Pickup Truck question

[Colliemom]

Okay, here's the next question. I'm currently driving a full size Chevy Silverado Extneded cab pickup. It's under lease, but getting close to my allotted mieage. So I plan to turn it in down the road here. Right now I am looking to get another truck. Can't find mini vans much these days, Tahoes, Surburbands etc. are way too expensive. I want something in 4 wheel drive. We do not have any foreign make dealers in this area, just Ford, GM and what's left of Chrysler, but I'm a bit leery of that dealer after an experience some friends had with them. So I'm thinking a Chevy Silverado crew cab, 4x4 .
Now, my question to you gals who pull trailers. If I decide to go into a small trailer, is the "trailering package" that comes on most trucks these days, adequate for pulling small trailers. I don't plan to go up to big 5th wheels etc. Is there any equipment I should make sure the truck is equpped with? I like the looks of the new GMC Acadia but I've heard that they are underpowered even for just general driving and some people said they have automatic transmission shifting issues. Plus I like having the 4 wheel drive. Sometimes I go places where it comes in handy, like on Forest Service roads when I'm off exploring in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Course I'm careful not to go into places that I'm not sure I can get through. After all I am by myself. Got OnStar on Board though. Thoughts, suggestions, ideas etc......

[rvgrammy1953]

I'd say that your choice of the Chevy Crew Cab would be a good one...most new trucks have a towing package already installed from the factory, but check with the dealer when buying....we've found that getting the truck first, then the camper, makes choosing and buying the camper easier...but that's our opinion and experience....

[AlmostThere]

I agree with Lori. If a truck comes with a tow pkg it will just fine for your needs to pull. That said, you will have to get some sort of braking system installed, I'm assuming, unless you buy a truck that has that already installed like what Soos just purchased. Not sure what make truck she's getting. That is new to me, but perhaps another incentive they are adding.

[Bethers]

There are different towing packages and different trucks - you'll simply need to know what you have and what you CAN tow with it. Then you'll be able to shop for tt - not before. And then you need to add in the extra weight of what you'll be carrying - both in the truck and in the tt. Like, will you add a cab to the truck - add that weight. Carry a gas can? Add that weight with what it would be full, etc. Because if you get the smaller trucks, with the smaller weight allowances to tow, that's all important. Then, don't believe because a TT says it's "lite", etc, that means it's light weight. Get the actual weights. Then remember to add in how much you'll be putting in - and how much it allows you to put in. Ballpark usually works here. But you don't want to be towing more than the truck can handle.

[Cedar518]

Now, my question to you gals who pull trailers. If I decide to go into a small trailer, is the "trailering package" that comes on most trucks these days, adequate for pulling small trailers. ..

Short answer is yes. Long answer is be sure to check your tow vehicle's rating... and keep your travel trailer to approx. 80% of it. I think I'm running at about 83%. Electric brakes are a must. And depending on the size of your TT, weight-distribution hitch or "anti-sway"bars. i'm talking about two different things there.

Good luck,... and don't be afraid to keep asking questions!

[Birdie]

Go to the manufacturers web site and look for the tow packages on the vehicle you are considering. Or get one of those Consumer Report books that compares all the different pick ups. Consider looking for a minimum weight e.g. 5000 pounds, 7000 pounds something like that. Look at the various TT and consider the weight for 'full' tanks (black, grey and fresh) not likely you will ever have them all full...but it makes good calculations. Then make a list of 'must be with me' and throw some weight in for that stuff. Add it to the TT and you have a ball park figure that you will be towing at the maximum. Then go see what can pull it. Yep you will need either a sway bar or a weight distribution hitch and that depends on how much you are going to be towing with what. It is better to over power the pick up rather than under power, but no need to get ridculous with the gas money.

Have fun trying them all out. Personally, I like the Ford. But one of my casita buddies has a to die for Chevy with a special tow thing on it. He loves it!

Can't wait to see what you get when you get through shopping. Now is a good time to go shopping and July is a great time to buy.

[VickieP]

Just another hint. I'd go to the website of the trucks you are considering and do a "build your truck" kind of thing just to let you know what options are out there and will help you decide what you want. After you "build" what you want, print it out and go to the dealer. You do NOT have to pick something they have on their lot, they can get on the computer and find one for you with what you want (or close to it). Believe me, they will work a deal with another dealer, either by buying the truck from them or trading one they have on their lot for the one you want. My Dad is retired and is a driver for the local Ford dealership along with 3 or 4 other retired people, they send them from here in SW Louisiana to Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama to pick up vehicles for people.

[Acadianmom]

Well darn Vicki, no one ever offered to go get a truck for us. My DH seems to think that's my job.

Martha

[VickieP]

Well, don't you know how why they put handles on iron skillets?

[Colliemom]

I've always been a GM person. Maybe cause that''s what we've always had. Ford makes good trucks too but I guess it's a case of you just stick with the tried and true, somethng you are familiar with etc. I've driven trucks for almost 30 yerars with a couple of Trailblazers and a Tahoe thrown into the mix. Would love another Tahoe but don't love their price.
I don't need to do much with my dealer. This dealership I do business with has been here for a LONG time and the person I deal with is the co-owner. Known him since he was a sales guy way back, so he knows my wants and needs etc. He can get me anything I want via the computer like you say if it's not on the lot. And I can get a good price for it too. So I'm all set there. One thing that is playing in favor of us who must tow alone is the backup cameras available nowdays. My neighbor has one on his Surburban and he says he can back right into his hitch with no problem. Now they should install them on trailers too.... I know some of the motorhomes have them.

[Nasoosie]

My new Ford FX4 has a backup camera that I specifically ordered, and, although I haven't had a chance to try hitching with it yet, it sure is nice to be able to see behind me at bumper level when backing up, without having to get out, or enlisting someone near me to make sure no kids or animals slip behind me as I am backing. Mine also has a beeper which goes off if something gets within 6 feet of me behind me....and the beeps get faster and faster as you get closer and closer. I would think that would help you to know when you get close enough to get out and hitch up! I'll let you know!

[carold]

Don't have a truck and never did, so can't be much help there. Have a backup camera with microphone, loved it while it lasted. Can see the sides now when we back up, but the rest is gone. Haven't located the problem, no more warranty and don't think we're going to pay to get it back. I would definitely want it if I were traveling solo. carold