Towing with 2012 Tahoe LTZ (5.3L)

[tmt502]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forums and new to Tahoes. I recently purchased a 2012 Tahoe LTZ with the 5.3L and am wanting to learn more about towing limitations. Dumb question, but how can I tell if my truck has the towing package? We're wanting to purchase a boat soon, but we're still looking. Based on what I've been reading around the internet, the 5.3 Tahoe without the towing package is rated for a 6,400 lb towing capacity, and I think I should be considering a weight distributing hitch (WDH) for axle distribution, tongue weight, and anti-sway reasons.

Is this correct, or am I on the wrong track? What type of WDH do folks on here recommend?

 

[avalonandl]

Check your sticker in the glove compartment door. I think its Z82.

 

[tmt502]

Check your sticker in the glove compartment door. I think its Z82.

I see a z55 and a z82.

 

[intheburbs]

I believe the codes you're looking for are

K5L - heavy duty cooling package

And you also need to know your axle ratio -
GU4 3.08
GU6 3.42


Then confirm trailer weight ratings in your owners manual

 

[avalonandl]

Axle ratio is important.

 

[GreyStone]

I see a z55 and a z82.

oem weight distributing platform is VR4

 

[avalonandl]

Tahoe/Yukon 2WD 5.3L V-8 5,500 (b) Tahoe/Yukon 2WD 5.3L V-8 6,000 (g) Tahoe/Yukon 2WD 5.3L V-8 8,500 (g,p,) Tahoe/Yukon Two-Mode Hybrid, 2WD 6.0L V-8 6,200 Tahoe/Yukon 4WD 5.3L V-8 5,200 (b) Tahoe/Yukon 4WD 5.3L V-8 5,700 (g) Tahoe/Yukon 4WD 5.3L V-8 8,200 (g,p)

The 3.42 moves it to 8200 lbs. Its 5700 lbs w/ 3.08

 

[tmt502]

Here's my glove box tag.

 

[tmt502]

I believe the codes you're looking for are

K5L - heavy duty cooling package

And you also need to know your axle ratio -
GU4 3.08
GU6 3.42


Then confirm trailer weight ratings in your owners manual

I wish I had the owner's manual, but it didn't come with the truck.

 

[intheburbs]

I wish I had the owner's manual, but it didn't come with the truck.

You have GU4, the 3.08, the "soccer mom" ratio. 5000 max towing. :-(

Just Google 2012 Tahoe Owners Manual, and the first result is a pdf download of the manual from GM's website.

Or just click this

 

[Hobert]

You can download your complete 2002 owners manual here.

https://my.gmc.com/content/dam/gmow...evrolet/tahoe/2012_chevrolet_tahoe_owners.pdf


You can also request the build sheet for the vehicle and get all the detail on your vehicle (RPO and Option codes) process below.

There is also a way 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 1GNSKHKC7KRXXXXXX <- (insert your VIN here)

 

[tmt502]

You have GU4, the 3.08, the "soccer mom" ratio. 5000 max towing. :-(

Just Google 2012 Tahoe Owners Manual, and the first result is a pdf download of the manual from GM's website.

Or just click this

- soccer mom

 

[tmt502]

You can download your complete 2002 owners manual here.

https://my.gmc.com/content/dam/gmow...evrolet/tahoe/2012_chevrolet_tahoe_owners.pdf


You can also request the build sheet for the vehicle and get all the detail on your vehicle (RPO and Option codes) process below.

There is also a way 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 1GNSKHKC7KRXXXXXX <- (insert your VIN here)

Thank you for the tip! I'll definitely follow up on that.

 

[swathdiver]

Here's my glove box tag.

View attachment 250327

Interesting that you have the 2-speed transfer case with 3.08 gears. Your truck has built in Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist. Download the manual, buy one off Ebay and read it cover to cover.

You can spend some money and add those missing features to increase its capacities. Got pics of both trucks?

 

[tmt502]

Interesting that you have the 2-speed transfer case with 3.08 gears. Your truck has built in Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist. Download the manual, buy one off Ebay and read it cover to cover.

You can spend some money and add those missing features to increase its capacities. Got pics of both trucks?

Here’s the Tahoe:

Here’s the STi:

Both are currently very dirty....

 

[swathdiver]

Here’s the Tahoe:

View attachment 250362

Here’s the STi:

View attachment 250363

Both are currently very dirty....

I've been on the computer too long today, I thought your signature said 2016 Suburban! LOL

Is that the car also by Toyota and someone else? My cousin has one and she doesn't let her boys or her husband drive it!

 

[tmt502]

I've been on the computer too long today, I thought your signature said 2016 Suburban! LOL

Is that the car also by Toyota and someone else? My cousin has one and she doesn't let her boys or her husband drive it!

That would be the BRZ. Also badged by Toyota as the 86. I always saw it as Toyota collaborating with Subaru for a way to test consumer interest for revival of the Supra. The BRZ is a cool car, and in as much as I can understand, was meant to directly compete with the Miata for entry level hobby racers.