[dparenza2]

See attachment.
These are the specs on a trailer we really like, and feel comfortable my GMC Canyon Duramax can handle with out the white knuckles. (Hoping anyway.)
I researched this truck for about 2-years before pulling the Trigger all while researching a Travel Trailer we would feel comfortable with. The next step before we purchase the trailer: What type of hitches should I research that will provide the best tow experience.

Thanks Duramax fans, and let me know your thoughts.

 

[SFLTruck]

I use this Anderson and I really like it....

Weight Distribution Hitch - Andersen Hitches

View the best Weight Distribution Hitch here. Shop with us today for high quality trailer hitches and gear that is strong and versatile.

andersenhitches.com

 

[DeeK]

Take a look at the Fastway E2 equalizing and stabilizing hitch as well. Some people prefer the Anderson, others prefer the Fastway. The Anderson is lighter and I found the design original and interesting but there are apparently issues with the friction material moving and other complaints. Anyway, both are worth considering, I chose the E2 and think it's a terrific hitch in all ways.

 

[SFLTruck]

Take a look at the Fastway E2 equalizing and stabilizing hitch as well. Some people prefer the Anderson, others prefer the Fastway. The Anderson is lighter and I found the design original and interesting but there are apparently issues with the friction material moving and other complaints. Anyway, both are worth considering, I chose the E2 and think it's a terrific hitch in all ways.

That's correct on the older versions. There is now a locking ring that prevents that issue from happening. I will say this, Anderson will take the Ball back from older versions and repair it free of charge. They are a pretty good company to deal with. Not an issue with the new design.....

 

[dparenza2]

Thanks fellas.

 

[hotrodfeguy]

I would point out air bags make an amazing improvement when pulling a travel trailer. A major improvement when going over bridges and overpasses. My current bumper pull is 42ft! and on my RAM was a totally different safer feel/ride. I would run airbags on any truck. Just for the improved feel, as well as load leveling.

 

[SFLTruck]

I would point out air bags make an amazing improvement when pulling a travel trailer. A major improvement when going over bridges and overpasses. My current bumper pull is 42ft! and on my RAM was a totally different safer feel/ride. I would run airbags on any truck. Just for the improved feel, as well as load leveling.

Just put a set of Firestones on last week...
Big difference on towing stability going over big dips in the road and as you stated bridges and overpasses.

 

[DeeK]

Posted elsewhere about near catastrophic failure of Firestone system because lower bracket bolts sheared. If you're going off road at all, washboard etc. strongly recommend replacing 2 bracket bolts on each side with grade 5 bolts.

 

[dparenza2]

Guys i need to learn more about air bags. Not concerned about off road, as i am probably only going to be serious off road but maybe 2-3 times per year hunting and what not. I read somewhere that air bags can improve handling while, pulling, but not a license to blow through your payload rating. Inside of my door says 1,152.

 

[hotrodfeguy]

Guys i need to learn more about air bags. Not concerned about off road, as i am probably only going to be serious off road but maybe 2-3 times per year hunting and what not. I read somewhere that air bags can improve handling while, pulling, but not a license to blow through your payload rating. Inside of my door says 1,152.

They will give you a MUCH more stable feel. When your at or near that max it can be harry with any truck. It pretty much eliminates the porpoising over the bridges. Just dont make the mistake of putting both bags on one valve. One air valve to a bag ! Otherwise the air will shift from the loaded side to the unloaded or less loaded. Negating any improved cornering with a trailer/load. You wont be disappointed.

 

[DeeK]

Firestone is the only air spring that I'm aware of because Airlift refuses to make one for the colo diesel. With exception of failure I mentioned above, I've liked the Firestone in terms of ride, very nice and you can pressure them up as far as you need to keep truck level, and I agre with the other posters about how much it stabilizes the ride. I will have a complete brand new set for sale if you're interested.

 

[dparenza2]

Does it do anything to warranty? I am not ready yet, but just curious. Also how much do they run?

 

[bigoilbob]

See attachment.
These are the specs on a trailer we really like, and feel comfortable my GMC Canyon Duramax can handle with out the white knuckles. (Hoping anyway.)
I researched this truck for about 2-years before pulling the Trigger all while researching a Travel Trailer we would feel comfortable with. The next step before we purchase the trailer: What type of hitches should I research that will provide the best tow experience.

Thanks Duramax fans, and let me know your thoughts.

What is your tongue weight limit? I can't recall mine, since I have a bed hitch, but the first number I saw on line was 500#. Admittedly, yours might be higher, but I would NEVER exceed your rating, ESPECIALLY with a leveler. I would also look at tongue actual weight/actual loaded weight. I think anything below 0.12 (and it's easy to over back load a trailer) could get you a bobbin' on the road. BTW, what do you think your loaded weight will be?

Seems like I'm often the buzz kill in these threads, but PONDER...

 

[Streamintrip]

The previously noted HD hitches have good ratings and technology
The alternative I use is the Husky 32217 Centerline TS with 600-800# Spring bars. Like most of the newer WD systems, the sway control is in the hitch head

My V nose 18' tandem axle car hauler/workshop with the '63 Morgan +4 aboard weighs in at 6000#, and the truck handles very well.

For those carrying heavier tongue weights, the Husky head is the same, but different weight spring bars are available.

I might add that torsion axles give a much smoother ride than leaf springs, as I towed both before making a purchase decision.

 

[Florida beachbum]

See attachment.
These are the specs on a trailer we really like, and feel comfortable my GMC Canyon Duramax can handle with out the white knuckles. (Hoping anyway.)
I researched this truck for about 2-years before pulling the Trigger all while researching a Travel Trailer we would feel comfortable with. The next step before we purchase the trailer: What type of hitches should I research that will provide the best tow experience.

Thanks Duramax fans, and let me know your thoughts.

My minimax pulls our 16’ trailer great. The only thing I added was extending tow mirrors like on a 2500 Silverado to see around the trailer.

 

[Papa Smurf]

I have a NOBO 19.1 Toy Hauler. 30 gallon tanks. Curb weight 4300. Loaded with the Spyder and a weeks worth of groceries and gear with fresh tank full it was 5520 on the scale. It’s 24’ long, 7’ wide and 9.5 ft tall. I have a 2016 Z71 and a 2019 ZR2. Both are diesels and tuned and have aux tranny coolers. No problem going through Rockies. Your trailer is quite a bit larger and will catch more wind. You will definitely want a good WDH with sway control. I have a Husky Centerline. It’s noisy turning but works great. With your 8’ wide trailer you will definitely need towing mirrors like the Clearview or Boost Auto. They are pricey but well worth it.

 

[Coloradorob]

4700lbs and 600 tongue wt.
Thats heavy on the torque.
And it doesn’t take much to make the trailer heavy by adding all the crap you will want to take with you.
my trailer is 4300lbs and 600 tongue wt. Here is the issue. My storage area is at the front. Add spar tire and camping gear in the storage area. Lawn chairs, BBQ ect ect. Then I have 2 batteries and 2 propane tanks on the A frame and the tongue wt is well over 700 lbs.
I have to really put a lot of tension on the weight distribution hitch to get the back end of the truck back up.
My trailer wanders around a bit and at times in windy conditions can get spooky.
I have 2 anti sway bars and it still wanders back and forth.
The best thing I found is to add air pressure to the rear tires. 45 psi made a massive improvement.
Soft side wall tires make Towing a white buckle affair......

 

[lovemycolorado]

I used a Camco Chem 48753 WD Hitch Kit Recurve 3 1200 lb. to tow a 23 ft Winnebago Micro Mini weighing about 5,500 lbs. loaded and got 15-16 mpg with my 2017 Z71 4WD Crew Cab Colorado with 6' bed, here it is on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Chem-48753-Hitch-Recurve/dp/B07CY63LCN

 

[dparenza2]

I appreciate everyone's honesty here. I truly am trying to take a conservative approach with my rig, that is just under 3-months old.
I definitely am not into white knuckles but realize in some cases, it may occasionally happen. Part of the deal I get it, but want to be safe.
I do have the long bed, which I ordered, as I have heard it does not hurt, but can actually help my cause in terms of stability.
My buddy has a 32ft Apex, and pulled it with his Colorado, swears it did just fine. He talked me into the truck I have.

Below I found this site. Big Rock Media. The guy really seems to know his stuff, and is all about safety.
Below is the formula I down loaded, I added the specs of my truck and and the rig with the specs I posted on a earlier thread above.

Based on below, I have come to the conclusion the only thing that will be in the truck is my wife, myself, son, and our dog.
Everything else will go in Trailer. Which the spread sheet below accounts for.

Somebody brought up mirrors, I will raise that topic on another thread.

Take a look folks. As I stated above, safety is a priority, and this Trailer will likely stay in the state of Iowa.

On a side note, we pulled a 2,000lb pop up loaded up with my wife's Subaru Outback, so I know that white knuckle feeling as the front end would get light.

Will research the Weight Distribution hitches you all have outlined.

 

[bigoilbob]

I appreciate everyone's honesty here. I truly am trying to take a conservative approach with my rig, that is just under 3-months old.
I definitely am not into white knuckles but realize in some cases, it may occasionally happen. Part of the deal I get it, but want to be safe.
I do have the long bed, which I ordered, as I have heard it does not hurt, but can actually help my cause in terms of stability.
My buddy has a 32ft Apex, and pulled it with his Colorado, swears it did just fine. He talked me into the truck I have.

Below I found this site. Big Rock Media. The guy really seems to know his stuff, and is all about safety.
Below is the formula I down loaded, I added the specs of my truck and and the rig with the specs I posted on a earlier thread above.

Based on below, I have come to the conclusion the only thing that will be in the truck is my wife, myself, son, and our dog.
Everything else will go in Trailer. Which the spread sheet below accounts for.

Somebody brought up mirrors, I will raise that topic on another thread.

Take a look folks. As I stated above, safety is a priority, and this Trailer will likely stay in the state of Iowa.

On a side note, we pulled a 2,000lb pop up loaded up with my wife's Subaru Outback, so I know that white knuckle feeling as the front end would get light.

Will research the Weight Distribution hitches you all have outlined.


View attachment 9041

If you are like almost every camper, your trailer cargo weight will be MUCH higher than what is in your worksheet. Toys, clothes, fresh water, grey and black water, appliances, outdoor furniture, bikes, and on and on, it adds up. IMO, you're cutting it way too close, especially starting with a tongue weight over GM spec. You might get away with it for quite awhile, but I think I could spot you on the road by your wiggling and would avoid getting near you.