pulling a 27' 1987 argosy squarestream

[hazhoni]

Hope somebody can help with this...i am sure it is the most asked question in the forums..what does it take to pull...i have a 1999 chevrolet 1500 (4wd) with an engine listed as a 5300 V8 with a 3.73 axle ratio. My chev booklet says the maximum trailer weight is 7,500. The truck is full size--short bed but back seat and two sidedoors...Would it be able to handle a 1987 27 foot Argosy (squarestream). We pull a two horse trailer with two horses and that is not a problem. any ideas would be appreciaed. thanks jerry

[Streamin 65]

Originally Posted by hazhoni

Hope somebody can help with this...i am sure it is the most asked question in the forums..what does it take to pull...i have a 1999 chevrolet 1500 (4wd) with an engine listed as a 5300 V8 with a 3.73 axle ratio. My chev booklet says the maximum trailer weight is 7,500. The truck is full size--short bed but back seat and two sidedoors...Would it be able to handle a 1987 27 foot Argosy (squarestream). We pull a two horse trailer with two horses and that is not a problem. any ideas would be appreciaed. thanks jerry

I pull our 26' Overlander with a 1997 Chevy 1500 4x4 ext. cab short box. It's a 5.0L V8 and the combo works fine for us. However, if you are going to be towing through mountain areas more often than not, I'd suggest something with a bigger engine. --dave

[fastrob]

There are a lot of opinions about that.
The manual and plate inside the drivers door will indicate gross combined weight capacity. If you know the weight of your trailer you will have a good guess.
There is more to it than that though. Weight distribution hitches, anti-sway devices, brakes, tires and stuff (weight) in the truck and trailer that gets added on should be considered.
I know a guy who drove long distances with a 4 cyl Japanese pick up and an older 30' Airstream, somthing I would never do.
There are folks that would only use a 3/4 ton vehicle.
I have a 1/2 ton GMC with 4.8l and 3.73 and I do fine with my 25' Tradewind.

R

[Frank S]

Hi hazhoni--I pull a 1973 27' Overlander which has a loaded weight on the axles of 6200 lbs, with a 2001 Suburban with a 5.3ltr and a 4.10 rear. I have pulled with older Suburbans with 5.7 ltr and both 4.10, and 3.73 rear. Your truck will do the job, but you would like it better if it had a 4.10 rear because of your mountains.--Frank S

[overlander64]

Greetings Jerry!

Welcome to the Forums!

Originally Posted by hazhoni

Hope somebody can help with this...i am sure it is the most asked question in the forums..what does it take to pull...i have a 1999 chevrolet 1500 (4wd) with an engine listed as a 5300 V8 with a 3.73 axle ratio. My chev booklet says the maximum trailer weight is 7,500. The truck is full size--short bed but back seat and two sidedoors...Would it be able to handle a 1987 27 foot Argosy (squarestream). We pull a two horse trailer with two horses and that is not a problem. any ideas would be appreciaed. thanks jerry

Your truck may be a very marginal match for the 27' 1987 Argosy "Squarestream". The factory literature that I have lists the coach as having a GVWR as 7,300 pounds. Given your location near mountainous terrain, you will likely find the performance lackluster at best -- I know that I kept my '95 K1500 Z71 Chevrolet club cab (5.7 Liter V8/3.73 differentials) for only three years because its performance was so poor in the mountains with my 6,100 pound Overlander.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin