Hello, I am currently looking to purchase my third Avalanche.

The towing capacity of my first two Z71's wasn't very important because about the heaviest things I ever towed were two jet skis and they were well within any limits.

Now I am looking to tow a car trailer or toy hauler and I want to make sure that my Avalanche can pull every bit of 7100 pounds. I am having a heck of a time figuring out how to tell what the towing capacity of prospective purchases is.The ads seem to pick a rating out of thin air! Some Z71s say 7100 in the ad and others say 5000. Same with LTZ except worse. I read that the Black Diamond Editions for 2013 - the last model year - were rated at 7100 but many of the ads say 5000 ... you get the point.

Can someone please help me out?

And while I have you here. What are suggested after-market improvements to make to increase towing capacity or decrease strain on my Avalanche?

Thanks, R4Racin