Towing a Larado 301RL with a half ton

[jmm4600]

New member to the forum and I want to say that this is a great place for information. I currently have a 2003 Keystone Hornet 27BS and my wife and I are looking to retire the bunkhouse as the kids are grown and the space is very limited in the Hornet. I towed this trailer all over northern Michigan from our home base in Metro Detroit with a 2009 Tahoe with the HD cooling package and a Reese dual cam WD Hitch. No problems pulling the Hornet except going up hills, but taking it easy I had no problems what so ever.

We are looking at a 2013 Laredo 301RL as the next and hopefully the last camper to take us into retirement. The problem is that this Laredo is heavy, 6825 dry weight and a hitch weight of 910 empty. I know I can’t pull this trailer with the Tahoe and I am looking at a 2013 Silverado 1500 with the max trailering package which includes a 6.2L and 3.73 gears and a GVW of 7,300 lbs. The GCWR is 16,000 lbs and the max trailer 10,400 lbs. I intend to purchase a 12,000/1,200 Reese dual cam WD hitch to go with the truck.

My question to the forum is this truck big enough to safely pull this trailer?

[GaryWT]

Double check what you have for payload vs the hitch weight, other than that all is probably ok in my opinion.

[Kristi]

We have a 1/2 ton GMC with a 6.0L and equalizer hitch, we pull a 30ft passport it's just under 5000 dry & 560 tongue weight. I really wouldn't want to pull anything heavier/ longer with our 1/2 ton. Definitely check your rear axle weight limits & factor in any passengers or cargo you might want to put in the bed. Just my humble opinion... We are not experts by any means.

[lightning79]

take a look at another post in this section, the poster's name is nitro4you75

He's got a big Laredo and is having some towing issues. I think that 30 feet is probably more suited to a 3/4 ton.

Just my humble opinion!

[therink]

Personally, 3/4 ton is the way to go, especially if you plan on covering some miles. That is a long trailer forn1/2 ton and sway may be an issue. If going gasser I also recommend nothing less than 4:10 axle.