Towing capacity

[steveoe]

So I’ve posted before and I have done some upgrades on the hoe. We just bought a new camper and the dry weight is around 5500 pounds I just keep seeing that they are rated for 6200 pounds. I don’t believe that. I keep on seeing 7100 max and some are 8200 max. Just wondering if anyone has the real number's. It’s really all over the place. And I was also thinking what makes the suburban capacity higher than the Tahoe? They are the same vehicle just has 2 more feet of frame. Thanks

 

[gooffeyguy]

2wd vs 4wd makes a difference. The weight of the extra drive gear lowers the towing capacity.

Final drive ratio will change towing capacity also

 

[dkad260]

Like @gooffeyguy stated, axle ratio plays a part.

What year is your Tahoe? Makes a difference if it's a 4l65E or 6L80E

What engine?


I believe the 7100 lbs you are seeing might be the GVWR of the Tahoe..meaning the max weight of the Tahoe with whatever is inside or connected.

Where your limits come into play is your GAWR or Gross Axle Weight Rating. I believe the rear GAWR is 4200 lbs, check the door sticker.

Take your Tahoe to the scales and get it weighed with a full tank and you in the driver's seat. Then get another weight with your family inside. Get on the scales so each axle is on a seperate scale.

Now you know how much you have left to add to the Tahoe. Figure about 10-15% of the trailer weight to give your tongue weight. This is where a weight distributing hitch helps as it will put about 200-300 lbs back on the front axle...maybe more.

If you are worried about getting pulled over, the cop is more than likely to ensure you aren't over axle weight, then make sure the tires and receiver are the proper weight rating. He's not likely going to care what the Trailering Guide says about your tow rating.

Your tow rating in the eyes of the law, is your axle rating, tire load rating and maybe if you have any GCWR on your registration.

Sorry to get long winded if you already know this.

 

[Fless]

See the sticker in your driver's door pillar. That's for the way yours is set up from the factory.

 

[steveoe]

It’s got the 5.3 with the 4l60e and z55 rear suspension and is a 4wd. I also added a trans cooler to it too. I just see a lot of numbers out there and it’s all over the place. When I pulled my new camper it did very well I thought it was going to have a hard time. The trans cooler worked very well. I noticed a 50 degree difference. Thanks for all the feedback

 

[swathdiver]

It’s got the 5.3 with the 4l60e and z55 rear suspension and is a 4wd. I also added a trans cooler to it too. I just see a lot of numbers out there and it’s all over the place. When I pulled my new camper it did very well I thought it was going to have a hard time. The trans cooler worked very well. I noticed a 50 degree difference. Thanks for all the feedback

It's not all over the place, you just don't know how to look it up yet. Let's go through it, ok? Open your glovebox door and look for the "G" codes.

If you see GT4, your truck is equipped with 3.73 gears and is rated to tow 7,200 pounds with a GCWR of 13,000 pounds.

If you see GT5, your truck is equipped with 4.10 gears and is rated to tow 8,200 pounds with a GCWR of 14,000 pounds.

Your truck can handle that trailer, even loaded up but she won't be winning derbies or a speed demon over mountains. If the trailer is 30 feet or longer, the short wheelbase of the tow vehicle may make the tow uncomfortable at times depending on the weight distribution hitch used.

The Tahoe, when equipped the same, is rated to tow more than the Suburban, usually a 200 pound advantage.

 

[steveoe]

It's not all over the place, you just don't know how to look it up yet. Let's go through it, ok? Open your glovebox door and look for the "G" codes.

If you see GT4, your truck is equipped with 3.73 gears and is rated to tow 7,200 pounds with a GCWR of 13,000 pounds.

If you see GT5, your truck is equipped with 4.10 gears and is rated to tow 8,200 pounds with a GCWR of 14,000 pounds.

Your truck can handle that trailer, even loaded up but she won't be winning derbies or a speed demon over mountains. If the trailer is 30 feet or longer, the short wheelbase of the tow vehicle may make the tow uncomfortable at times depending on the weight distribution hitch used.

The Tahoe, when equipped the same, is rated to tow more than the Suburban, usually a 200 pound advantage.

Thanks for the help it does have 373s I did look up the codes but didn’t get to deep into it. Thanks

 

[dkad260]

From a physical standpoint, your Tahoe's frame is the same as one with another ratio but when GM does their initial testing of pulling a load up a hill with different gears etc, they are monitoring engine and trans temps as well as engine braking.

Also, you have a 4L60E trans, which translates to 4-speed, Longitudinal, 6000 lbs rated....that 6000 lbs is somewhat of "6000 ish" but other factors come into play.

With 3.73 gears and the 5.3, your trailer should pull ok but as previously stated, won't win any races.

The added trans cooler is a good choice for sure.

Just keep in mind that 5500 lb trailer can get heavy quick when you add gear and propane. Personally I would use a WD hitch if you are towing a good distance...makes a HUGE difference when towing near the limit.

 

[Foggy]

Use a good weight distribution hitch and you'll be golden !!!!