Slides for AS

[GCinSC2]

Originally Posted by Bigventure

I thought the issue with slides was the tongue weight. I had heard the weights are very heavy. True or false?

I don't have my manual here, but we did try to measure it with Sandlapper's 1000 lb shurline scale. Pegged the gage. It was over 1000lbs, we did not get an actual wt.

3/4 ton dodge cummins takes care of it.

[jcanavera]

Originally Posted by SteveH

They are heavier, and I've heard it estimated about 800lbs heavier, but don't know if that's accurate.

Slides did have a higher hitch weight. Mine is around 1,280 lbs or so with full LP tanks. Non slide unit of the same size is 730 without the LP load. I remember having to change out my factory hitch platform on my then new GMC Savana van to a 1,400 lb Class V hitch. In 2003 all GM large vans with the factory towing package were equipped with 1,000 lb. hitch receivers.

Slides have a lower net cargo capacity that their non-slide twins of the same length. My net cargo capacity with full water tanks is 666 lbs. That's why I typically I only carry full fresh water when absolutely necessary. Also the 2004 Classic Slides were built on the 9,100 lbs GCWR frame. Later years, 2005 and beyond Classic slides came with the 10K frames. Unloaded weight without options on a 2004 30' slide is about 7,877 lbs. while its non slide twin is 7,230.

I'm towing with a 3/4 ton, 6 liter gas, and 4.10 rear axle. When I ordered that van I configured the van for the largest capacity (9,900 lbs) that GM made at the time. In hindsight I'm glad I made those choices. It is a sweet towing machine and the slide on the Classic has been flawless. I have no regrets on either purchase.

Jack