Ask TFLtruck: Chevy Silverado 1500 or Toyota Tundra for Towing a 28-foot Camper?

2016 chevy silverado gmc sierra v8 drag race
2016 Chevy Silverado 5.3L V8 vs. 2016 GMC Sierra 6.2L V8

We are always interested in the pickup truck questions and choices that you guys are faced with. Everybody’s situation is different and requires careful consideration.

This questions comes to us from John E.

I’m from Fresno California. I’m a big fan and I enjoy watching TFLtruck. However, I am having a hard time finding the right 1/2-ton pickup truck for hauling my 28ft camping trailer. I have narrowed it down to two  brands and the newer body styles: 2014 and up Chevy Silverado and the 2014 and up Toyota Tundra. I currently own a 2011 GMC 2500 HD Crew Cab and it has a 4.10 axle ratio. I am not happy with its horsepower and torque.

My camping travel trailer weighs  just a little over 6,000 pounds dry. It’s a 28 footer with a super slide. When loaded, it’s close to 8,000 pounds give or take.

Between the Chevy Silverado 5.3L V8 4×4 or 6.2L V8 4×4 or the Toyota Tundra 5.7L 4×4 – what would you guys recommend and why and what axle ratio should I get? This would be my commuter vehicle as well. I just need that extra power, so that I’m not struggling when I’m hauling my camping trailer on the highway or up the steep mountains.

I would like to see more towing videos with the Toyota Tundra. Keep up the good work.

We always appreciate your feedback to help John with his questions.

We did a detailed comparison between the 5.3L V8 and 6.2L V8 Chevy Silverado trucks with towing packages. It’s difficult to beat the latest Chevy Silverado with the 6.2L V8, the 8-speed automatic transmission, and towing package.