Recap: 1999 Silverado Ext Cab 4X4 with Z71 off-road/towing package, equalizer hitch, rear automatic air shocks w/on board compressor. Pulling a 25' Tahoe w/14' slide. Empty trailer weight 6150lbs.
This morning while searching for info I came across this chart:
http://www.a1warriortrailers.com/hitche ... -guide.htm
And also within the chart footnote 2: "Silverado 1500 models are limited to 5,000-lb. trailer rating with a 600-lb. Tongue rating "unless" equipped with Z85 Increased Capacity or ZX3 Manual Select Damping or Z71 Off-Road Suspension Package". So, I see within the chart that we will be well within the "Max Trailer Weight" with our combination of tow package, trailer, cargo etc. We also have a motorhome and when traveling with it, do what we can to "travel light" (for example I don't carry potable water in our tank, but fill it when we get where we are going, then dump whatever's left as well as the gray and black water when we are ready to head home. The RV guzzles plenty of gas w/out trying to bring the whole house and shop with us and I figure every little bit helps when it comes to weight).
As a member has explained, and I understand, the air shocks won't increase my payload capacity. However, I have noticed when I have them turned on I can hear the under-hood compressor kick on and off as it dampens each side to adjust for changes in the road conditions. I normally keep them turned off so I don't have to listen to the compressor (and also it rides too stiff for my liking while turned on), but I am mentioning them thinking they might help with my stability/handling while towing.
I'm also wondering if anyone can tell me where I can find my differential gear ratio, as I can see that it's a considerable factor in the whole weight/tow vehicle equation?
Also, is there a difference between a "weight distributing hitch" and an "equalizer hitch" and if so, which one is the better choice? (or can you use both simultaneously?) Additionally, when I am adjusting my brake controller, do I want them to engage equally, or is it better to have one or the other doing a little more of the work?
Also regarding a transmission cooler: Can you tell me where I can find out if the Z71 off-road and towing package includes an auxiliary tranny cooler?
We won't be doing extended traveling with this combo. Other than a once yearly family get-together that is a couple hundred miles give or take. Otherwise, it will just be local camping (fifty miles or less) I wouldn't want that much wear and tear on my truck.
I realize that I'm asking a lot of questions in this post, but I'm sure I am still missing stuff so anything you guys can add will be greatly appreciated.
Special thanks to "CKNSLS" for his time and advice.
Kind Regards,
Russ https://www.facebook.com/hecame4u2
This morning while searching for info I came across this chart:
http://www.a1warriortrailers.com/hitche ... -guide.htm
And also within the chart footnote 2: "Silverado 1500 models are limited to 5,000-lb. trailer rating with a 600-lb. Tongue rating "unless" equipped with Z85 Increased Capacity or ZX3 Manual Select Damping or Z71 Off-Road Suspension Package". So, I see within the chart that we will be well within the "Max Trailer Weight" with our combination of tow package, trailer, cargo etc. We also have a motorhome and when traveling with it, do what we can to "travel light" (for example I don't carry potable water in our tank, but fill it when we get where we are going, then dump whatever's left as well as the gray and black water when we are ready to head home. The RV guzzles plenty of gas w/out trying to bring the whole house and shop with us and I figure every little bit helps when it comes to weight).
As a member has explained, and I understand, the air shocks won't increase my payload capacity. However, I have noticed when I have them turned on I can hear the under-hood compressor kick on and off as it dampens each side to adjust for changes in the road conditions. I normally keep them turned off so I don't have to listen to the compressor (and also it rides too stiff for my liking while turned on), but I am mentioning them thinking they might help with my stability/handling while towing.
I'm also wondering if anyone can tell me where I can find my differential gear ratio, as I can see that it's a considerable factor in the whole weight/tow vehicle equation?
Also, is there a difference between a "weight distributing hitch" and an "equalizer hitch" and if so, which one is the better choice? (or can you use both simultaneously?) Additionally, when I am adjusting my brake controller, do I want them to engage equally, or is it better to have one or the other doing a little more of the work?
Also regarding a transmission cooler: Can you tell me where I can find out if the Z71 off-road and towing package includes an auxiliary tranny cooler?
We won't be doing extended traveling with this combo. Other than a once yearly family get-together that is a couple hundred miles give or take. Otherwise, it will just be local camping (fifty miles or less) I wouldn't want that much wear and tear on my truck.
I realize that I'm asking a lot of questions in this post, but I'm sure I am still missing stuff so anything you guys can add will be greatly appreciated.
Special thanks to "CKNSLS" for his time and advice.
Kind Regards,
Russ https://www.facebook.com/hecame4u2