#rvtowing

If you’ve ever settled into a long stretch of highway with your travel trailer, fifth-wheel, or toy hauler behind you, you’ve probably wondered at some point: Is it OK to tow with cruise control on? It’s a simple question, yet it carries a surprising amount of weight for RVers, weekend haulers, and full-time travelers alike. Cruise control feels convenient. It promises ease, consistency,…

Written by Ryan:

So before we talk about my 2nd truck, it’s somewhat important you know about the 1st, as it influenced my early build decisions.

My first truck, purchased June 2012, was a 2005 GMC Canyon SLE extended cab. It had 64,xxx miles at purchase, and 12x,xxx miles at trade; so roughly 60k miles of adventure. I installed a suspension and body lift, new shocks, and BFG KO tires. I also installed a Kenwood audio system, added some interior lighting, and an upgraded self dimming rear view mirror. I did a Raptor spray on bed liner, added a toolbox, and custom cut and fit a tonneau cover.

As muchas I miss it, my little ¼ ton was never going to be enough truck for our homestead and growing family. I needed what I thought was a “real truck” for hauling the firewood we use to heat our home. Little did I know, a ½ ton had little more payload than my Canyon.

In January 2016 I found a 14 Sierra crew cab with the 6.2 V8 and 6 ½ foot bed. It’s a SLT trim with z71 package, g80 rear end, 6 speed transmission, and 3.42 gears. In hindsight, I should have held out for a NHT Max towing package, but any truck with the 6.2 is rare, and the price was right. When I first saw the truck in person, I quickly realized it had leveling spacers in the coil suspension up front. This was good, because it was one less thing I’d have to tear apart. Rachel and I decided to purchase the truck.

A few days after purchase, after failing to get up our steep driveway in the snow, I decided it was time for some BFG KO2’s. These are still on the truck to this day, and after 50k miles, I am very happy with that choice. I also got a Delta gull wing toolbox and an Extang tonneau cover that fit with the toolbox. I have since sold this setup.

When we found out we were pregnant with Sarah, I realized there would no longer be room for the dogs to ride in the cab. I decided on a Ranch fiberglass cap and crates in the bed. I knew the cap would weigh quite a bit, plus I didn’t like having the truck level. An Add a Leaf looked like the best way to lift and stiffen up the rear, and since I had done it to the Canyon, I knew I liked the simplicity of it, the ride, and the lift it provided. It returned the rake to the truck, even with the weight of the fiberglass cap, which set us up well for towing.

While the truck was not the only factor that limited the size of our rig, it was an important part of that choice. I really enjoy driving which was a big factor in our decision to travel by RV. I wanted our trailer to fit the truck well so it wouldn’t ruin the driving experience. So far, our towing experiences have been very good; we have plenty of power and our E2 hitch distributes the weight well on the truck with no sway to speak of.