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MandK · 10-28-2016, 08:48 AM

Hello,

My wife and I are looking at the GMC Sierra 1500 to tow an Airstream International Serenity 30.

The Airstream 30 specs state an 8,800 pounds GVWR. The GM website states an 11,700 pound towing capability for the Sierra 1500 crew cab/short bed w/ its max towing package. We plan on splurging for a Hensley hitch based on the success our friends have enjoyed with their Hensley.

Might some of you w/ Airstream trailering experience be able to offer an opinion on this combination: Sierra 1500, Airstream 30, Hensley hitch.

Thanks!

dznf0g · 10-28-2016, 08:51 AM

6.2L maxtow? I would not get the 5.3 Maxtow with your trailer. I have a 6.2L Maxtow and love it. And yes, I have a Hensley.

xrvr · 10-28-2016, 08:52 AM

Should work fine, just check the payload. Yes 6.2.

dznf0g · 10-28-2016, 08:54 AM

My loaded double cab LTZ has 2034# payload. Crew will come in about 200# less payload.

jim6090 · 10-28-2016, 09:01 AM

Mandk,

I do not own your truck. Our Flying Cloud 30 Bunk is coming in mid December. Most of the folks on this forum recommend a 2500 series truck for the 30 ft ASs. If you don't think you will towing full time then gas may be the way to go. I test drove the Sierra 1500 with the 6.2 L engine. It is very strong on would serve you well. It is very thirsty!!

I decided to break the rules at bit. I went with a 2016 1500 Ram, air suspension, 3.0 Dieselwith the 3.92 gear set. We are getting 23-25 MPG running around and expect to get 14-16 towing.

There are many many many opinions here. If you go with the 1500 sierra I would not get the 5.3 L.

Good luck!! Maybe we will see you a Airstream Rally somewhere.

Jim

dznf0g · 10-28-2016, 09:22 AM

"It is very thirsty!!" Not really, My towing experience with the 3 in my consideration set were:

2500 6.0L 3.73 gear = 9.0 - 9.5 towing
2500 Duramax 3.73 gear = 13.5 towing

1500 6/2L, 8 -speed, 3.42 gear = 12.4 towing

My Bro-in-law has a 2500 6.0L w/4.10 gears and struggles to get 9.0mpg consistently with his 30'er.

All these were mostly in the flats. Wind direction has an effect. I have gotten as low as 9.8mpg with a 30mph front quartering head wind. As high as 13.7 with a steady tailwind. Calm days and slight breeze days, I am all around that 12.4 number =/- .5mpg.

For a gasser to rival the diesel is amazing to me.

(BTW, I am a GM Fleet Service rep and have towed extensively with my company trucks and Large SUVs for 5 years before making my 1500 purchase decision.)

Mikem1961 · 10-28-2016, 09:39 AM

I have a 2014 GMC 1500 5.3L with the Max Trailer package. I have towed a 30' Excella and our newer 2015 28' Serenity. I had no problem with either one. My mileage with both was 9.5mpg towing the 30' and 11mpg towing the 28'. I average 20mpg every day driving. We have been from Key West to Bar Harbor with these trailers.

MandK · 10-28-2016, 09:42 AM

Thank you everyone!!! The 6.2L is the engine we are targeting for the added power, and we feel very good to have feedback from those of you who are on the road trailering. Your first-hand trailering experience is very reassuring! Much Appreciated!

MandK · 10-28-2016, 09:54 AM

Great to see that others are using a Hensley. We spent some time on their website and communicated with their support team. We really like what we have seen in videos, and we like what we have read regarding this hitch. I have towed boats and smaller trailers for many years. The Airstream 30 will be a departure from our shorter tow packages, and I certainly covet any assistance that I can get in making the effort as safe as possible. This Hensley hitch certainly appears to offer the added safety we are seeking.