Hi Privisnoop,
Smart question to ask before buying any RV. Long story behind that first sentence that I'll spare you from reading...

Please note at the outset that due to Grand Design's direction the only feedback this forum will provide must stay within a manufacturer's specifications. There are multiple opinions about tow vehicles and what they can tow--but here we stick to OEM guidelines. As noted by a fellow moderator, you can push the numbers right to the edge of a modern truck's capabilities, but "over is over".

With that caveat out of the way, inside of the driver's door is a Tire and Loading Information sticker that will look something like the example below:



What does the sticker say, and what is the truck's GVWR (it should be on another sticker)?

The reason for these two numbers is the "gotcha" number is normally the payload capability of a tow vehicle, though there are a lot of other considerations. Generally, though, if you get past the payload issue the rest can be sorted out.

As a guideline, I use 15% of a trailer's GVWR to figure maximum possible tongue weight (what I call the "worst case scenario"). Tongue weight is payload your truck must be able to carry.

With a GVWR of 8,495 lbs, the theoretical worst-case tongue weight of a 2670MK is 1,275 lbs. Does your truck, after subtracting for passengers, pets, luggage, firewood, bikes...and anything else in or on the truck, have 1,275 lbs of payload left to carry the trailer?

Howard

P.S. I realize you're "tire kicking", but please check out the Welcome Letter to New Members https://gdrvowners.com/forum/main-fo...to-new-members

Privisnoop Excellent question and howson had the most PC response and way for us to assist in interpretation of numbers.

A quick search of your 2017 based on the info you provided (I don't know 4x4 v 4x2, assumptions right!) from the official Chevy towing catalog circa 2017) your Towing Capacity is between 9300# and 9100# (your rear end ratio verified you do not have the max trailering package.

Your Payload could be as high as 1710# depending on MANY factors. We need to door sticker number. I would guess you are around 1500# of Payload but the sticker tells all.

That being said the GVWR of your Trailer is 8495#. You stated your loaded weight WILL BE 8500# meaning you will keep the trailer at the max load for trips. Ive seen and heard 1/2 ton trucks pulling just fine with big loads. Just be cautious as you are over 32' and very close to your number for your TV and potentially GCVWR (6050# + 8500# = 14550#). I looked up the GCVWR for a 'your' truck and it was around 15000#.

A great WDH and smart loading can go very far for making a very enjoyable driving experience. Cannot wait to hear and help!!

Thanks alt for the input. I thought was edging the max in pulling trailer. We live in the flat lands of Illinois so that should help, but do travel to Florida in winter. In checking maps will be taking I-55 all the way south to I-10 which should keep me out of mountains/steep hill climbs. Never been that way before and a little more miles. Need to get more room for ailing wife. I will check door sticker, Again thanks.

Its a great rig for travel for sure but it is getting up there in size and to be safe its better to be over-trucked if you have the option or at least be well within your numbers. I know many on here have stated that vehicles are rated for their max loads for a reason and are more than capable of being at that limit. I just like to have some room.

From experience, once you cross the MS - LA state line, I55 becomes a washboard. From there you will most likely pick up I12 in Hammond, LA then east bound and down to FL.

I12 is not exactly the smoothest road out there either.

It's usually better to be over trucked than overloaded. We all understand that sometimes you have to do questionable things, because we can't follow an order that makes sense. In your case, bigger camper for medical reasons now, high potential upgrade of truck later. Family Health is more important than new truck sometimes.

Based upon everyones suggestions and comments, I've decided not to purchase this trailer. I am open to any suggestions on a trailer that has table/chairs and clothes closet which is within my towing limits. Thanks for everyones comments.

The 2500RL and 2600RB are both under 30ft with more manageable weights. Neither will have the Linen closet that the 2670MK has but both have the same bedroom layout with hanging closets on both sides.

A big difference (weight wise) between them is the 2670MK has 2 slides and the 2600 and 2500 have one slide. There are many people who have both of these that you can ask many questions too. The 2500RL has a lighter GVWR, which is what most of us base our worst case tongue weights on.

Please feel free to message and ask questions!

Also it would be great to know what your payload is on your Truck. Look on the door sticker and let us know as well. That will be a more important number.

We own a 2600RB and tow with a 2015 version of your truck in 4x4 double cab. Towing is no problem at my chosen speed of 62 - 64 mph where acceleration and power is not a concern. Higher cross winds and I will slow to 60 mph where it does make a difference. My payload with full water is 940lbs where I was on the jounce bumpers of the truck at times on the no bottom Michigan roads, so I add air bags. The truck is set up to tow in its unloaded stance to put as much forward weight on the front that I could get. This helps to keep the truck well planted for good control. The airbags also allow for increased travel in the rear where the truck handles rough roads very well. I air the bags to 45 lbs. The trailer is as large as I would want to tow with a light weight half ton where I purchased the rig based on 80% of the GMCs max tow rating.

Also using an Equalizer 10K hitch where if I had to do this over would opt for the 12K model, but I've adjusted both hitch and bags to provide an excellent ride.

Hope this helps,

Jim

Guest Do you feel a larger/heavier rated WDH would allow you to transfer more weight to the front axle? I am curious on your thoughts as to the 12K v 10K hitch helping.

I certainly think the 2600RB and 2500RL will fit his truck well if properly set up. I pull a 2400BH and find it to be pleasant with no issue and just took a trip up some very steep grades in TN/NC/SC.

GrandDeal3,

I believe the 12K hitch would help to stay off the rear jounce bumpers in addition to transferring more weight to the front. These newer trucks are very light with all aluminum engine and sheet metal so to transfer more weight up front will help.

Jim