Looking at options for upgrading our travel trailer. We currently pull an older 26' trailer. No idea on the actual weight as its a late 70's model and no paperwork to be found.

Our truck is a 2005 SuperCrew XLT with 5.4L, came with the towing package and had a brake controller installed. Have been using an Equalizer hitch setup.

The door panel sticker lists the rear as an H9, which I believe is the 3.55 LS and max trailer weight of 8200 lbs. The GVWR is 7200 & GCWR is 14000.

The trailer we're looking at is GVWR 7200, GVW 5706, dry hitch weight 671 and dry axle weight 5035.

Will the truck be able to tow this camper without ill effects? No long trips planned, typically just towing from storage to our seasonal spot, with an occasional 1-2 hour trip.

If it will tow it, any reasonably priced mods that can be done to help out?

Any help is appreciated!! Thanks!

 

For a once a year trip, you'll be fine.

 

you might want some helper springs. mine were 150 bucks and you can't even tell they are there when you're not loaded

 

youll be fine if you dont tow it that much

 

Air bags are also an option for around $300

 

you will have no problem towing that trailer. if anything, yeah helper springs will keep you level but also think about a programmer. not really needed but will make it easier on you and your truck towing the weight with more low torque and firmer shifts. just a thought.

 

Thanks for the replies & advice!

dale29 - can you point me in the direction of the helper springs you added?

05crewzer - advice on a tuner?

Thanks fellas!!

 

Hellwig EZ-990 springs from suspension connection...there was some discussion about the proper part # make sure you call hellwig tech support and get the right Part # then order from SC (or whoever) there will be some stuff about the springs not fitting with ABS brake systems, it was not an issue.

 

The Weight Distribution hitch setup you will need to tow that trailer anyway will level you out and you won't really need the helper springs unless you haul a ton of stuff in the bed when you aren't towing....

For as little as you say you tow, the WD hitch will level you out when you are towing and be just fine IMO...

I did go with the overload springs myself, but I did that because I haul heavy stuff in the bed and it sagged so bad I needed the additional springs to help out... If that's not what you do, then you should be fine with the WD setup alone...

Mitch

 

Picked up the travel trailer last Thurs and towed it the 45 minutes to our camper spot on Friday. With the WD hitch, the truck sits pretty level with the trailer on it. Towing wasnt bad, was a very windy day so got pushed around a little, but not too bad.

Might consider the programmer idea...any suggestions on a reasonable model? Thanks for all the help!

 

If all you want is a canned tune, not a custom, I'd get an Edge.

 

hey man. i would either go sct or edge. the benefit of additional power and stiffer shifts helps alot. just got back from the races towing an 8000# trailer and cruising at 65 didnt have any problems with continous downshifting. i still got 15 mpg average cruising. plus you can always get custom tunes if you further want more power or to match your mods.

imo opinion, they are the best two options you can go with.