New TV GMC Sierra 1500 CC

[jaydubya1966]

I learn an awful lot from this forum. One of the issues I was most concerned about was my TV. I bought our first TT about three months ago and I towed with a GMC Acadia, which properly equipped can tow 5200lbs. I own a Passport Elite 19RB which has a dry weight of 4300 (and change) so my margin was less than 1,000 lbs. I did get myself weighed and I was about 500lbs short of my total GCWR (10,700). While it towed fine in the flats of Florida, my math told me I was really close to my limits (95%) and my DW and I were NOT in the Acadia during weigh in. I wondered how we would do if we encountered hills.

Long story made shorter, after reading this thread and others I decided that if I wanted to stay in RVing, and maybe upgrade down the road, I would be better off with a more capable TV. Today we bought a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Short Bed with the 5.3L Eco Tec engine. It is equipped for towing and has a 3.42 axle ratio. I verified before driving away and I can tow up to 9,400 lbs as equipped. My Passport 19RB will be much more easily towed and now I have room for some growth should we decide to do so. The wheel base along with the higher capacity is what swayed me (no pun intended). I felt that this presented a safer option. I loved my Acadia but feel like I made the right move for me. Thanks to all who participate in this forum...such a huge help to newer folks like us.

I wanted to see if there were any Sierra/Silverado 1500 CC owners that have any words of wisdom. Like I mentioned, I have the 5.3L with the 3.42:1 ratio. Looking for after-market towing mirrors as we speak.

[dc1300]

That's a nice truck. We looked at a very similar truck when we were looking to upgrade our tow vehicle.

[Tbos]

I have a 2014 Silverado 1500 CC. You should be really happy towing your 19RB. We used to have a 238ML and the truck never knew it was there. Enjoy. Post pictures of your whole rig.

[poppin_fresh]

I towed my small hybrid with a Chevrolet Traverse (Acadia twin) for a couple years it did just fine. My last year with that hybrid I towed it with a new 2015 Silverado with the same specs as your GMC and it was even better.

I will say that I'm now towing 7 feet longer and well over 1K lbs heavier than you with my new trailer and the Silverado still does a great job. I dont think you will regret your purchase.

[SRD]

I to have a Passport Elite 19rb and tow with a Silverado 5.3 with 3.73 gear ratio. We took ours out for the fist time in mid November,and was happy with the way it towed. Coming back from our trip was a very windy day. Checked my gas mileage and it was around 9.5 miles per gallon. I didn't expect that, was hoping for 11-12. I know the wind played a role in that,looking forward to spring so I can get a true test for the mileage. As for the mirrors, I found some at etrailer called K Source Snap &Tap. Check it out they are inexpensive, and look like factory equipment

[jaydubya1966]

Thanks for the mirror suggestion. The GMC installed tow mires are pretty expensive. I towed this weekend and we got about 11MPG and the conditions were good. I was a little disappointed as somehow we expected better. The TV was fantastic and at times I could imagine that I was not even towing. Still need always remain vigilant, so many other drivers must have no concept of the challenges of towing!

[jaydubya1966]

Originally Posted by poppin_fresh

I towed my small hybrid with a Chevrolet Traverse (Acadia twin) for a couple years it did just fine. My last year with that hybrid I towed it with a new 2015 Silverado with the same specs as your GMC and it was even better.

I will say that I'm now towing 7 feet longer and well over 1K lbs heavier than you with my new trailer and the Silverado still does a great job. I dont think you will regret your purchase.

Thanks for the insight. We will need to keep the 19RB for some time otherwise the TV/TT/TV/TT chain of events gets expensive!! We will eventually get a bigger TT and was thinking the 26-28FT range would be ideal.