How well will my truck handle an enlosed.

2skis · Nov 13, 2013

I'm in the market for a new trailer. I have a 2009 Silverado 1500 5.3 ext, cab and was wondering with your guys experience how big of enclosed trailer it would handle? Id like a 3 place. Any of you tow enclosed with same truck as mine? Or if you guys recommend an open deck trailer.

Here's what i have in mind:

Enclosed snowmobile/ quad trailer - Saskatchewan Snowmobiles For Sale - Kijiji Saskatchewan Canada.

MXOldtimer · Nov 13, 2013

Depends on what your expectations are. If you want to tow your trailer through the mountains at 140+, the 5.3 is a little light in the loafers. If you run reasonable speeds, say limit +10 or so, you will be happy. I tow a 16 foot enclosed with 3 sleds in it with my little 3.5l V6 and no issues. Expect your fuel economy to drop to 22 to 24 L/100 K at reasonable speeds. Oh yes and run in 5th gear, motor and tranny will be much happier.

the_real_wild1 · Nov 13, 2013

You will tow it fine. The only issue you may have is your mirrors. Make sure you have a brake controller also and the brakes work on the trailer.

2skis · Nov 13, 2013

MXOldtimer said:
Depends on what your expectations are. If you want to tow your trailer through the mountains at 140+, the 5.3 is a little light in the loafers. If you run reasonable speeds, say limit +10 or so, you will be happy. I tow a 16 foot enclosed with 3 sleds in it with my little 3.5l V6 and no issues. Expect your fuel economy to drop to 22 to 24 L/100 K at reasonable speeds. Oh yes and run in 5th gear, motor and tranny will be much happier.

Mainly towing up to northern SK.

Next question for you guys are 3 summit 146"'s going to fit well in this trailer?

powder junkie · Nov 13, 2013

Will pull fine. I pull a 20ft enclosed with half ton sumtimes. I think 16ft is tuff to fit 3 sleds tho

shoppingcart111 · Nov 13, 2013

I have a Tekonsha brake controller that I had in my GM half for sale, worked awesome. PM if interested.

the_real_wild1 · Nov 13, 2013

2skis said:
Mainly towing up to northern SK.

Next question for you guys are 3 summit 146"'s going to fit well in this trailer?

I have a 16' flat nose enclosed. I can fit 3 long track sleds in there easily. Drive two in then move the rear of each sled out. Back in the third. Still have room for gear and gas cans.

2skis · Nov 13, 2013

Thanks for the info and all the help. I purchased the trailer on KIJIJIJIJI that I put the link in for.

zeebs · Nov 13, 2013

I pull an 8.5'x16' with my '13 1500. Like it was said you'll pull in fifth gear. I run 70 MPH with tow haul on and it's running 2800 or so RPM. Mileage takes it in the ass down to bout 7 MPG. It does get some getting use to the engine screaming like that for so long but it's still cheaper than a 2500HD or a Diesel.

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zeebs · Nov 13, 2013

zeebs said:
I pull an 8.5'x16' with my '13 1500. Like it was said you'll pull in fifth gear. I run 70 MPH with tow haul on and it's running 2800 or so RPM. Mileage takes it in the ass down to bout 7 MPG. It does get some getting use to the engine screaming like that for so long but it's still cheaper than a 2500HD or a Diesel.

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I should add it does get a little hairy when vehicles, especially semis, pass as the wind like to throw you around a little. I bought a sway control bar to help.

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camarogreg · Nov 20, 2013

You could refer to the load rating on the truck door and to the sidewall of the tire (multiply by 2) and compare to your axle load the next time you venture past a scale at the side of the highway. I checked my 20 footer with three sleds, family of five, and I am just at the limit for the rear axle (1700 vs about 1850), the front was fine (only 1390 vs 1850), and the trailer has 2 x 5000lb axle with the same tire ratings so well under that load (2300 including the trailer -sleds-gear and fuel). The sticker on the trailer hitch on my pickup is only rated to 2300 kg but increases with a load equalizer up to 4500kg. I would expect an increase on my front axle with this installed but should be fine all things considered.

maxwell · Nov 20, 2013

Make sure it's aluminum trailer. 5.3 hate towing anything but there own weight so make it as light as possible. I pulled my 30ft steel enclosed a short distance with one and it was scary. Especially in the wind. I'm sure with a shorter lighter 3 place you will be ok.

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How well will my truck handle an enlosed.

2skis

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