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machead · 03-16-2010, 02:05 PM

Howdy.

Newbie here so be gentle.

I have a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500, 5.3L V8, 3.73 rear end, factory trailer package (tranny cooler, etc). According to the manual, 7900 lbs max trailer weight.

I've been pulling a 19' Rockwood Roo hybrid with no problems but we are looking at move up the food chain to a 2008 Safari SE 23FB.

We normally tow with the fresh water tank empty and will probably continue to do so.

My question for all the gurus is this:

Do I need a WDH and/or sway control with the Safari using my existing truck?

Looking forward to the replies.

Allen

**moosetags** · 03-16-2010, 02:21 PM

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

As to your question. the answer is YES. Pulling a 5000#+ travel trailer without any weight distribution/sway control hitch system would be way out of my comfort zone. You should really start researching quality hitch systems. There is a lot of information on this subject here on these Forums.

Brian

MTDECK · 03-16-2010, 02:31 PM

I'm travelling now with a 2003 GMC Sierra ext cab 4WD with the small V8 and the 3.73 rear end pulling a 2006 22' CCD fully loaded. I use the WDH because the previous owner gave it to me and I have the truck bed completely loaded. This is my first trip out and I carried everything I thought I might need (honda generator, fuel and lots of tools). It does level the truck and pulls nice but the previous owner never used it - he had a newer Chevy 3/4 ton . I should note I added an extra battery to the existing one on the tongue behind the tanks.

osolow · 03-16-2010, 02:36 PM

Hey lets us know how well this set up( T/V and trailer goes) ?

i was thinking about doing something similar with a1/2 ton and a 23ft er?

or sticking with my frontier and getting a 19ft er?

ROBERT CROSS · 03-16-2010, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by machead

Howdy.

Newbie here so be gentle.

My question for all the gurus is this:

Do I need a WDH and/or sway control with the Safari using my existing truck?

Looking forward to the replies.

Allen

my 2 cents YES.... BOTH

arcamedies · 03-16-2010, 06:03 PM

Welcome to the forums.

You betcha, that little ball lets the trailer go in any direction 3D so sway control is a good thing and for a little more get the best you can afford. If you don't like it you can sell it but I bet less than your deductable and new shorts.