MiamiVice

I have a 2003 Chevy 1500 HD Crew cab 4x4 with 6.0 V-8, auto. Do you guys think that it would pull a Scarab 38 KV on an aluminum tri axle. I would really hate to get another truck.

sterndrivespec

we sometimes tow our 37 profile with the same truck.if the bgoat is balanced on the trailer and the trailer brakes work properly it should be no problem

FWK

I would not want to do that.

Hi-Tech Marine

The 1500 hd with auto transmission and 6.0 should give you a tow rating of 8800lbs with the 3.73 ratio and 10,300 with the 4.10 axle ratio.

Check you vehicle for specifics on axle ratio and towing capacity.

Gross load on the Scarab will somewhat depend on the year. Guess would be you are around 13,000 lbs gross load with the trailer.

Use caution due to liability reason if anything. An accident causing the opposing side to have a savy attorney could cause you at fault even if the accent was caused by the opposing side. Insurance may leave you hanging with the tab.

My $.02 worth

Byron

It will work, but it won't work well. 1500 trucks lack suspension, brakes, and powertrain. 2500 and 3500 trucks are so much better at everything.

Fightclub

Boy it's a bit much... I would make sure the trailer brakes are in working order and make sure to balance the boat.


Make sure to use tie downs. All sides of the boat.



How far are you trailering ? Short runs would be alright but I would'nt do a distance haul.

I lost the trailer breaks on mine and it taxed the truck big time to stop... I am only pulling a 29'.

My .02 worth.

johnnyboatman

iTrader: (5)

the 1500hd has the same braking as the 00 and older lite 3/4ton. semi float axles , i pull a 92 35 fountain with a 6liter 99 2500( not hd ) it takes a little but once it get going it runs down the hiway fine, brakes great. im looking in to the 1500hd crew cab now myself or a gmc 2500hd, i just dont like the grille in the chevy hd. ive got 3.73 gears the next one will have 4.10s

Hi-Tech Marine

Johnny, The GMC 2500HD has a 12,000lb capacity on the hitch with the 3.73 and 8.1L / Allison Combo. reported at 19mpg. It is capable of 14,100 on 5th wheel. The 4.10 ratio is also rated for 12,000lbs on the hitch although the 5th wheel rating goes up to 16,100.
A 4.10 on a tag-along trailer would really provide you only increased gas consumption. Brakes are designed to handle 16K lb load. - comforting

You are correct about the 1500hd ...it is reported to be the base 2500 by GM truck centers.

Grog

Miamivice -

I have the '00 GMC 2500 like johnnyboatman has, but with the 4.10 rear. JBM is correct. The 1500HD is the same as the '99-'00 2500. I tow a 7500# 271 Fastech. For short trips, it is fine. Braking is more than adequate (assuming good trailer brakes, of course) but my trips from Phoenix to Lake Powell (280 mi. with lots of uphill grades) are somewhat of a struggle for the 6.0. The tranny and engine temperatures in June stay cool but a few of the grades slow me down to 45 mph.

I think though for a 38' Scarab, I would start shopping for something with a diesel or an 8.1 liter gas engine unless all of your towing is on the flats. In any case...good luck!!

buck183

Keep in mind that the hitch is only rated at 12k lbs WD. That means that you will need a weight distribution set up to achieve that capacity. Weight carrying capacity without that distribution set up will be MUCH less than 12k lbs.

Buck