Is truck adequate for Greystone Trailer?

jheitman

Well-known member
I have a Silverado 2500 HD, with a 6.0L gas V8, 4.10 differential.
Truck Specs are:
GVWR 9200
Max Trailer weight 12400
GCWR 18500
R GAWR 6084
F GAWR 4200

Truck actual weights are:
GVW 6440 (my wife and I were in truck)
R GVW 2700
F GVW 3740

Now, my wife is in love with a Greystone 32 RE with the following weights.
Dry weight 10185
Pin Weight 1840

Can I successfully pull this trailer with my gas powered truck?
Does anyone have experience with a combination like this?

Thanks, jim
 

PUG

Pug
I pulled my sailboat that weighs about 9000 with an chev gas 3/4 ton and it was a pretty hard pull. I then got an 02 3/4 ton duramax and it was day and night difference. I sold the 02 a few months ago and got an 09 1 ton Cummins dually. Again stronger than the duramax and much more stable and safe with the duallies. The sailboat now just hands on for dear life. I also pull a 3950 Toy Hauler and its a dream.
 

hart1369

Active Member
:cool:
I have a Silverado 2500 HD, with a 6.0L gas V8, 4.10 differential.
Truck Specs are:
GVWR 9200
Max Trailer weight 12400
GCWR 18500
R GAWR 6084
F GAWR 4200

Truck actual weights are:
GVW 6440 (my wife and I were in truck)
R GVW 2700
F GVW 3740

Now, my wife is in love with a Greystone 32 RE with the following weights.
Dry weight 10185
Pin Weight 1840

Can I successfully pull this trailer with my gas powered truck?
Does anyone have experience with a combination like this?

Thanks, jim
i have a 2500 hd gmc with the 6.0 gas and i pull a sundance 2998rb and i dont having any trouble at all
 

jheitman

Well-known member
Ok, we picked up the 5W and have been pulling it around for about 1000 miles with the Chevy gasser. I've been generally using 5th gear as the highest gear, as it shifts out of 6th pretty often. I always use the towing transmission function. In genral, given fairly moderate grades, we stay in 5th gear contineously, without down shifts. Seems to cruise nicely at about 62 mph, 2500 rpm. On some slopes, i shift back into 4th gear to complete a climb. The engine torque peaks at about 4200 RPM and I'm assuming that I'm safe running that high if necessary. From calculating the gear ratios, I believe that I could maintain 55 mph in 3rd gear at 4000 RPM if I encountered a really steep hill, which I have not so far. In general the 2010 gasser Silverado 2500 HD, with 4.10 rear end, pulls the 10k lb Greystone just fine. I've been averaging 8-10 mpg depending on road grade conditions. I get about 17 mpg without the trailer. I haven't had the engine temperature move off 210, even in 90 degree ambient conditions and climbing hills. The transmission has gotten to 190 degrees on very hot days in traffic, but GM tells me not to worry until about 200 degrees. Overall, i'm happy with my truck with the Greystone. Anyone else using a gasser for this size trailer?
 

dewwood

Well-known member
I assume you have the six speed Allison tranny. My truck, although a diesel, will not shift into 6th gear and stay there until I get above 62 mph when towing. I run about 65 and it will stay in 6th unless I get into a pretty good climb.
 
I have a 08 2500HD gasser with 3.73 rear end. Pull a 08 3055 RL Bighorn.
Most trips the truck will average 8.5 to 9.0 MPG. Running light at 60 to 65 mph
it will average in the 15 to 17 mpg range.
I always run in 5th gear while pulling the Bighorn.
 

jheitman

Well-known member
Today I had my whole rig weighed (truck and trailer).

Silverado 2500 HD, Extended Cab, and Standard Box (6' 6"), 6.0L V8 gas, 4.10 diff, Greystone 32RE
Specifications .............................................Known's .............Margin
Truck GVWR.............. 9200 ...GVW ................8740 ..95.0% ..460 lbs
Max Trailer Weight. 12400 ...TT dry weight 10098 ..81.4%
Truck GCWR............ 18500 ...GCW...............17800 ..96.2% ..700 lbs
R GAWR.................... 6084 ....R GVW ............5000 ..82.2% .1084 lbs
F GAWR.................... 4200 ....F GVW .............3740 ..89.0% ..460 lbs


So, I have loaded up close to the Truck Weight Ratings.
The rig is pretty typically loaded with cargo.
I have margin for another 460 lbs in the truck (a couple people), or 700 lbs in the trailer but not both.
I am comfortably under the max truck ratings and it seems to pull the trailer fine.

I want to stay away from the rating limits to make sure i don't have any warranty problems with GM's 100k mile power train warranty.

A bigger Diesel would be more responsive but this gasser is fine for my first rig. I can't always hold 60 mph on slopes in 5th gear, sometimes I drop to 55 in 4th gear.
 
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