Can a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Tow a 2002 24 ft Coachmen Travel Trailer

Updated 03/07/2013 | Published 03/04/2013

Question:

I currently have a 2002 24foot Coachmen travel Trailer. I am wanting to buy a new tow vehichle and I am considering a 2009 Chevrolet 1500 with a 5.3motor. Would this be sufficient enough to tow with

asked by: Brandon P

Expert Reply:

To determine if a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with a 5.3L V8 can tow your 2002 Coachmen travel trailer, you will need to find the towing capacity of the truck and weight of your trailer when it is loaded and ready to tow.

I did some research on the 2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 with a 5.3L V8 and found that the towing capacity can range from 9,700 lbs to 10,700 lbs based on how it is equipped. If you are purchasing the truck from a private party, the towing capacity should be listed in the owners manual or a Chevrolet dealer can tell you the towing capacity with the VIN.

If you are purchasing the truck from a dealer, they should be able to tell you the maximum towing capacity of the truck.

To find the weight of your trailer, you can either weigh the trailer at a commercial scale or take the dry weight of the trailer and add the approximate weight of all of the cargo, tanks, fluids, etc. you plan on carrying in the trailer.

If the trailer weighs more than 50 percent of the trucks gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), then I recommend using a weight distribution system like the Reese Strait-Line System, # RP66084, that you referenced.

When choosing a weight distribution system, you want to choose a system with a tongue weight range that encompasses the tongue weight of your towing setup. The tongue weight of your towing setup includes the loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer plus the weight of any cargo loaded behind the rear axle in the truck bed.

The Strait-Line System, # RP66084, that you referenced has a tongue weight range of 600 lbs to 1,200 lbs. As long as the tongue weight of your towing setup falls within that range, this system will work well for you.

If your tongue weight is greater than 1,200 lbs or less than 600 lbs, let me know and I can make a more specific recommendation for you.