1500 denalli 3.0 duramax. Will it work?

[Msowers22]

here is everything about the truck and the AS Im picking up this week. Opinions and suggestions on making towing safe are welcome:

Truck: 2020 Denali 1500 4x4 (see attached GM spec decals)


AS: 2019 Int Serenity 28 RBQ
Dry Weight 5,979 lbs.
Payload Capacity 1,621 lbs.
GVWR 7,600 lbs.
Hitch Weight 897 lbs.

Hitch:Equalizer
1,000/10,000 LB.
SKU: 90-00-1000
The 90-00-1000 Equal-i-zer hitch offers a 1,000 lb. maximum tongue weight and a 10,000 lb. maximum trailer weight. The shank allows a 3" drop and a 7" rise, measures 12" long, and fits 2" trailer hitch receivers.

[Nelson428]

Welcome and CONGRATULATIONS!!

I think you will be fine even though you will get lots of feedback on your thread.

Enjoy your new adventure.

[Dennis C]

Congrats!

I try to be objective when I give feedback on the forums, using whatever data are available. It’s not always easy because setting up a tow rig entails many variables.

I think your biggest potential issues will involve tongue weight and payload capacity. The Airstream has an advertised hitch weight of 897 lbs. You’ll find that your actual tongue weight when your trailer is loaded for camping will likely exceed 1,000 lbs., which appears to exceed the maximum weight of your Equalizer hitch. Additionally, your truck has a maximum payload capacity of 1,382 lbs. Adding up the tongue weight of the trailer and the weight of the Equalizer hitch, this leaves you with less than 300 lbs. of capacity for any passengers and gear that you choose to haul in the truck. In all likelihood, you’ll exceed one or more of the maximum capacities of your rig when you’re loaded for camping.

In situations like yours where you’re close to or over published capacities, you need to load your rig very carefully. Try to put more gear inside the Airstream and very little gear in the truck. Go to a CAT scale and get real data on your setup so that you can appropriately balance your load.

Some people are comfortable exceeding published limits, some are not. You’ve got to decide what works best for you.

Good luck and enjoy the new rig!

[joel]

I agree with Dennis. Also check the weight rating on your tires. Make sure they are not overloaded. Have fun and enjoy your trips.

[CentralAir]

Does your truck have a Duramax (Diesel engine)? The 1500 is available as gas only.

[CaptMojito]

I tow a 2021 25 GT with 2020 1500 Denali and 12K equalizer hitch. I added front and rear Hellwig sway bars and Roadmaster Adaptive Suspension. The truck handles superbly with and without a trailer and I prefer over a 2500. I have checked all my weights using a CAT scale plus a tongue scale and I can travel within all weight limits. Granted it takes planning and a 2500 would take less planning but I do not like driving the 2500 in town. I have not had any issues driving long distances even in high wind conditions (top speed is 65MPH). You will get lot of opinions but at the end of the day, it is your choice to make an informed decision.

[Ken G]

I had a long conversation with a campground neighbor who was towing a 28 FC with an F150 ecoboost in the Rockies. He had an equalizer hitch I believe. He stated that he had no issues towing a 28 with half ton truck but that he was very careful about loading and payloads. Also had upgraded tires - Michelin’s. We were camped @ roughly 9000 ft.

[jaybauman]

Originally Posted by CentralAir

Does your truck have a Duramax (Diesel engine)? The 1500 is available as gas only.

GM has been offering the 3.0 liter in-line 6 cylinder Duramax-branded turbo diesel engine for a few years now. It seems to provide a really nice blend of fuel economy and towing moxy. This engine was designed from the ground-up for use in 1/2-ton truck and full-size SUV applications. You can also get it in Tahoe, Suburban, and Yukon models.

[jimfa440]

The only thing I would change wold be the hitch. I used an Equal-i-zer for several years and changed to a ProPride 3P. That is my best ever experience in towing for 40+ years.

[kdfulsome54]

You may find that your tongue weight is more in the vicinity of 1050-1100 lbs. I have a 28ft requirement and my tongue weight is 1060lbs

[A W Warn]

IMO -
You have a great truck/trailer match. The key to successful towing will be:
It is up to you to remove as much payload as possible from the tow vehicle and place it into the trailer in a way that the trailer is balanced. Keeping trailer tongue weight in the low end of the safe range, ~10% of the trailer's actual gross weight.

I am envious of your tow vehicle! Have fun.

[Presitla99]

Originally Posted by Msowers22

here is everything about the truck and the AS Im picking up this week. Opinions and suggestions on making towing safe are welcome:

Truck: 2020 Denali 1500 4x4 (see attached GM spec decals)


AS: 2019 Int Serenity 28 RBQ
Dry Weight 5,979 lbs.
Payload Capacity 1,621 lbs.
GVWR 7,600 lbs.
Hitch Weight 897 lbs.

Hitch:Equalizer
1,000/10,000 LB.
SKU: 90-00-1000
The 90-00-1000 Equal-i-zer hitch offers a 1,000 lb. maximum tongue weight and a 10,000 lb. maximum trailer weight. The shank allows a 3" drop and a 7" rise, measures 12" long, and fits 2" trailer hitch receivers.

I am no expert but the payload is of concern. You have 495 lbs of payload left (1382-897 tongue weight) with no occupants or personalty in the truck and no extra tongue weight from personality or liquids in the tanks of the AS.

If its not too late I would reconsider the truck and look at a 3/4 ton.

But there are some real pros on this forum and they may weigh in differently.

[gamakai]

Originally Posted by jimfa440

The only thing I would change wold be the hitch. I used an Equal-i-zer for several years and changed to a ProPride 3P. That is my best ever experience in towing for 40+ years.

I used an Equal-i-zer hitch and transitioned to a Hensley. It makes all the difference in the world with a lighter TV.

[Wazbro]

The 900 lb max tongue weight listed in your conventional trailer specs is as concerning as your payload rating. You would have to make sure your tongue weight stays at or below published number 897 lbs.

[Dennis C]

My experience with GMC trucks is that they publish two maximum tongue weights, one limit for a weight carrying hitch and a higher limit for a weight distributing hitch. For example, my GMC 1500 has a weight carrying hitch maximum of 700 lbs., and a weight distributing hitch maximum of 1,250 lbs.

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by Dennis C

My experience with GMC trucks is that they publish two maximum tongue weights, one limit for a weight carrying hitch and a higher limit for a weight distributing hitch. For example, my GMC 1500 has a weight carrying hitch maximum of 700 lbs., and a weight distributing hitch maximum of 1,250 lbs.

Mine is that way too. 1,200 lbs with weight distribution.

[Msowers22]

Thank you everyone!

[LNBright]

I have a Sierra AT4, 1500, love the truck really... but I'm towing a 20FC. Your Duramax 3.0 numbers actually come in below my 5.3 numbers, strangely enough, is part of why I chose the 5.3. I'm okay w/ my 20FC, but, if I was towing anything bigger, I'd go to a 2500 in a heartbeat, just to know that I had enough payload capacity in addition to the towing.

Good luck!

[Bill M.]

Look at the owners manual and see if the max tongue weight listed is for when using a WD hitch or for not using it. Your sticker says "conventional" trailer. Maybe it is higher for a WD hitch.

[Msowers22]

The owners manual does ( in around about way) say up tp 1250 pounds.

I rented a 2017 22FB (specs below) for 5 weeks and 4.500 miles using the Denali. I did not have nor need weight distribution and could go any speed. I averaged 17.9 MPG per the trailering app.

I realized everything just doubled with the 28 so a proper set-up and smart loading will be key along with going (hopefully) no more than 65. The GM trailer app is awesome and I really dialed in the trailer brakes. That will be key with the 28. I just ordered the GM rear camera (interesting discussions on the set-up)

WeightDry Weight 3,634 lbs.Payload Capacity 866 lbs.GVWR 4,500 lbs.Hitch Weight 393 lbs.