First TT - 29DFSWE

[Yareelohim]

Just bought our first travel trailer, Hideout 29DFSWE. I’m pulling it with a 2015 Sierra 1500 6.2L (12,000lbs tow package).

Unfortunately we couldn’t take it home Saturday, when I began to pull out of the lot my DIC kept blinking “check trailer wiring.”

They are thinking it may be an electric brake magnet but they were closing and couldn’t look at at it

[BrooksFam]

from Oregon...…….

[LewisB]

That's a 10,000 pound 33 foot trailer correct? Has anyone discussed the max "payload" on your tow vehicle? Or was your purchase made based on the quoted "12000 tow package" and your dealer's recommendation?

[Yareelohim]

Originally Posted by LewisB

That's a 10,000 pound 33 foot trailer correct? Has anyone discussed the max "payload" on your tow vehicle? Or was your purchase made based on the quoted "12000 tow package" and your dealer's recommendation?

Feel free to educate me if I have this wrong as I’m new to travel trailers. Sold my boat to buy this trailer.

Here are the trailer specs:
34”
7170 lbs = dry weight
2410 lbs = carry capacity
9580 lbs = total (GVWR)

780 lbs = hitch weight

(I assume “carry capacity” is all our gear, full propane tanks, batteries, and full holding tanks. Although I know some manufactures include full propane and batteries as dry weight).

My truck 2015 Sierra Denali 1500 with 6.2L and “max trailering package” (3.42 rear end with 8 speed transmission, 12k lbs axle, and MagnaRide suspension) is rated for:
12,000 lbs = towing weight
1,200 lbs = tongue weight

GM says the tow weight is calculated assuming there is a driver and passenger in the truck both weighing 150 lbs and includes 70lbs of tow equipment.

With the amount of gear we have and not pulling full tanks (with the exception of going to the dump station), I would say we will be in the 8k range 90% of the time.

[wiredgeorge]

I am curious too; what is the payload for your specific truck? The placard will be on the drivers door frame. The placard will say "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed" followed by your specific truck's payload. The hitch weight of you 9500 lb camper will be about 1200-1250 lbs and add the weight of hitch and passengers and whatever you have in the truck.

[ewbldavis]

Here we go...

For once can we hold off on the weight police? A buddy just purchased a 2014 max tow Chevy Silverado 1500. Payload is almost as much as my 2500, so I expect OP did some research. Yes - a 2500 would likely tow it better, but can we give OP benefit of the doubt since he specifically mentioned he has a max tow 12k truck.

Congrats on purchase. Hopefully they get brakes or whatever figured out so you can take it home!

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by ewbldavis

Here we go...

For once can we hold off on the weight police? A buddy just purchased a 2014 max tow Chevy Silverado 1500. Payload is almost as much as my 2500, so I expect OP did some research. Yes - a 2500 would likely tow it better, but can we give OP benefit of the doubt since he specifically mentioned he has a max tow 12k truck.

Congrats on purchase. Hopefully they get brakes or whatever figured out so you can take it home!

Caring if someone is safe doesn't require calling me "weight police". I simply asked what his payload is. His subsequent answer showed he relied on brochures for his information; specifically, the hitch weight which will be in the 1200-1250 lb range based on the gross weight of his trailer. The 780 lb hitch weight the OP posted is from some brochure and not real world. As far as your buddy's truck, ain't got anything to do with the OP's truck as each payload will be different based on many factors. You expect the OP did research? Probably but only from sales brochures or Chevy's website.

[Yareelohim]

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

Caring if someone is safe doesn't require calling me "weight police". I simply asked what his payload is. His subsequent answer showed he relied on brochures for his information; specifically, the hitch weight which will be in the 1200-1250 lb range based on the gross weight of his trailer. The 780 lb hitch weight the OP posted is from some brochure and not real world. As far as your buddy's truck, ain't got anything to do with the OP's truck as each payload will be different based on many factors. You expect the OP did research? Probably but only from sales brochures or Chevy's website.

I thought you were asking for the payload of the truck.


I’m actually using the weight placard/tire pressure placard that is placed on the trailer itself.

If hitch weight is roughly 10% of the trailer weight then I’m at just under 780 lbs dry weight (I include more for batteries and full propane). If it’s 10% of max trailer weight then I am at 960 lbs on the tongue with a 1,200 lbs rated tongue.

I’ll never be at max in this trailer either. But if I were I assume I still have have 2,400 lbs to go before the truck is maxed out but that’s 2,400 lbs beyond what the trailer could handle.

Did I get that wrong?

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by ewbldavis

Here we go...

For once can we hold off on the weight police? A buddy just purchased a 2014 max tow Chevy Silverado 1500. Payload is almost as much as my 2500, so I expect OP did some research. Yes - a 2500 would likely tow it better, but can we give OP benefit of the doubt since he specifically mentioned he has a max tow 12k truck.

Congrats on purchase. Hopefully they get brakes or whatever figured out so you can take it home!

That's been discussed numerous times on this & other forums that most 250/2500s have very little more payload than 2/2 tons.

[LewisB]

Originally Posted by ewbldavis

Here we go...

For once can we hold off on the weight police? A buddy just purchased a 2014 max tow Chevy Silverado 1500. Payload is almost as much as my 2500, so I expect OP did some research. Yes - a 2500 would likely tow it better, but can we give OP benefit of the doubt since he specifically mentioned he has a max tow 12k truck.

Congrats on purchase. Hopefully they get brakes or whatever figured out so you can take it home!

“There you go… (Please)”

Sorry if our desire to help somebody new offends you in some way. But what better time for the OP to learn about and consider payload issues before he even pulls a new trailer off the lot. We are certainly not trying to badmouth anyone and the OP’s second post indicates he doesn’t mind some assistance.

[BrooksFam]

Originally Posted by LewisB

“There you go… (Please)”

Sorry if our desire to help somebody new offends you in some way. But what better time for the OP to learn about and consider payload issues before he even pulls a new trailer off the lot. We are certainly not trying to badmouth anyone and the OP’s second post indicates he doesn’t mind some assistance.

It would be nice if some folks would at least welcome a new member to the site before "informing" them that their set up is unsafe and their TV is overloaded.

[LewisB]

Originally Posted by BrooksFam

It would be nice if some folks would at least welcome a new member to the site before "informing" them that their set up is unsafe and their TV is overloaded.

Randy (BrooksFam): What I see is a young family in the process of buying a first time large trailer and having a 1/2 ton truck...he hadn't even taken possession yet. What a great time to ask questions about his "payload" and how he arrived at other calculations. I suggest you read the posts for what they say. The ""informing" them that their set up is unsafe and their TV is overloaded" are your words, not mine. The OP doesn't seem to have minded; see his second post.

Jonathan (Yareelohim): My compliments on being open to comments from others as you transition into your new RV. Our two boys were about the same age as yours appear to be when we started - they are both over 40 now and still talk about trips we took with that first (and then subsequent) rigs.

I think my concern from the start was how you were arriving at "payload" capacity on your truck. The only numbers that count are the yellow payload sticker on your truck as well as the GVWR, GCWR, FAWR, RAWR, trailer GVWR, tire ratings, etc.. Every truck will be different due to build and options. You seem to be on the way to discovering that and making decisions that work for your family. The ultimate proof of legality will be a truck scale and the ultimate proof of "drivability" will be the first time you are surprise passed by an 18 wheeler in a wind storm on the freeway. Many of the guys here (including me) offer comments based on BTDT.

Again, my compliments on your quest to "get it right" and seek aid from others. Hopefully, you will interpret the fact that I am sitting here late at night talking about your RV as my desire to see you be successful and your family have a safe and comfortable RV adventure. Even though some may not get it, that's my way of saying "welcome".

[Yareelohim]

Originally Posted by LewisB

Randy (BrooksFam): What I see is a young family in the process of buying a first time large trailer and having a 1/2 ton truck...he hadn't even taken possession yet. What a great time to ask questions about his "payload" and how he arrived at other calculations. I suggest you read the posts for what they say. The ""informing" them that their set up is unsafe and their TV is overloaded" are your words, not mine. The OP doesn't seem to have minded; see his second post.

Jonathan (Yareelohim): My compliments on being open to comments from others as you transition into your new RV. Our two boys were about the same age as yours appear to be when we started - they are both over 40 now and still talk about trips we took with that first (and then subsequent) rigs.

I think my concern from the start was how you were arriving at "payload" capacity on your truck. The only numbers that count are the yellow payload sticker on your truck as well as the GVWR, GCWR, FAWR, RAWR, trailer GVWR, tire ratings, etc.. Every truck will be different due to build and options. You seem to be on the way to discovering that and making decisions that work for your family. The ultimate proof of legality will be a truck scale and the ultimate proof of "drivability" will be the first time you are surprise passed by an 18 wheeler in a wind storm on the freeway. Many of the guys here (including me) offer comments based on BTDT.

Again, my compliments on your quest to "get it right" and seek aid from others. Hopefully, you will interpret the fact that I am sitting here late at night talking about your RV as my desire to see you be successful and your family have a safe and comfortable RV adventure. Even though some may not get it, that's my way of saying "welcome".

GREAT reply...thank you for that and your late night response is both noted and appreciated.

I love your comment about the family memories. I had a really nice river jet boat I dreamed about for along time. We did a lot of hunting and fishing from it with the boys but they really didn't like being cooped up inside of a boat all day. My first hunting trip in a travel trailer was a revelation. I sold my boat the next week (bittersweet) and purchased this trailer 4 weeks later after looking at a TON of them with the family. I view it as an investment into years we will never get back, so make the best of them now.


If anyone else prior to this message is reading this, my numbers aren’t based on assumption as others seem to be assuming. My truck weight is from me weighing it on a scale (5,040 lbs). The payload capacity is the sticker in the door of the truck (2,030).

This particular “HT” was built by GM to be able to tow 12,000 lbs with a GCWR of 17,500 lbs.

It was built with suspension, frame, tires, etc to all be able to tow 12,000. It’s the only HT on the market to do that.

I feel like people are reading “HT” and instantly assuming it’s the normal 5.3L built to tow 9,000lbs and then disregarding my actual numbers I’m listing which are NOT from a brochure or salesmen ��

That’s probably why the truck cost $65k off the lot in 2015. (I didn’t pay that much for it).

[Yareelohim]

Originally Posted by ewbldavis

Here we go...

For once can we hold off on the weight police? A buddy just purchased a 2014 max tow Chevy Silverado 1500. Payload is almost as much as my 2500, so I expect OP did some research. Yes - a 2500 would likely tow it better, but can we give OP benefit of the doubt since he specifically mentioned he has a max tow 12k truck.

Congrats on purchase. Hopefully they get brakes or whatever figured out so you can take it home!

Thanks. You are correct.

I would love a diesel but I live in California and the Diesel emissions are out of control and getting worse.

My 6.2L 1500 actually has more horse power and more torque than the base model 2500 6.0 and an almost equal tow capacity. Which is why I bought this truck when towing my boats.

1500 6.2 = 420hp, 460 ft lbs torque (12k tow capacity)

2500 6.0 = 360hp, 380 ft lbs torque (13K tow capacity)

Now if we are talking diesel, its got me smoked obviously. One day I may go diesel but not until I move out of California.

2500 6.6 = 397hp, 765 ft lbs of torque (13k tow capacity)


Hoping the others will chime in on my numbers above and show me what I am missing or not seeing. Every possible situation I put in shows I can easily tow this trailer, especially considering I will never have it or the truck maxed out. At most Im going to be pulling around 8k with less than a 1k in the truck. Well under my payload capacities for both. At least as far I figured before I went looking for trailers.

I even calculated with all my tanks full (76gal black, 38gal gray, 60gal fresh) and threw another 700 lbs of gear in the trailer and I am just about to max out but good. I don't know anyone who would drive like that though.

[travelin texans]

Unfortunately like SO many 1st time rvers the salesmen sold you more rv than you have truck for.
Will it move it down the road? YES!
Can be hauled safely within the limits of your truck? NO!
Is there anything you can do to help your truck? NOPE!
Has this ever happened before? Yep, to most 1st time rv buyers listening to a salesman that has 1 objective, sell you a rv.
The max tow weight of your truck & the dry weight of your rv mean ABSOLUTELY nothing to you. You WILL exceed the payload of your truck long before you'd be able to carry & tow that much rv.
I'd bet your truck payload is 1500lbs+/- (found on the yellow/white sticker on the drivers door post), the tongue weight alone of that rv will be at or over 1200lbs (13% of the GVWR of the rv) + 100-125lbs for the WDH that will be required + all the people, pets, tools & anything you've loaded into that truck will be subtracted from that payload number.
Hopefully this doesn't discourage you from rv ownership as it's a great lifestyle, but he aware that more truck will be in your near future to tow it safely with you & your family onboard.

[Yareelohim]

All right guys here are the numbers.

It sounds like a majority of you are pretty adamant I may be overweight and a dealer oversold me.

Helpful me figure out why my numbers aren't computing with your concern (which I do appreciate your concern, so thank you for looking out). What am I not seeing that you are?

I pulled up a Tow Calculator (don't know how accurate they are), and I put all the info straight out of my GMC manual in my glove box. I have weighed the truck and its pretty much right on with the numbers GMC listed.

For the calculator I put the MAXIMUM possible scenario I could possibly think of which included full tanks, pets, kids, wife, generator, bikes, solar, batteries, propane, etc. If I loaded the trailer with all the crap I could fit in it and filled up all the tanks I would be under 1000 lbs of gear and at 500lbs for tanks. I couldn't get anymore stuff in there. Keep in mind I will be towing and carrying much less than this.

Someone mentioned they thought my truck payload would be 1,500 lbs. Its actually 2,030 lbs if that helps.

Truck:
7,100 lbs = GVWR
5,040 lbs = Curb Weight

2,030 lbs = Payload

17,500 lbs = GCWR

12,000 lbs = Towing Capacity (in this figure GM includes 300lbs for Driver & Passenger and 70 lbs for aftermarket hitch)

1,200 lbs = Tongue Weight

For the calculations I put:

Truck
500 lbs of people
400 lbs of cargo weight in the truck bed

Trailer
1000 lbs of gear
500 lbs for full 60gal tank

Again this is maximum scenario I could think of, I can't figure out how to get any more weight in there. That calculators say I am good on my worse case scenario.

Outcome:
8,670 lbs total trailer weight

7,023 lbs current vehicle weight

14,610 lbs combined vehicle weight

1,083 lbs tongue weight

Update: Just figure out how to post a picture

[Mike&Sandy]

The sooner the better to find out if your safe or not. Yea, it sounds like a right of passage on this site, and likely all other RV forums with first time buyers, but better now than when it's too late considering that the rig is in the driveway.

A little different, but my last toy was a 30' offshore boat with twins. Knowing I needed a bigger truck to haul it, I waited till I got it, and ended up pulling it about 10 miles with my 1/4 ton suburban. I was lucky to get it home. However it worked out in my favor, easier to talk the wife into a diesel.

Welcome OP to the forum, hopefully you'll have awesome memories with the new trailer.

[ewbldavis]

You guys sort of miss the point. Seems an immediate attack on the guy without a simple "congrats - welcome to the forum". No - we start of with "33ft trailer and half-ton?!"

OP - the sticker wiredgeorge posted a photo of should be on drivers door jamb - that value is what you want to look at for truck payload. Basically you, family, gear in truck, and hitch weight need to be less than this. Weight-wise, I'd bet a dollar your fine. You just may not like the posh bouncy ride your 1500 has when towing - it's why I went 2500 when I had a TT.

As far as "buddy's truck" comment - I bet his payload on a 6.2L LTZ and the payload on a 6.2L Denali are very close.

[Yareelohim]

Originally Posted by ewbldavis

You guys sort of miss the point. Seems an immediate attack on the guy without a simple "congrats - welcome to the forum". No - we start of with "33ft trailer and half-ton?!"

OP - the sticker wiredgeorge posted a photo of should be on drivers door jamb - that value is what you want to look at for truck payload. Basically you, family, gear in truck, and hitch weight need to be less than this. Weight-wise, I'd bet a dollar your fine. You just may not like the posh bouncy ride your 1500 has when towing - it's why I went 2500 when I had a TT.

As far as "buddy's truck" comment - I bet his payload on a 6.2L LTZ and the payload on a 6.2L Denali are very close.

Thanks brother. Yeah that sticker on the door jam is 2,030 lbs which is what I put into the calculator as well.

I am really curious how this will ride with the MagnaRide suspension. My friend has a 2500 Ram with the same trailer. I'll drive both and let you know. I don't personally love the MagnaRide since I do a lot of off road hunting and they designed it for on road towing really. Way too stiff for my off road liking.

Yeah if your buddy has the 6.2L I bet its exactly the same as my Denali, aside from maybe the suspension. How does he like towing with his? Do you know what suspension he has?

[markcee]

Originally Posted by ewbldavis

You guys sort of miss the point. Seems an immediate attack on the guy without a simple "congrats - welcome to the forum". No - we start of with "33ft trailer and half-ton?!"

OP - the sticker wiredgeorge posted a photo of should be on drivers door jamb - that value is what you want to look at for truck payload. Basically you, family, gear in truck, and hitch weight need to be less than this. Weight-wise, I'd bet a dollar your fine. You just may not like the posh bouncy ride your 1500 has when towing - it's why I went 2500 when I had a TT.

As far as "buddy's truck" comment - I bet his payload on a 6.2L LTZ and the payload on a 6.2L Denali are very close.

You know, I'm fairly new to this game and was educated on this forum as well, having purchased a 33', 9500 lb GVWR trailer for my 1/2 ton F150. Look at my initial posts from several months ago.

I'm not sure the characterization of an 'immediate attack' by the 'weight police' is accurate or fair. I find nothing wrong with asking these type of questions when a poster with a 1500 states they just bought a 9000 lb 30+ foot trailer. It beats the hell out of the obligatory "Welcome from Tennessee, have fun!!!!'

A quick look at the stats on this trailer and truck immediately begs this type of questioning. There is so much misinformation and salesman exaggeration out there that many people feel that truck towing capacity is the be all/end all with regard to towing....I know I did. In my almost daily view of posts on this and other forums over the last year, or so, most of these 'cases' end up in a truck with a 1600 lb payload and a trailer with a tongue weight of 1300 lbs. This may not be the case here, but what's the harm in asking?

Sorry to rant, but I thank the so called 'weight police' for providing me with a towing education and for continuing to help others, that may or may not know the ins and outs of towing safely. We are all responsible for having an understanding of our specific tow limits. This not only helps to ensure our safety, but for others on the road as well.