We just bought a 2003 Chevy Avalanche 2500 8.1L - Do not now the gear ratio..Standard Towing -10200 lbsStandard Payload -2146 lbsStandard GVWR - 8600 lbsCargo is 2 adults(350lb, 2 dogs(130lbs), and possibly 2 teenagers (220lbs), clothes and maybe wood.(Wood not taken over state lines so longer beach trips are out)We tow a 25ft TT with a packed weight of roughly 4200lbsHas anyone have any experience towing with this vehicle? What kind of gas mileage are we gonna get? We get around 12 not towing.

Based on your tow rating it looks like you have 2WD with the 6.0L and 4.10 axle?You won't even know that TT is back there....

It is a 2wd...the engine type off the VIN number is 8.1L V8 OHV 16V...I do not know how to tell what the gearing is in the axle.

Look in the glove box for an RPO sticker, a bunch of 3-character codes. GT4 = 3.73 and GT5 = 4.108.1L tow rating is about 10k and about 12k for the 3.73/4.10. The Avalanche is basically a Suburban as far as towing goes. 8.1L is strong regardless of rear axle. Towing fuel economy should be 8mpg, same as any other gas engine.

Loaded 4200# TT will not be a problem for that vehicle regardless of the rear end ratio

A 10,500 tow rating would indicate a 3.73 rear axle. I get 8 mpg towing our 8500 lb TT, you will likely do a little better with the 3.73. I get 10 around town and 12 on a good day with the wind at my back. You will enjoy towing with the 8.1.

2003 Avalache | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

BurbMan
Explorer III
May 28, 2014
A 10,500 tow rating would indicate a 3.73 rear axle. I get 8 mpg towing our 8500 lb TT, you will likely do a little better with the 3.73. I get 10 around town and 12 on a good day with the wind at my back. You will enjoy towing with the 8.1.
hmknightnc
Explorer
May 28, 2014
Loaded 4200# TT will not be a problem for that vehicle regardless of the rear end ratio
APT
Explorer
May 28, 2014
Look in the glove box for an RPO sticker, a bunch of 3-character codes. GT4 = 3.73 and GT5 = 4.10

8.1L tow rating is about 10k and about 12k for the 3.73/4.10. The Avalanche is basically a Suburban as far as towing goes. 8.1L is strong regardless of rear axle. Towing fuel economy should be 8mpg, same as any other gas engine.
rainy029
Explorer
May 28, 2014
It is a 2wd...the engine type off the VIN number is 8.1L V8 OHV 16V...I do not know how to tell what the gearing is in the axle.
BurbMan
Explorer III
May 28, 2014
Based on your tow rating it looks like you have 2WD with the 6.0L and 4.10 axle?

You won't even know that TT is back there....

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2003 Avalache

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