Questions About Towing and Towing Capacity
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Questions About Towing and Towing Capacity
Help!
We own a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche, with a 5.3L V8 with a 3.42 gear ratio. This is a select 4x4 or 4x2. This has, according to my local Chevrolet dealer, a 7,200 lb. towing capacity and has a complete factory installed towing package for this year vehicle. The Tire and Loading Information decal on the drivers side door frame indicates that "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed 536 kg or 1182 lbs."
We are currently looking to purchase a travel trailer with a total weight capacity of about 6,500 lbs. and with "Dry Hitch Weights" varying between 450 and 600 lbs. Here is our dilemma;
Travel trailer forum comments indicate that our truck cannot tow this weight of a trailer. The comments say that the total combined weight for the vehicle, include not only the passengers and the cargo, but the "hitch weight". WOW! I weigh 240 lbs. and the wife weighs 150 lbs. Add the two small dogs at 30 lbs. Add 30 gallons of gas (180 lbs.) and basic stuff, and with the hitch weight, we are real close, if not over, the 1182 lbs. capacity of our Avalanche.
So, who is right, our Chevrolet dealer at 7,200 lbs., the travel trailer forum comments, or neither?
How much of a travel trailer can I SAFELY and REASOMNABLY tow with our Avalanche?
We own a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche, with a 5.3L V8 with a 3.42 gear ratio. This is a select 4x4 or 4x2. This has, according to my local Chevrolet dealer, a 7,200 lb. towing capacity and has a complete factory installed towing package for this year vehicle. The Tire and Loading Information decal on the drivers side door frame indicates that "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed 536 kg or 1182 lbs."
We are currently looking to purchase a travel trailer with a total weight capacity of about 6,500 lbs. and with "Dry Hitch Weights" varying between 450 and 600 lbs. Here is our dilemma;
Travel trailer forum comments indicate that our truck cannot tow this weight of a trailer. The comments say that the total combined weight for the vehicle, include not only the passengers and the cargo, but the "hitch weight". WOW! I weigh 240 lbs. and the wife weighs 150 lbs. Add the two small dogs at 30 lbs. Add 30 gallons of gas (180 lbs.) and basic stuff, and with the hitch weight, we are real close, if not over, the 1182 lbs. capacity of our Avalanche.
So, who is right, our Chevrolet dealer at 7,200 lbs., the travel trailer forum comments, or neither?
How much of a travel trailer can I SAFELY and REASOMNABLY tow with our Avalanche?
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you have to consider both specs (and a few others)
max trailer weight and max cargo weight...both have to be under their respective limit
check the glove box sticker next to the rpo sticker ; will list the max cargo weight and max trailer weight.
my old 2000 1500 4.8 std trans only had a cargo weight of 750 and max trailer weight of 4500lbs If i pulled the max trailer weight .... 750-450lbs tongue weight= 300lbs for everything else.
Are you overweight, yes....can the truck tow it....legally no...will it tow it...yes...but it will work the ***** off it.
I pulled an 6000lb enclosed trailer with a wd hitch across the country with a 1500 hemi...the powertrain handled it no problem...the suspension ....the hitch needed some adjustment to help with sway.....lets just say when i hauled the same load with a 2500..it handled the same load and I didn't even feel the trailer. Always better to have more truck them less when towing.
I've had 1500 and 2500. everyday driving i like the 1500, better mpg, smoother ride.... but when towing, its no contest 2500.
max trailer weight and max cargo weight...both have to be under their respective limit
check the glove box sticker next to the rpo sticker ; will list the max cargo weight and max trailer weight.
my old 2000 1500 4.8 std trans only had a cargo weight of 750 and max trailer weight of 4500lbs If i pulled the max trailer weight .... 750-450lbs tongue weight= 300lbs for everything else.
Are you overweight, yes....can the truck tow it....legally no...will it tow it...yes...but it will work the ***** off it.
I pulled an 6000lb enclosed trailer with a wd hitch across the country with a 1500 hemi...the powertrain handled it no problem...the suspension ....the hitch needed some adjustment to help with sway.....lets just say when i hauled the same load with a 2500..it handled the same load and I didn't even feel the trailer. Always better to have more truck them less when towing.
I've had 1500 and 2500. everyday driving i like the 1500, better mpg, smoother ride.... but when towing, its no contest 2500.