Hey all,

I am new here.

I have a cargo van express 3500 5.7L 2001 van. I put a 10,000 rated tow hitch on it (a few bucks extra and super duty..)

I cannot figure out how much I can tow.

I found this website that is fairly detailed and says that it depends on my axle ratio? and it varies between 6300 to 7900 which is a big difference. When I plug my vin in this site it shows both axle ratios though so I am still confused

Any help?

 

You are going to have to look up the RPO codes that are listed in the glove box. That will tell what your ratio is, and what brake system you have, and if there is a factory tow package. Google it and look up all of the codes, you'll know a whole lot more about your truck when you are done.

 

Here's something else to consider. If the combined GVWR of the tow vehicle and trailer is 26001 lbs or greater, you would be required to have a DOT number.That is the national standard, however, some states may have a lower rating. I have been a commercial driver for 13 years in Colorado, but only recently found out that the state lowered that number to 16001. You should take the time to research that because if You are in the wrong and go thru the porta scales, they will park You and write You a ticket. They love to write tickets.

 

good info to know. What is required to get a DOT #? I bet a lot of folks with 3500 diesels towing close to or over a combined 16000

 

Just go here https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq/applyi...ting-authority

They also are very helpful [ both federal and state] with phone advice for anyone who has questions. Some states do have certain exemptions for agriculture purposes.

 

It pretty much comes down to your engine size and rear axle drive ratio.
My drive ratio was on a sticker on the axle casing itself, and it was different (lower ratio) than what the VIN said it was.

Start with the VIN - the RPO codes at the glove box.
For the RPO code that tells you your gear ration, check : What gear ratio do I have in my GM or Chevrolet
Another RPO code checker : rpocodes.com
There is a VIN decoder here: chevroletforum.com/forum - vindecoder

But check and see if there is a sticker on the axle casing to verify.

For towing capacity I checked a lot of the calculators and decided on the online version of RVTowcheck, but now they're only offering the app version.
It's only 2 bucks, but it's the most informed and comprehensive tow capacity site & calculator I found, so probably worth getting the app.
Read their faq and info too.

Good luck !

Kent

 

Hmm, I wrote a detailed reply with a bunch of helpful links, but it hasn't posted in now over 24hrs.
Let's see if this posts and I'll try again.

Ok, yeh it posts so I'll rewrite it . . . .

 

Towing capacity is essentially based on engine size and rear axle ratio.

You can figure out the rear axle ratio from the VIN RPO codes, but on mine there was a sticker on the axle casing itself which showed a different (lower) ratio than was stipulated by the VIN.

The VIN and RPO codes are usually on a sticker in the glovebox.
Sometimes elsewhere :

• inside of the glovebox door
• on the driver's side door jamb
• inside the trunk lid
• in the back seat bottom cushion springs
• sealed and attached to the top side of the fuel tank
• under the hood
• underside of the dash pad
• under the front seat carpet area

There is a VIN Decoder here : Chevrolet VIN Decoder - chevroletforum
An RPO codes decoder here : rpocodes.com

Probably most helpful : What gear ratio do I have in my GM or Chevrolet - drivetrain.com , based on the RPO code.

But check for a sticker on the axle casing itself for verification. Again, mine was different than the VIN.

* * * Edit for the rest - I didn't use RVTowcheck in the end but the manufacturer's tow ratings - see my later post.

Then for towing capacity, I checked out all the online calculators and the best one I found was RVTowcheck.
I see now they're only offering the app, and no online version, but it's only 2 bucks so might be worth it.
Also read all their faq stuff as it's pretty helpful.

Good luck, I hope this helps.

 

...and engine size, transmission, 2wd/4wd. chassis build

 

Yes, I mentioned engine size.

But if you read what's behind the best capacity calculators, they generally discount 2wd/4wd and chassis build, giving much more weight to engine size and rear axle ratio. They do figure in mostly for the towing vehicle's weight.
I don't remember if Transmissions were factored into the capacity calculators (RVTowcheck being the one I thought was the best thought out and mathematically supported ) - but seems like it would be a factor as it's part of the whole engine-to-axle drive ratio. As I remember it wasn't factored in as you can always drop down a gear, whereas for an axle, you can't. But I just don't recall. Obviously if you couldn't get into a low enough gear, your towing capacity would be reduced.

2wd/4wd and chassis build do factor in, but not as much as you might think. In fact, 4wd adds weight to the towing vehicle, so generally the equations lower the towing capacity because of that.
I'm personally not going to argue it either way as I'm not an expert on it, just passing on what I've (carefully) read, and how I figured out what tow vehicle I'd need.