|
RELATED LINKS
GMC
GMC Reference Guide
Tekonsha Prodigy
Equal-i-zer Hitch
Dodge
THE DETAILS
Tow Capacity: 7400 lbs
Payload: 1716 lbs
Dry Weight: 5284 lbs
Fuel: 159 lbs
Passengers: 250 lbs
Hitch: 92 lbs
GVWR: 7000 lbs
GCVWR: 13000 lbs
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
2006 - 2009
|
| 3/20/06 - We leased a 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab 4x4. Took me a while to find one with the 3.73 rear axle ratio, but I had to have it. I didn't want to sacrifice any towing power. Especially after being use to the Ram with the 3.92's.
First Impressions: The Sierra rides much nicer than the Ram, Seats are a bit more comfortable, and the backseat has a few more inches of leg room. I only put 10 miles on so far, so I will give a better report after spending some time behind the wheel.
6/22/07 - Well after 15 months in the Sierra we are
very happy with it. The gas mileage is better than the Rams' in the city, on the
highway, and when towing. The trailer handles well behind the Sierra and the
Prodigy brake controller install was a breeze. It plugs right in under the dash
if you get the optional factory harness from Tekonsha. To keep things dry I
added a used tonneau cover and just roll it up when taking the bikes.
Our bikes fit perfectly in the bed along with
the rest of our outdoor gear.
Well that's all for now. I'll update the page if
anything pops up.
|
|
2002 - 2005
|
| In October of 2002 we
replaced the Dakota with a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Quad Cab Sport 4x4. It
came equipped with the same dependable 4.7 liter V8 that the Dakota had in it. With the
3:92 rear axle ratio and 20" chrome wheels the tow rating was 6,150lbs.
Loaded and ready to go, the truck weighed in at 5,727lbs and had a GCWR of
12,500. That left us with an actual towing capacity of 6,773lbs. Plenty of
power to pull our Kiwi.
The only thing we did to the truck was add the OEM
towing mirrors. They provided a
better view of the things around you. See here
to learn how to install them. |
 |
|
2000 - 2002
|
|
In June of 2000 we picked up a Dodge
Dakota Quad Cab. It had four full size doors that opened wide and there was
plenty of room for the kids and Sonic, our cocker spaniel. The 4.7 liter V8
put out 240 horsepower and had plenty of torque for towing. The bed was
only 5 feet 3 inches long, but that was perfect for hauling bikes, firewood and
camping gear.
Unfortunately the truck was totaled in an
accident on October 2nd, 2002. I was sorry to see it go. It was an excellent combination for family and utility. |
|
|
1998 - 2000 |
|
In 1998 we leased our first tow vehicle. A
Grand Cherokee Laredo to pull our newly purchased Rockwood pop up. It did fairly
well towing our pop up with the 4.0L 6 cylinder engine. It sagged a bit in the
rear, but a weight distribution hitch could of helped that. The only complaint I
had with having a midsize SUV was no space to haul anything. Put the two kids
and the dog in the backseat and it was full. We put all our bags and food in the
pop up and usually loaded the back of the jeep with drinking water and firewood.
I really got tired of getting the inside of the truck dirty and having no space
for hauling the bikes. That led to a Yakima bike rack on the roof of the
Rockwood.
|
|
|
