Is the 6K dry or wet weight? You do not want to be too close to the max capacity, of course, but based on what I have read on here from more experienced towing guys, 6K is doable.

 

I had a 2013 Silverado CC 5.3 with 3:42’s in it. I towed a 30’ TT that had an axle weight of 6400 lbs loaded. You also have to be aware of tongue weight. Tongue weight will eat up your payload capacity of your truck. Check the sticker on your door or post for this number specific to your truck. Length of the “sail” behind you makes a difference too. Crosswinds will push you around. Headwinds will just use more gas. Tailwinds are non-existent when towing lol.
I had no issue with local 2-4 hour drives to our camping areas. I did a 2400 mile round trip to Yellowstone and Jackson. The truck struggled climbing out of Jackson to Dubois. I always towed in M4 at around 60 mph.
I have since upgraded to a 2500 and a 5th wheel. I have colour back in my knuckles lol.


2013 Sierra SLE 2500HD CC 4wd Z71 6.6 Duramax

 

With the set up you described, your battle, other than weight, is going to be the wind profile generated by the size of the trailer. 32 feet is a long, long trailer. It is gong to get beat up by winds and passing trucks which will translate into an uncomfortable driving experience.
I am always a proponent of bigger trucks with better brakes and chassis for loads like this.

 

Dry weight of the camper is 5869. Hitch weight capacity from Forest River is listed at 650 (I'm assuming this would be the hitch weight with a fully loaded rig. Cargo capacity is 1300 lbs but I can't see ever coming close to that). Max tongue weight on the truck is 920.

Obviously safety is my biggest concern and #2 is overworking the truck. I really didn't want to get an HD truck because it's also my daily driver. Also don't know that it would fit in the garage. It's close with the 1500.

 

I have a standard 16x7 garage door and my stock height 2500 crew cab fits in by driving in. I can’t back it in as cab will hit due to rake of truck. Driving in just clears the shark fin antenna no problem.
Pretty sure a new 1500 is the same height as my 2500 if not a touch taller. I know the new 2500’s are way taller.


2013 Sierra SLE 2500HD CC 4wd Z71 6.6 Duramax

 

Height of the trailer also matters.
Aero load is a significant factor.

Garage is close on height or on length or both?

 

so you are looking at just over 7k. that is doable. you could add sway control (physical) to you hitch/tongue if you are concerned about that.

you will want electric brakes on both trailer axles

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. Going to tell the wife that if that's the one we could make it work but that we should look at some smaller ones as well.

Definitely going to look at sway control for the hitch.

As for the garage question it's close on both height and length. Love the truck though. Also a tight fit with an Acadia (which was towing the pop up) next to it.

 

It'll handle that easy peasy. But can you?

 

Fair question

 

I am a VERY big fan of weight distribution hitches.

I did not like the looks of the factory hitch on the truck. I put on a class 5 (somewhat overkill) and It must have weighed 100 pounds so that needs to come off your numbers along with the weight distribution hitch.

 

A 32' trailer is a huge wind sail and a lot for a 1500 to handle.

 

I like the idea of a Hensley Arrow or a Pro Pride hitch. They even have great financing now!

 

I've towed for 3 years or so up and down the east side of the US including mountains almost every other month. I just came back from a trip in northern Georgia two weeks ago. I just ordered a 23 Sierra 3.0 because I have to keep my truck empty due to lack of capacity. While it totally rocks from a towing perspective the fact that I can't use the bed for pretty much anything is what's making me up size. The Sierra will give me another 400 lbs of capacity and that's all I will ever need for just the two of us.

As others have stated a half ton trucks capacity is one of the biggest issues when towing an RV. Once you factor in your tongue weight and passengers it doesn't leave much for any cargo. My trailer is a 25 foot box, 30' including the tongue. The dry weight of the trailer 5300 lbs for me and does not include the two propane tanks and most trailers mount the battery on the tongue as well and it's not included in the dry weight either. I wouldn't tow without a weight distribution hitch W/ Sway control. The problem is most of the hitches are in the 75 to 100 lb area so this needs to be factored in as well on the trucks capacity. I use an Anderson WDH hitch because it was the lightest and it's quiet compared to the spring bar models when turning. Just be mindful of the label on your drivers door of your total capacity because it creeps up quickly.

Also, things like where on the trailer is your storage, forward or aft of the trailer axles? Are you going to be "boon docking" if so where on the trailer are the all of the holding tanks forward or aft of the axles? Between Fresh water, gray water and the black water tank they can change your tongue weight considerably thereby reducing you truck carrying capacity.

Keeping your tongue weight at around 11% to 12% (min of 10%) of your trailers weight will really keep sway down to a minimum (still using a WDH W/ sway control). I recommend getting a hitch scale it's worth the $ for piece of mind. It really helps when loading so you can balance your load to keep all the weight in the desired zone. I typically travel dry except a few gallons in the fresh and a few in the black tank, this is in case of a unplanned restroom need.

This is my current set up until the new ride comes in existence, 2018 Colorado long bed with a 2.8 diesel.

 

I feel 30+ft is too big for a 1/2 ton. Sail area, controlling sway, not enough payload for a heavy tongue weight. I've been towing since I was 15 in 1970 (1969 Sportvan 108" pulling a 5K# 22ft Shasta, and 7 people in the van.) With the 307, THM350, and 3.08 rear it was David pulling Goliath from SFRAN to Baltimore. Dad figured I needed to learn how to drive with a trailer, I had my learners, so ....................... I've had trailers ever since.

My previous Travel Trailers have all been between 18ft and 22ft. My current RV, a 2003 Sunline T-2570. 27ft overall, factory weights: 650# tongue weight (dry/empty) 4355# dry weight no options.

My last Cat Scale UNLOADED weights
Total weight 5063# with 2 batteries (series 24), 2 30# propane tanks, dry water tanks (Fresh, gray, black), 19ft awning, Electric tongue jack, spare on back bumper. permanent mount crank jacks at all 4 corners, 1 tv 21"in living room Kit area.
Tongue weight 758#. No supplies, tools, equipment in vehicle.
Reese Equalizer ball mount 1600# rated tongue weight. Equalizer bars rated for 1.5K#. Factory frame mounted hitch. Reese friction sway control

Loaded for a 1 week stint camping (food, clothes, linens, pot's and pans, tools, books, laptop (movies), crates for the dogs, lounge chairs, and the weight goes up. It's a fight to keep weights down, the wife wanting to take everything and the kitchen sink.

Last cat scale LOADED weight's
Total 5937#
Tongue weight 830# (almost 14%. I try to run 12% to 15%.)
These weights are well within the capacity of the truck, and the Reese EQ Hitch. I pin the ball mount on the 1200# tongue setting habitually so no real problem. EQ is set so the wheel arch for the front is 1/8" higher than stock, which gives me about 150# less weight than unloaded. Rear weight on Axle is 400# less than axle rating. 2 Adults, 2 shetland sheepdogs in cab for about 440#. No cargo in bed.

Truck is a 2012 LT Z71 5.3L, 6L80, 4x4, 3.42rr, 5'.8" bed. Stock height, 265/65R18E tires. Yeah it's a DOG in the Hills on I-70 or I-81, but on the flats it runs quite well. NMT than 60mph. And in 4th with tow/Haul ON.
I really should be pulling this with at least a 2500, and a possibly a Diesel, but being retired on fixed income, and both vehicles paid off, we can go camping. Try to stay below 5K# DRY WEIGHT. Keep the bling to an absolute minimum. It all adds up in weight.

EDIT: Even with the Trailering pkg, the transmission cooler is too small for towing. I put a Hayden 678 (yours will probably be a different #)in my 2012. Dropped my trans temps another 35-40*F to 170*F pulling my trailer. Unloaded it's about 150-155*F. HEAT is the ENEMY in a Transmission.

Note: Hayden says a 678 will fit a 2022. It'll fit in the original mount with minor grinding of the bottom plate so it'll slip in the grooves in the mount and fit snugly. . Top rail fo the cooler just fits in under the top of the center support.

Have Fun.
Larry

 

My previous Travel Trailers have all been between 18ft and 22ft. My current RV, a 2003 Sunline T-2570. 27ft overall, factory weights: 650# tongue weight (dry/empty) 4355# dry weight no options.

We have a 2003 Sunline T2753 that we tow with a 06 Sierra 1500 4.8L with 3.73 gears. We do use a load equalizing hitch.

 

Don’t forget to consider upgrading brakes.
A commonly overlooked upgrade… I’d suggest looking into a nice tow package upgrade, you won’t be disappointed.
Not really needed but will help fight sway…. Airbags. My brother in law had a F150 with bags and upgraded to a 350… he didn’t like the sway and has since added bags. Now he’s happier than Yogi with a picnic basket.

 

Don’t forget to consider upgrading brakes.
A commonly overlooked upgrade… I’d suggest looking into a nice tow package upgrade, you won’t be disappointed.
Not really needed but will help fight sway…. Airbags. My brother in law had a F150 with bags and upgraded to a 350… he didn’t like the sway and has since added bags. Now he’s happier than Yogi with a picnic basket.

yup I have bags on the Colorado and they do make a big difference.

 

Weight capacities are not where you want to be towing. I like 80% of the capacity as max for towing a camper and the length is too long, try below 26 feet. You will need a WDH system with sway and don't go cheap on this. Air bags might help, but try a good WDH system for a few thousand miles then decide. Travel trailers are a lot more to pull than a popup, as you will soon learn.

 

The OP didn't mention what gears he has in his diff. Big difference if the gearing isn't low enough.

Brakes aren't a big concern- the TT is stopping itself.

 

26-30 ft is realistic 5-6k dry weight anything longer/heavier is going past the limitations of a 1/2 ton.. that's if you want to stay legal, happy and not being pushed around by semis blowing by at times. If you pulling on the flats that would be ideal but even the foothills of mountains would be challenging going past those limits, especially weight.. look into a lightweight 30ft if you can find it.

 

I went through this exact same exercise. 2009 Silverado 1500 5.3, HD towing package (adds trans cooler and gears - 10K towing cap) puling a 30' Keystone 30RIPR (36' hitch to spare) that is 6750 dry. I've never weighed it like some of the guys on here, but the wife takes everything we own, so I am guessing at least 8k loaded. The Silverado will pull it, and it will stop it, but it is NOT a good time driving. The front end floats despite the Blue Ox Sway Pro weight dist hitch. Like all over the place, and hold on when a semi passes you. You are going to get pushed, and then pulled into it. Its a rush the first time that happens. The truck can do it, but it doesnt like it. Its drops 2 gears on any decent hill - I live in SC, and have never pulled it in the mountains, only to the coast. Started pulling it with an F-250 6.7 and never looked back. TOTALLY different experience. Can cruise down the interstate at 70mph and pass semis with one hand on the wheel. I actually forget the thing is back there sometimes. I would get more truck, or get less camper.

 

I went through this exact same exercise. 2009 Silverado 1500 5.3, HD towing package (adds trans cooler and gears - 10K towing cap) puling a 30' Keystone 30RIPR (36' hitch to spare) that is 6750 dry. I've never weighed it like some of the guys on here, but the wife takes everything we own, so I am guessing at least 8k loaded. The Silverado will pull it, and it will stop it, but it is NOT a good time driving. The front end floats despite the Blue Ox Sway Pro weight dist hitch. Like all over the place, and hold on when a semi passes you. You are going to get pushed, and then pulled into it. Its a rush the first time that happens. The truck can do it, but it doesnt like it. Its drops 2 gears on any decent hill - I live in SC, and have never pulled it in the mountains, only to the coast. Started pulling it with an F-250 6.7 and never looked back. TOTALLY different experience. Can cruise down the interstate at 70mph and pass semis with one hand on the wheel. I actually forget the thing is back there sometimes. I would get more truck, or get less camper.

View attachment 951933
View attachment 951934

👍
Same experience here, me and my friend would swap pulling the TT each trip to the race .. my 1/2 ton and his 3/4 with the TT... Totally different experience with the same trailer and 2 different platform trucks.. like you said pass semi's and forget it's there with the 3/4 ton.

 

A Hensley Arrow or Pro Pride hitch will greatly reduce or eliminate getting pushed around by semi trucks. Lot less expensive than a new truck.

 

What size Rear Gear Ratio? I have a 2018 Silverado 1500 4x4 Double Cab 6.5 ' bed. Dealer told me 9200 lbs towing but when the RV Dealer checked I was told I had a 308 rear gear which meant I was limited to 6200 lbs. I bought a very nice and roomy 30 foot that weighs just under 5000 lbs and have had no problems towing it. I have also put a gas powered golf cart (they weigh less than electric) in bed at same time

 

Rear suspensions on the Silverado 1500 even with a standard tow package is too soft and not suitable even at the recommended weights. The result is a lot of swaying and porpoising while towing despite being well within limits and using a weight distribution hitch. I resolved this issue by beefing up my rear suspension with extra leaves to reduce rear end sag. I have the LM2 Duramax which pulls well - uphill, downhill or level.

 

Good point.... I have a buddy who has a 2020 Silverado and he added a leaf to the rear springs. it made a night and day difference towing his travel trailer, and the unloaded ride was only a little stiffer.

 

I added Hellwig 2500 Pro Series helper springs. Made a big difference to handling and also changed to LT rated tires. Just remember that this does not add payload capacity, it just makes the truck handle better.


2013 Sierra SLE 2500HD CC 4wd Z71 6.6 Duramax

 

I had a 33' 5th wheel that I towed with a 2500 6.6 diesel and I had this 30' Northtrail 25BHPS, 6800 lb. towing with my 1500 3.0 diesel and I like how this rides better and I've driven it in the Columbia River Gorge in high winds. The big diesel definitely pulls up mountains better and I can't compare the 3.0 to the 5.3 but this with engine it pulls this up mountain passes very well. This trailer maxed out the tongue weight of 800 lbs. (dry) and 900 lbs. loaded but with empty water tanks. I traded this trailer for in for a 31' Kodiak 27SBH same dry weight but 580 lb. dry tongue weight. I wasn't able load anything in the front cargo hold or have water in the tank on the Northtrail because of the heavy tongue weight. I like the layout of the Kodiak better and little things like being able to get into the bathroom and bedroom without having to open the slide out. Initial quality if much better too.

With this I was hoping to get better mileage but towing it's the same as the 2500 and 5th wheel, though when not towing mileage is much better and rides better. After 5000 miles towing this I don't feel I need airbags on the truck.

2500HD, drove this about 20,000 miles. I had air bags on this truck.

 

I tow a 6600# (actual weight loaded for a 9 week trip on a CAT scale) travel trailer with my GMC Sierra 5.3L 6 speed (6L80) transmission 3.42 axle with the Z82 tow package. I've towed over 60,000 miles with my truck and it does fine on grades up to 7%. I towed that trailer up a 10% grade in the Grand Tetons and that was the only time it felt under powered. It didn't overheat the engine or transmission but had to pull it in low gear, not enough power/torque to pull in 2nd. But these Tennessee hills are no problem and did not have any trouble with the Rockies staying on the Interstates where the grades are usually only 6% - 7%.

 

I am not an expert on the subject by any stretch. We bought a Mallard M27 in February. At the time I had a 2017 Silverado crew cab Z71 4x4 with the short bed. The Mallard is 30 feet and dry weight is around 5800 lbs. My truck was rated for 9200 lbs towing. It came with an anti sway weight distribution hitch. I did replace the rear shocks on the truck from the Ranchos to a Monroe with the outer springs on it. The truck was stock so it had the rake and when we hooked up the TT to it, it was basically level. I pulled it several times with no issues whatsoever. Even went through Atlanta once. I now have a 2021 Silverado, pretty much the same truck, but it was leveled at the dealership before it was even sold. It sagged the rear end a ridiculous amount. So I installed the Timbrens on it and also replace the Rancho's on the rear with the same Monroe shocks as the other truck. The new truck I think only has an 8200 or 8600 rating, I have to check to be sure but it pulls it just fine as well.