I can appreciate that you took the time to set this up. I also think putting the front scale under the hitch is more accurate since that’s the part that actually touches the tow vehicle. Very interesting.

“Woah this is Heavy!” -Marty McFly

Another really informative video JD!!

I would definitely want aftermarket air bags on that truck to tow a trailer that big.

@henryclark5486

9 ай бұрын

That's what I installed on my 2009 silverado 1500. These trucks are made for comfort too.

When I was in the military and we were deploying our gear we did our own center of balance and weights. We used mobile scales on each axle and one on the front landing gear for tongue weight.

Excited for these videos! What about a camera view under the truck showing the bump stops and suspension travel? With that much tongue weight, I bet hitting normal road dips will really show the pogo effect due to the softer springs 1500s have. Also, can you show the weight of the rear axle on the truck loaded and compare this to the RAWR on the VIN sticker? The rear axle weight is always the limiting factor for my F150.

Nice! All you need is a WD hitch to make it more comfortable. You NEED to get a WD hitch and use your scales to see how it changes the weight on the trucks axles before and after

Great video 👍✌️🇨🇦

So this video was very helpful and timely. I have a 23 GMC Sierra 1500 with trailer capacity of 8,900 and tongue weight maximum of 890 (6.2 gas motor). My load capacity is 1,500. The trailer I want weighs 6,100 and tongue weight is 770 (these are unloaded from factory). Based on this video, I think I’d be OK if loaded most of my cargo behind the trailer axles and used a weight distribution hitch. Video says the truck felt pretty good except for the tongue weight with no weight distribution hitch (even at 1,000). Passengers are usually just my wife and I (figure 300 lbs total). Thoughts?

I pulled one of those dump trailers full of hard wood (firewood) with my Colorado diesel. I didn’t know the total weight but it really pulled the rear suspension down. But the little 2.8 diesel pulled it very well. I also pull a 23 ft toy hauler that I put my 950lbs motorcycle in. Loaded wt over 6000lbs with a tongue wt over 700lbs. Pulls it with no issues. So I would expect your truck to pull that load easily. You could have loaded that trailer with less weight on the nose.

WD hitch is your friend. So are the Roadmaster Active Suspension overload springs. 10 ply tires also help. These are all great upgrades if you tow. I put them on my 21 Sierra AT4 3.0 Duramax

have u checked the new B&W Continuum weight distribution hitch it says it can be used without the L brackets

While this is an interesting test I would love to see you get ahold of a travel trailer in the 6500-7000 pound range as that would be what most would tow with this type of truck.

So in this type of situation would the weight distribution hitch and/ bags or stiffer suitable suspension help with that sag and load carry ?

JD: interesting video. You didn't show it but id be willing to bet your on your bump stops. A good candidate for air bags in the rear.

JD, Would getting a leaf added to the rear help much?

I can tell you I have towed a mini x weighing 8500lbs on a trailer that weighed 2500lbs for a total of 11,000lbs. Not sure what the tongue weight was but I’d around 2k. Idt it would been safe at Highway speeds though. 2021 AT4 3.0 Duramax

My experience is that most ‘1/2’ ton class IV truck hitches are rated at 500 Lbs max weight carrying and if above that a weight distribution hitch is required. My ‘17 Silverado was 500lbs weight carrying and 1250 weight distribution. It’s not only hitch ratings, it’s also axle ratings along with GVWR and towing rating. Placing ~1000 Lbs tongue weight without weight distribution is an accident waiting to happen.

@rock-uu7qr

7 ай бұрын

lol nooope 500 pounds is a joke. Ive bumper pulled 10k with a regular hitch

Will you be testing air bags in the future?

That dump trailer has much more tongue weight than a comparable weight travel trailer. Of course the travel trailer will be a lot bigger and more of a wind catching parachute behind the truck. As for the 3.0 diesel, my direct experience is it tows great and it is very efficient. The 3.0 is a fantastic powertrain. Get the tow package and all tongue weight stuff figured out and rock on. For towing stuff in this weight range the 3.0 is a great way to go, much better than competing gas powered engines offered in other trucks in it's class.

Anything over 5000lbs the manufacturer actually requires a weight distribution hitch on a 1/2 ton. At least with the F150. As per owners manual. And with surge brakes like on a boat, you can't use a weight distribution hitch. So in terms of boats, pretty much means anything over 5000lbs and surge brakes it forces you to go to 3/4 ton

I was just thinking today it's been awhile since we've seen the Duramax :)

So, if I were planning to tow any trailer over 5000 lbs, I'd get the max trailer package option (stiffer rear springs) to take it to 13,300 lbs. Why is that not brought up in these vids?

Thoughts on the different suspension capabilities between Denali and an AT4? Denali is softer for a smoother more luxury ride aren't they? Would there be a noticeable difference between the suspension styles?

Question: I can’t find this truck with 3.73 gears anywhere in Texas. However, I don’t have a camper and only rent one about every two years. Is it necessary to special order one with the 3.73 gears or would I be fine with the 3.23 gears? I really want the fuel economy of the 3.0 duramax and the 3.23 gives me significantly more options.

Question. Wouldn’t a travel trailer be more in the ballpark of 10%? I know they are not exactly 10 but that ball park. If so that would put a 6500# travel trailer in like the perfect window for this truck. Just my thought.

JD, question for you that is often missing regarding "rated" towing capacity. The number doesn't actually reflect the weight of the trailer it reflects the weight you'd see at a scale, correct? The rated towing capacity should only reflect the weight on the trailer axles. Technically, your 1500 GMC should be able to tow a trailer that weighs about 9,900 lbs using your method of weighing (9000 on the axles plus 900 on the tongue if distributed well). This is why a 5th wheel can have a 12K GVWR and ride on 5,200lb axles. So that raises the question, if you were to overload that same 12K 5th wheel with payload and cross the scales with 11K on the trailer axles and 2500lbs of pin weight, would you be legal by the sticker even though you've exceeded axle ratings?

What does the trailer weight EMPTY ?

I have Cherokee 23dbh -5300 dry, 7600 fully loaded. I probably drive around with us around 6-6500lbs. I have '20 3.0 1500 Denali rated for 9200lbs and 900lb tongue weight. I have a weight distribution hitch and truck tows great. I think this is a decent representation, but not exactly accurate

GM needs to add another leaf on the half tons. My 23' LZO 3.0 is made of butter and i have to use a distributing hitch when towing my 6800 lb camper. It has tons of torque though which is a plus.

I'm pretty sure you cannot get the GMC Denali 1500 with the max trailer package but I do believe you can get the Chevy High Country with the max trailer package.

You could’ve just used your weigh safe hitch to get the tongue weight.

What brand/model tractor do you have? Do you like it or wish you had something different?

9:30 on, just get a 3/4 ton truck for the guys whom wants to make sure to handle this trailer with no frills. Simple,😁

Why not shift the trailer load more to the back, that should reduce the amount on the tong

Did you happen to get the Fuel economy on that tow?

Sure is a balls ton of tongue weight for such a light trailer payload combo. I always do 10% tongue

This is why GM had the 1500HD 6.0L

@alexayala6720

5 ай бұрын

That’s my truck

Why no link for the scales?

That 1500 gmc pulls your 5th wheel rv??

An equalizer hitch would make this combination, acceptable ? It’s been 51 years. A ‘69 single cab 3/4 ton Chevy with a gas 350” engine. Open steel trailer car trailer about 2,000 lbs empty with a 3,500 lb race car and 750-1,000 lbs of stuff. The big for the 2-1/8” ball and equalizer hitch I towed cross country many times with no problems. Well I did blow a trailer tire but never knew it. Stopped for gas and pulling out with a slight left turn away from the gas pump …. Oops only 1 tire and 2 trailer wheels. There was zero left of the tire and never knew it.

it says available thru e trailer

But you have a special trailer. Travel trailer distributes the weight differently. You would NOT have 1k tongue weight on 6000 lb travel trailer.

@steinwaymodelb

Жыл бұрын

You'd be surprised how much tongue weight most travel trailers carry when loaded the way most people would tow. Airstreams are probably the only ones built with the balance finely tuned to 10%.

@jasonlarsen3515

Жыл бұрын

Henry, have you weighed a trailer before?

@glenparks5175

Жыл бұрын

Oh don't think so my 30 ft 7100 to has 1090 lbs tongue weight, I had to load a little water in rear kitchen tank to get it under 1000

What state do you live in?

Wish you would have scaled the truck with the trailer on and off.

About 16000 bound's

I wasnt surprised at all,............... what did you expect ??

That's alot of tongue weight. The only difference in towing capacity is the engine until you get the max tow package.

6500 would’ve been my guess

Sierra denali hitch

I guess 5,500-6,000 lbs total

excess tongue weight for that overall trailer weight

Little truck big trailer...?

5650 axle

Is that an African swallow, coconut tree or just a regular swallow coconut tree?

10,500

6500

My LZ0 pulls 7-10k pretty easily

10,000 lbs

4500

Need air bags

Heavy bugger

7321lbs

6440 lbs

Needs Firestone air bags

@edwardpate6128

Жыл бұрын

Or Air Lift another alternative is Skyjacker or Delco air shocks.

5500lbs

You were talking payload, this is towing. I did not understand your comment slash rant at all. Tnis trailer is well within the capabilities of your truck. Now the hitch weight is over and that's where the problem lays.

@BigTruckBigRV

Жыл бұрын

Hey brother, I was actually talking about both. That both payload and towing numbers are within spec of a truck.

@chadsteele1

Жыл бұрын

@@BigTruckBigRV fair enough, I think it got lost in translation there is all. Cheers

6000lbs

I guess you don’t have your old 2500 Duramax anymore. It’s been a bit though.