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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Tow Vehicles -> Newbie question
Post Info TOPIC: Newbie question
Terry and Jo


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Weight-wise, you will probably be in good shape as I've seen that size towing DRV models weighing around 18,500 lbs.  You might want to make sure you have an engine brake or exhaust brake so you will have assistance in braking when on steep downhill circumstances like mountain passes. 

However, keep a close eye on the clearance between the upper parts (rails and tailgate) of your truck bed and the overhang of the fifth wheel.  The newer GM's have higher bed sides and some are finding themselves close on that tolerance.  In most cases, folks like to have at least 6" of clearance to allow for turning into driveways and other places.

If you have to raise your fifth wheel hitch in the bed to get that clearance, watch out for whether your coach is level or not.  If it is nose-high because of lifting at the hitch, you may be shifting extra weight onto the rear axle, possibly overloading it.

Terry



-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Monday 11th of February 2013 09:56:08 PM

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Racerguy


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Terry and Jo wrote:

.  You might want to make sure you have an engine brake or exhaust brake so you will have assistance in braking when on steep downhill circumstances like mountain passes. 

 

Terry



-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Monday 11th of February 2013 09:56:08 PM

 The 2013 Duramax Diesel comes from the factory with an exhaust brake(variable vane turbo) and the Allison transmission with tow/Haul



-- Edited by Racerguy on Monday 11th of February 2013 11:01:46 PM

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BigE


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We(wife and I)  have a 2013 Silverado 3500 drw. Our 5er is set to weigh in around 14500 empty and a max weight of 18000. I believe we are ok to tow with this truck?? Any comments or help is appreciated... Thanks!



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Lucky Mike


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you shouldnt have any problems......

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Lucky Mike


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if you type .....towing capacity......in the search bar that will get you several threads on the subject

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 1998 ...Harney Renegade DP  class A

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My Service dog and life partner " Nikki"......Klee Kia Miniature Husky....(she Runs the ship!!)

We are not lost in the Woods.....Just Extreme boondocking!!!!!!
Rob_Fla


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We have a 2012 GMC 3500HD DRW which is really the same truck, no drivetrain changes for 2013.

You will not have a problem with your the Trilogy 5th Wheel and the 3500HD DRW.

Our 5th Wheel is not quite as heavy as we are only at about 15,300 lbs total weight with all our stuff and a pin weight of about 3,400 lbs.
The 3500HD DRW handles our 5er with ease and has been a great tow vehicle.
We only have a little over 10k miles with about 1/2 the miles towing, so far only oil change and a front end alignment.

I love the Allison Transmission / Exhaust Brake combo, make towing a pleasure.

Our 3500HD is a 4x4 Crew Cab with the 8 Ft box and the standard 3.73 axle ratio.


The tow ratings for are as follows.

Max 5th Wheel Trailering, 3.73 Rear Axle (lbs.) 22,500

GCWR, 3.73 Rear Axle (lbs.) 30,500

Max Payload (lbs.) 5,484



-- Edited by Rob_Fla on Tuesday 12th of February 2013 06:18:58 AM

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Racerguy


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Good point Howard.....That's what happens when we "assume". Maybe BigE will come back and clear that up.On edit: I just read one of his other posts.It is the Duramax Diesel.



-- Edited by Racerguy on Tuesday 12th of February 2013 10:59:11 AM

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Howard


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Just to be clear, the truck has the 6.6L diesel engine, right?  I just don't want someone stumbling onto this thread thinking they will be okay to tow 18,000 lbs with the gas version 6.0L engine.  :)

For the Duramax diesel, the max fifth wheel towing capacity ranges from 22,500 lbs to 23,100 lbs depending on whether the truck is 2WD or 4WD and the type of cab.  But the max fifth wheel towing capacity for the 6.0L gas is only 14,200.

I didn't see 6.6L or "diesel" mentioned in the original post.  We all assumed it, but I just wanted to be sure.



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BigE


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Yes, that is correct, it is the coal burner! Thanks to all for the great responses and helpful tips.

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