bmisfeldt

Hi!
I'm looking to upgrade from my 2002 Tahoe to a 2011 or 2012 Tahoe. One issue I am having is getting an accurate towing capacity #. I see some listed as being able to only tow 5200 lbs, and others that can tow 8500 lbs. How do I determine which one can tow the 8500 lbs? I've spent time on google, but couldnt find an exact/accurate answer. I have a travel trailer that weighs 5400 lbs, so I need the 8500 lbs towing Tahoe. It looks like they all have the "tow/haul" option/button.

I found one that I like:
2011 Tahoe LT - 4WD - 5.3 V8 SFI FlexFuel
VIN - 1GNSKBE02BR190851
GVWR 7300 LB
Towing Package (option code Z82 HD trailering equipment)
Rear Axle ratio 3.08
Locking Rear Differential (option code G80)
Transfer Case (option code NP0)
Suspension Package - Premium Smooth Ride (option code ZW7 & 6PB & 7PB)

Anything else I should look for to determine towing capacity?

THANK YOU!!!

bmisfeldt

The VIN decoder on this site is awesome! THANK YOU to whomever set up that option!

Gross Combined Wt Rating 14000, 11000 lbs (11000.0 min/14000.0max)
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.5000 lbs (5000.0 min/5000.0max)
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.500 lbs (500.0 min/500.0max)
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.8200, 5200 lbs (5200.0 min/8200.0max)
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.1230, 780 lbs (780.0 min/1230.0max)

I have a weight distributing hitch, so it looks like the max is 8200 lbs on the Tahoe I'm looking at. Correct? Am I reading that info correctly?

bmisfeldt

Found this:
http://www.chevrolet.com/content/dam...ring_Guide.pdf

3.08 Rear Axle Ratio (option code GU4) - max trailer weight 5200 lbs.
3.42 Rear Axle Ratio (option code GU6) - max trailer weight 8200 lbs. (and requires Heavy Duty Trailering Package (option code K5L)

Looks like I gotta keep looking for another Tahoe! Crap!

in2pro

The 3.42 will be pretty common, the 3.73 would be best in my opinion others will say the 4.10 but your mpg will suffer at highway speeds

bmisfeldt

I'm actually having a hard time finding a 2011-2012 (in white, grey, or silver) with the 3.42 in the Portland, OR area. Found one but they are asking way to much for it.

I've never seen one with 3.73 or 4.10, havent even seen that option listed on Chevy's etc website.
http://www.adcmobile.com/tech/gm_tec...&RPO_Codes.pdf

in2pro

Look for the RPO codes

GU6 Rear axle, 3.42 ratio

GT4 Rear axle, 3.73 ratio

GT5 Rear axle, 4.10 ratio

bmisfeldt

Thanks for the info. I havent come across those #'s in any 2011-2012 Tahoe LT or LTZ I've seen in the past few weeks. Hmmmmmm.

bmisfeldt

Looking like I might need to go with a GMC Yukon instead. Easier to find the higher towing capacity in a Yukon vs Tahoe.

bearbear

I agree. You want the RPO K5L code. It has the external tranny cooler and external engine oil cooler. On a Suburban, look for a factory installed brake controller (2 inch square thing) just left and under the steering wheel, Tahoe may be the same. Although the brake controller is not part of the K5L, it may be an indicator of other installed options. RPO codes are not readily available when searching used vehicles from home.

Scotiapilot

I thought 2008 was last year for 373 on half tons?