How do I determine rear axle ratio for my 2015 Tahoe LT?

[Paul Cronin]

We recently purchased a used 2015 Tahoe LT with the intention of purchasing a small (19-22ft) travel trailer. The dealer told me that the vehicle was equipped with the towing package but I need to confirm the axle ratio so I can determine how heavy a trailer I can safely tow. The VIN number for the vehicle is 1GNSCBKC1FR601867. I don't have the original window sticker from Chevy when the vehicle was new.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Paul

 

[Hobert]

If you look at the bottom of your glove compartment there should be a sticker with RPO codes. That will list all the specs. of your truck. you can find a description here https://www.newgmparts.com/decoding-general-motors-rpo-codes with a link to the RPO codes. There is also a wat to get the original build sheet with RPO codes from Chevrolet. setup a my.chevrolet.com account then you can send a request in like I did below. Received the build sheet a day later.

From: RK
Sent: Sunday, January 06, 2019 3:01 PM
To: '[email protected]'
Subject: Build Sheet Request


I recently purchased a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. I have setup a my.chevrolet.com account linked to this email address. Can I get a pdf copy of my build sheet sent to me at this address? VIN 1GNSKHKC7KR261382


Thanks

Bob

 

[OR VietVet]

Welcome to the forum from Oregon and what Robert said will take all the guess work out of it. That RPO sheet will tell you all your options and spec that you don't already see or know about.

 

[Fless]

Welcome to TYF, Paul, from the Mile High City.

Open your glovebox and on the lid should be a sticker that looks something like this. Either post up a copy of yours or list the codes on it it that start with "Gxx".

 

[Solace]

We recently purchased a used 2015 Tahoe LT with the intention of purchasing a small (19-22ft) travel trailer. The dealer told me that the vehicle was equipped with the towing package but I need to confirm the axle ratio so I can determine how heavy a trailer I can safely tow. The VIN number for the vehicle is 1GNSCBKC1FR601867. I don't have the original window sticker from Chevy when the vehicle was new.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Paul

I ran your VIN through GM's build history, you have GU4 - REAR AXLE 3.08 RATIO.

 

[swathdiver]

I ran your VIN through GM's build history, you have GU4 - REAR AXLE 3.08 RATIO.

I come up with a Trailer Weight Rating of 6,600 pounds and a GCWR of 12,000 pounds.

 

[OR VietVet]

With that 3.08 ratio you will not have much ooomph off the line but once you get up to speed you will be cruising. Bit easier on the fuel mileage as well.

 

[Paul Cronin]

If you look at the bottom of your glove compartment there should be a sticker with RPO codes. That will list all the specs. of your truck. you can find a description here https://www.newgmparts.com/decoding-general-motors-rpo-codes with a link to the RPO codes. There is also a wat to get the original build sheet with RPO codes from Chevrolet. setup a my.chevrolet.com account then you can send a request in like I did below. Received the build sheet a day later.

From: RK
Sent: Sunday, January 06, 2019 3:01 PM
To: '[email protected]'
Subject: Build Sheet Request


I recently purchased a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. I have setup a my.chevrolet.com account linked to this email address. Can I get a pdf copy of my build sheet sent to me at this address? VIN 1GNSKHKC7KR261382


Thanks

Bob

Thanks so much Bob. I will definitely do this. I appreciate the feedback.

Paul

 

[Paul Cronin]

Welcome to TYF, Paul, from the Mile High City.

Open your glovebox and on the lid should be a sticker that looks something like this. Either post up a copy of yours or list the codes on it it that start with "Gxx".

View attachment 240298

I checked the codes and they are GBA GU4 G80.

Paul

 

[OR VietVet]

GU4 is the 3.08 gear and G80 is the posi-trac rear differential. I cannot find and GBA code. Are you sure that is the correct code?

 

[Fless]

^^^ THIS. G80 is also called Limited Slip in the RPO description. Very common rear diff in these rigs.

 

[Solace]

GU4 is the 3.08 gear and G80 is the posi-trac rear differential. I cannot find and GBA code. Are you sure that is the correct code?

GBA is the color code for black paint

 

[Paul Cronin]

GU4 is the 3.08 gear and G80 is the posi-trac rear differential. I cannot find and GBA code. Are you sure that is the correct code?

I received a copy of the vehicle build from Chevy this morning and the GBA code is for the color (black).

 

[Paul Cronin]

I come up with a Trailer Weight Rating of 6,600 pounds and a GCWR of 12,000 pounds.

So if I understand this correctly (sorry, I'm new to this towing stuff)..... the GCWR is the total weight of the Tahoe and the trailer combined that should not be exceeded?

 

[OR VietVet]

The GCWR is the vehicle, preferably with a full tank of fuel, the trailer with the load carried in it and any gear you load in the tow rig and the weight of people in it. That combined total weight is the GCWR. If you stop for a bag of Quarter Pounders, add that in too.

 

[Paul Cronin]

The GCWR is the vehicle, preferably with a full tank of fuel, the trailer with the load carried in it and any gear you load in the tow rig and the weight of people in it. That combined total weight is the GCWR. If you stop for a bag of Quarter Pounders, add that in too.

Thanks, Ill keep that in mind.

 

[OR VietVet]

Something else you need to keep in mind is that besides the engine working hard to pull all the weight, the trans works very hard too. When was last time the fluid and filter were changed? Is the trans cooler free and clear of clogging debris? Are the tires up to ***** with plenty of tread and correct air pressure? Engine cooling system clean and full with no coolant leaks? Engine oil in great shape? In other words did you get maintenance/repair records with this vehicle?

 

[swathdiver]

So if I understand this correctly (sorry, I'm new to this towing stuff)..... the GCWR is the total weight of the Tahoe and the trailer combined that should not be exceeded?

Yessir, exactly right. GCW is the actual combined weight of both vehicles as presently loaded. The "R" at the end of a weight rating signifies maximum limits.