Hi all. I have a 2011 Silverdo Hybrid with 81,000 miles. I am looking a very small light pop up camper (Four Wheel Campers Hawk model). The camper is 900 lbs "dry weight" and with options and "wet" I a figuring 1,250 lbs. Last time I weighed the truck it was 6,200 pounds with gear (much of which will go in the camper) and driver. Given the 7,300 GVWR and the 1,250 pound camper that puts me slightly over of the GVWR. I have upped the rear springs with Hellwig 2,500 overload springs and I am looking at timbrens for the front. Looking under the back end of the truck I am worried about the lack of a meaty rear axle.

My question is if I am pushing it to go over the GVWR - even slightly. I have towed some good sized loads with the truck and think it can handle it power wize, but a over the axle load is a lot different than a trailer.

Thanks for any feedback.

 

Your GVWR should be the truck and payload. Gross Combined weight on a 2 Mode is in the 12,000 lb range. I have towed my 22' Sea Ray loaded with no problems what so ever. 12,601 on a Cat Scale so 601 lbs over. See Avatar Photo. That axle and truck is rated to tow about 6000 lbs.

So keep it 12,000 ( total ) or less and watch the individual axle weights. Should be on a door jamb sticker. Don't load the trailer tail heavy or sway will be a big issue. About 10% to 15% of the total trailer on the tongue of the hitch.

So go back and check GVWR versus GCWR and Gross Axle Weight Rating GAWR.