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Old 04-22-2018, 12:01 AM   #1
JC Larson
 
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2009 25' FB Flying Cloud
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GM Max Trailering Package - feedback

Just purchased 2018 5.3 litre with 8 speed to tow our 09 25' FB FC. Would value feedback from owners of similar.
Will use our Equalizer set up. Came with remote trailer camera. Plan to add Air Bags. Thanks!Click image for larger version

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Old 04-22-2018, 02:07 AM   #2
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We have the 2017 Sierra with max tow and the same drivetrain, and we tow our 2016 25’ FC using an Equalizer hitch. We’ve been very happy with this setup. The trailer pulls great, and we have plenty of power and capacity for how we camp.
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Old 04-22-2018, 05:43 AM   #3
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If you have MaxTow package AND you stay under rear axle weight rating, AND you have proper WD setup, I doubt you need air bags. I have the 6.2L MaxTow with a 30' Classic and carry a scooter, boat motor and other gear in the bed....no bags needed.
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Old 04-22-2018, 05:52 AM   #4
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Good to know. I would prefer to not have to add air bags. Your Classic and scooter are a good reference for load capacity. Thanks!
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Old 04-22-2018, 09:37 AM   #5
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Originally Posted by JustinLarson View Post
Good to know. I would prefer to not have to add air bags. Your Classic and scooter are a good reference for load capacity. Thanks!
I had a 2015 Denali with the same power and towing packages you've described. Our experience pulling our 27FB with a ProPride (a fairly heavy hitch) was similar to that of dznf0g, i.e., no need for air bags.
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Old 04-22-2018, 09:37 AM   #6
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No problem

Towing same Flying Cloud with 2016 GMC Yukon Denali XL with max tow pkg and have no problems at all. WD hitch package only.
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Old 04-22-2018, 09:51 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by JustinLarson View Post
Just purchased 2018 5.3 litre with 8 speed to tow our 09 25' FB FC. Would value feedback from owners of similar.
Will use our Equalizer set up. Came with remote trailer camera. Plan to add Air Bags. Thanks!Attachment 309210
A couple things - 1st its too late , you already bought the truck ?
Next is , without telling what truck you have - GVW , tow package , can't really say .
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Old 04-22-2018, 10:13 AM   #8
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Thought title was sufficient, however it is a GMC 1500 Seirra SLT with Max Trailering Package, a 5.3 liter ecotec, 8 speed transmission, 3.42 rear differential, 10,800 tow capacity. Towing a 25 foot 2009 Front Bedroom Flying Cloud....
All that said, not asking about my setup (have no doubt truck is capable) but I am interested in how owners of similar GM's have found the trucks overall performance ..and did they find any issues that I could be mindful of. I have added a Catch Can and a 2" lift.
Looking forward to testing the integrated remote trailer camera system.
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Old 04-22-2018, 10:38 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pongo View Post
I had a 2015 Denali with the same power and towing packages you've described. Our experience pulling our 27FB with a ProPride (a fairly heavy hitch) was similar to that of dznf0g, i.e., no need for air bags.
Thanks for the feedback!
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Old 04-22-2018, 11:34 AM   #10
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Originally Posted by JustinLarson View Post
Thanks for the feedback!
I liked the 6.2 with the 8 speed. Finding the maxtow stock was a challenge around here in TX without special order...and payload was also a challenge. Here is the payload I saw on the a Denali, the last one I looked at below; notice it is not very high payload...1323lbs for tongue weight, passengers, and cargo...without special order, getting above 1500lbs in the 1/2T GM was a challenge. (I agree; airbags are not going to help your payload...there is a great video/thread on this forum somewhere that shows airbag myth..)
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Old 04-22-2018, 12:07 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by gypsydad View Post
I liked the 6.2 with the 8 speed. Finding the maxtow stock was a challenge around here in TX without special order...and payload was also a challenge. Here is the payload I saw on the a Denali, the last one I looked at below; notice it is not very high payload...1323lbs for tongue weight, passengers, and cargo...without special order, getting above 1500lbs in the 1/2T GM was a challenge. (I agree; airbags are not going to help your payload...there is a great video/thread on this forum somewhere that shows airbag myth..)
Yes. Would've liked a 6.2, however made a decision based on availability trading in 2016 Duramax after 20 visits to GM for emission related issues. Tired of limp mode. Hope the 5.3 proves more reliable.
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Old 04-22-2018, 01:02 PM   #12
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I have the 5.3-liter V8 in my Suburban. Fourteen years old, 120,000 miles.

Most reliable engine (and vehicle) I’ve ever had.

Mine does not have the turn-off-a-few-cylinders function on the newer engines. I can’t speak to the reliability of those engines.
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Old 04-22-2018, 01:45 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by WhereStream View Post
I have the 5.3-liter V8 in my Suburban. Fourteen years old, 120,000 miles.

Most reliable engine (and vehicle) I’ve ever had.

Mine does not have the turn-off-a-few-cylinders function on the newer engines. I can’t speak to the reliability of those engines.
Good to hear. Thank you.
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Old 04-22-2018, 04:54 PM   #14
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I have the 5.3-liter V8 in my Suburban. Fourteen years old, 120,000 miles.

Most reliable engine (and vehicle) I’ve ever had.

Mine does not have the turn-off-a-few-cylinders function on the newer engines. I can’t speak to the reliability of those engines.
I agree with the reliability issue. I have an 18 year GMC Sierra 1500 PU with 5.3 L engine and auto trans and 140,000 miles. I find it capable of towing my 25 ft Airstream, but short of power climbing mountains (like those in Colorado, etc.) and short on payload capacity for my motorcycle and generator.

I have recently purchased a 2017 CHevy 2500HD crew cab with Duramax/Allison trans and am very pleased with it. No longer wanting for power, and much better control going downhill.

I think you (the OP) are going backwards on your tow vehicle if you travel in the mountains. I can find no evidence of any problems with the Duramax among several users that I know well. You may have had the bad apple among many very successful users.

BTW, I still have and plan to keep the GMC 5.3 because it is so reliable. Wife and I use both PUs as dailey drivers when not towing.

Hope all works out well for you.
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Old 04-22-2018, 05:09 PM   #15
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Yes. Would've liked a 6.2, however made a decision based on availability trading in 2016 Duramax after 20 visits to GM for emission related issues. Tired of limp mode. Hope the 5.3 proves more reliable.
Understand. What is your payload if you don't mind sharing?
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Old 04-23-2018, 01:24 AM   #16
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Understand. What is your payload if you don't mind sharing?
With the max tow, option depending on other options and 4WD vs. 2WD, most fall in the 1900 to 2100 range. My 4WD sticker shows a payload of 1920.
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Old 04-23-2018, 05:32 AM   #17
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Mine shows 2034# Payload. LTZ double cab.
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Old 04-23-2018, 08:20 AM   #18
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The driver's door sticker lists the front and rear axle ratings of that specific vehicle. Changing suspension, adding stiffer tires etc does not increase that axle rating but can reduce the existing payload by the weight of differential of the new stuff over the OEM equipment.
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Old 04-23-2018, 08:47 AM   #19
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Mine shows 1920# Payload as well. Understand payload vs tow capacity.. and GCVW.
I hoped only for feedback from owners of similar GMs on their experience, which provided good information on Air bags. Greatly appreciate GM owner comments.
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Old 04-23-2018, 03:10 PM   #20
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Mine shows 1920# Payload as well. Understand payload vs tow capacity.. and GCVW.
I hoped only for feedback from owners of similar GMs on their experience, which provided good information on Air bags. Greatly appreciate GM owner comments.
That's a good payload for a 1/2T......lots of good information here. You will notice on the Forum, it's pretty much open to everyone's response....wether you want to read it is another story!
The airbag suspension issue was an eye opener for me when I had my F150 EB with only 1039lbs payload rating...I thought the answer might be adding airbags until I saw the video and herd from several folks on the Forum that it masks the problem; doesn't fix it. Here is a good video of airbags:

https://youtu.be/XBZu39pQ8Gg
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