Hitch for Argosy 28'

[saburkha]

I know this question has been asked a ton, but i just can't decide. Trying to figure out what hitch to get for the Argosy. The old spec sheet says the hitch weight is 430 lbs. I have a 2006 GMC Sierra z71 4x4 with the 5.3L. I've been reading about these things, and I still can't decide. Would the 800lb Reese be enough?

[SteveH]

I think I would double check that tongue weight....sounds a little light.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by saburkha

I know this question has been asked a ton, but i just can't decide. Trying to figure out what hitch to get for the Argosy. The old spec sheet says the hitch weight is 430 lbs. I have a 2006 GMC Sierra z71 4x4 with the 5.3L. I've been reading about these things, and I still can't decide. Would the 800lb Reese be enough?

The 800 pound Reese, would be too much, because of your tow vehicles rigidity.

Go with the lightest bars, namely 600 pounds and you will be fine.

Andy

[saburkha]

I double checked the manual. It actually says 405lbs. I thought that sounded light too.

[SteveH]

Well, if in fact the hitch weight is that light, 800 pound bars would be too heavy IMHO. But, I think I'd weigh the tongue with the trailer loaded for a trip to be certain. I know the older trailers are lighter, but still.....

[overlander64]

Greetings saburkha!

Originally Posted by saburkha

I know this question has been asked a ton, but i just can't decide. Trying to figure out what hitch to get for the Argosy. The old spec sheet says the hitch weight is 430 lbs. I have a 2006 GMC Sierra z71 4x4 with the 5.3L. I've been reading about these things, and I still can't decide. Would the 800lb Reese be enough?

Keep in mind that the published figures for your coach . . . . dry weight of 4,370 pounds and dry hitch weight of 405 pounds do not include a number of things, including:

• The weight of installed options and accessories such as air conditioning, patio awning, window awnings, rock guards, segment protectors, etc.
• The weight of fresh water . . . 30 gallons of fresh water 250 pounds (8.33 pounds per US gallon).
• The weight of LP Gas . . . approximately 60 pounds for two 30-pound aluminum tanks.
• The weight of the spare tire (if carried in or on the coach) approximately 50 pounds.
• The weight of camping equipment carried in the coach along with food, clothing, and personal possessions carried in the coach.

My guess is that your coach will approach 6,000 pounds when loaded ready for travel with a hitch weight slightly in excess of 700 pounds. My '64 Overlander has similar dry weights and it typically scales out at 6,000 to 6,100 pounds with a hitch weight between 725 and 750 pounds. I have towed my Overlander with 600 pound Reese Dual Cam setup since 1997 . . . first with my '95 Chevrolet Z71 and now with my '99 K2500 Suburban.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

[saburkha]

Thanks everyone. This forum is great.