what to tow with

[brit622]

Hi all
Purchased a 27ft [2007] in summer this year.....towed home and worked in spats since readying for this coming spring.
Question.
I have two Burbs....a 1995 k2500 [the guzzling 454 V version] and a 2005 K1500 [5.3 Vortec]
I collected using the guzzler, of course pulled no problem. But we have a small holding and can register one on agri plate, which means very low insurance,low reg fees.. and NO EMISSIONS at all [now Colorado has joined California scheme its expensive] ....but you are very limited to actual road use.
In general and long haul use would the 5'3 be capable. Of course the horse power is sufficient but those old 7.4 have the torque [plus the H.D suspension. Then again 8 mpg at today's fuel costs mounts considerably.
Tks in advance for input.
Keith

 

[JackandJanet]

I think a 5.3L is too small for a 27ft trailer. The truck would probably "pull" it, but your tongue weight is way too much for the 1500's suspension. You need the HD suspension in the big truck.

- Jack

 

[brit622]

Wwhich to tow with

Thanks for the note/reply.
I figured as much. From memory I think the HiLo is getting up to 4 1/2k lbs.
Looked into a rebuild of the top end of the 454,its the V [five] series. Really complicated and much $$$$ for hp/mpg gain..Plus now fuel is finally on downward spiral it would take quite some years of touring to recoup costs difference....And it's 27 yrs old.
Maybe time for a newer version, think the Vortek k2500 should do.
Tks again for the info

 

[Brianagee]

I tow a 2807C with a Ram 1500 ecodiesel with no issues

 

[JackandJanet]

Brian, I know your truck can certainly "pull" the 28ft trailer easily, I suspect my F150 EcoBoost could too. But, what are the weights on your truck's axles when the trailer is hitched to it? And, what are your truck's Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWRs)? You can find the GAWR information in a sticker inside the driver's door and you'd have to take your truck and trailer to a certified scale such as a CAT scale to find that actual loads.

Unless you have mounted Load Range D or E tires on your truck, I suspect they are overloaded too.

- Jack

 

[Brianagee]

I do run E rated tires with air shocks...I only run about 20 lbs of air in them...I have 700 to 900 lbs tongue weight...tows like a dream...did 9000 miles two summers ago