/haul mode, oil cooler and brake controller. The name 1500HD is a bit of a misnomer here as this is a basically a 3/4 ton truck. Complete with 8 lug wheels and oversized brakes.

My pin weight dry is around 2000 lbs, so I'm well within specs. Although I must say, going up steep hills with only a 6.0 vortec, makes me want to upgrade to a 6.6 Duramax.

[roadglide]

Originally Posted by Jared

1500HD stats:

Payload: 2837 lbs
Tow capacity: 10,300 lbs

This particular model came loaded out with a tow/haul mode, oil cooler and brake controller. The name 1500HD is a bit of a misnomer here as this is a basically a 3/4 ton truck. Complete with 8 lug wheels and oversized brakes.

My pin weight dry is around 2000 lbs, so I'm well within specs. Although I must say, going up steep hills with only a 6.0 vortec, makes me want to upgrade to a 6.6 Duramax.

I had the same 1500 Hd truck towing a 6000 lb Fleetwood fifer . My son has the truck and 2003 fifer . The 6.0 is pushing 200,000 miles and still towing the Fleetwood. He Recently Added cams, exhaust and a tune. The 1500 HD will be winding up all the time but will run forever when taken care of . Basically it’s a three-quarter ton with a 1500 HD badge difference Is 373 rear end , 4-10 gears on the 2500.

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by Jared

1500HD stats:

Payload: 2837 lbs
Tow capacity: 10,300 lbs

This particular model came loaded out with a tow/haul mode, oil cooler and brake controller. The name 1500HD is a bit of a misnomer here as this is a basically a 3/4 ton truck. Complete with 8 lug wheels and oversized brakes.

My pin weight dry is around 2000 lbs, so I'm well within specs. Although I must say, going up steep hills with only a 6.0 vortec, makes me want to upgrade to a 6.6 Duramax.

Sounds like you are good to go. Payload is a lot greater than many of the 3/4 ton trucks. My sis has a 3/4 ton Ram with a payload under 2000 lbs. It has a great interior and all the bells and whistles.

[Jared]

Yeah, the 1500HD is pretty unique. Like Roadglide said, the only thing on it that resembles an actual 1500 is the 373 rear end and the badge. It was pretty much designed as a heavy duty towing rig, but advertised as having the "smoother" ride of a 1/2 ton pickup. I think GMC was trying to offer every possible configuration imaginable in those days. How else do you end up with a "light duty" truck with more payload than a 3/4 ton workhorse! lol

[wiredgeorge]

3/4 ton trucks are kind of a mystery. You call them work horses but some are just plain glorified 1/2 tons with no payload and diesel engines. Some are very capable. You have to watch what you buy as far as 3/4 tons go especially if you intend on owning a 5th wheel.

[JimQ]

Hi Jared and welcome to the forum! Have fun with the Outback! Safe travels with it. Lots of information and knowledgeable folks here willing to help with any questions.

[Jared]

Originally Posted by roadglide

I had the same 1500 Hd truck towing a 6000 lb Fleetwood fifer . My son has the truck and 2003 fifer . The 6.0 is pushing 200,000 miles and still towing the Fleetwood. He Recently Added cams, exhaust and a tune. The 1500 HD will be winding up all the time but will run forever when taken care of . Basically it’s a three-quarter ton with a 1500 HD badge difference Is 373 rear end , 4-10 gears on the 2500.

Mine has 147,000 Miles. I put fresh Castrol edge high mileage every 3,000 miles. I had the rusty body parts replaced and added a few aftermarket mods to crank out a few more h.p. engine still has great compression and runs very strong. Great old truck.

[spicercars]

Welcome from northern MN.