[660catman]

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

 

[660catman]

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

 

[660catman]

Current 2500's are taller than the 'factory 2" lifted' 1500''s
Non lifted 2023 1500's will be 75.5" =/- a few '10ths. (So 6' 4" or less)

I'm not sure about a 2013 2500, but if it just clears a 7 ' (84") opening, it's sounds like its taller than the current 1500's.

2023 2500 crews are between 79" and 80"

At the back of my cab it’s 77 1/2” from top of roof to the floor. Even though opening is 80”, the door can’t go up more than it does and sits about 2 1/2” lower than opening. That’s too close for comfort.

I had no issue with my 13 Silverado 1500.


2013 Sierra SLE 2500HD CC 4wd Z71 6.6 Duramax

 

[660catman]

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