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Gravydog's avatar
Gravydog
Explorer
May 22, 2015

2007 Chevy Tahoe - What can I tow?

Hello all,

It's a new day and I'm yet another guy with the old "Can I Tow it?" question.

I'm looking to buy a Heartland Prowler Lynx 25lx. The listed Dry Weight of the trailer is 4,814 lbs and tongue weight of 528 lbs. However, the sticker on the door jam of the TT says the dry Weight is 5,126 lbs, so I'll assume tongue at 560.

I've got a 2007 Chevy Tahoe LT with the following specs:
5.3l V8
3.42 rear axle
GVWR = 7,100 lbs
RGAWR = 4,100 lbs
GCWR = 12,000 lbs
Max Trailer Weight = 6,200 lbs
Max Tongue Weight = 1,000 lbs (with a WDH)
Edmunds shows the curb weight = 5,265 lbs. (I do intend to find some scales to get the actual GVW)

We are a family of 5 and weigh a combined total of 606 lbs. We live in Raleigh, NC and our most common trip would be from 50 - 250 miles of somewhat hilly to flat terrain. We would, however, like to plan longer trips that could be more in the 800+ range. I have no intention to travel with fluids in any of the tanks and will generally only go where I have full hook up slots available.

So, after all that I'm landing at around 11,000 lbs combined vehicle weight with passengers. That leaves 1000 lbs for gear and I'm maxed out.

Do you guys think I'm pushing the limits too hard here?
Can I tow it?

Apologies up front for asking the question that has been asked a million times.
Tow Vehicles
  • Gravydog's avatar
    Gravydog
    Explorer
    Jun 07, 2015
    APT wrote:
    You should be within all your sepcs with that TT. You may not like the performance, but it the truck will pull it. Lock out overdrive, use tow haul mode. Expect 4000-5000rpm on some hills.


    Just wanted to follow up on this one. I wound up buying a 2015 Dutchmen Coleman (274BHS). I've pulled it about 150 miles and here are my findings:

    Weight at the scales:
    Front Axle = 2880 lb
    Rear Axle = 3180 lb
    Trailer Axle = 4700 lb
    Gross Weight = 10,760 lb
    Avg MPG = 10
    Trans Temp (range) = 195 - 205 F
    Peek Trans Temp (highest observed) = 210 F
    Ambient Temp = 85 F

    The weight above includes:
    Me (235)
    Fresh = empty
    Black = empty
    Grey = 1/3 full
    Gear = 1 Battery, 2 20# propane tanks, 5 camp chairs, tool set, screen house, firewood, bbq grill, sewerage hookups, water hoses, wheel chocks / levelers, assorted other outdoor and kitchen supplies.

    It feels fairly comfortable when towing, I've only towed in 3rd gear and never in "D" (overdrive), Tow/Haul mode active.

    APT was quite accurate on the RPM foreshadowing, 4,500 rpm in 2nd @ ~50 MPH in order to gain uphill speed while accelerating. This occurred on one rather steep incline for a short duration and was when I recorded my highest transmission temperature. Generally I'm hanging around 2500 RPM @ 65 MPH in 3rd.

    Thanks to everyone for the great feedback and I wish you all well on your travels!
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    May 26, 2015
    You should be within all your sepcs with that TT. You may not like the performance, but it the truck will pull it. Lock out overdrive, use tow haul mode. Expect 4000-5000rpm on some hills.
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    May 23, 2015
    If you're putting 600 pounds of people in the TV then you'll likely need to subtract that weight from your tow rating. Usually the tow rating is published using an empty vehicle expect for a 150 pound driver. This allows the manufacture to claim a larger rating.
    The dry weight on your trailer likely doesn't include a battery which you will need and propane which you will need to carry. These add directly to tongue weight. If you think a family of five can pack a trailer for a trip and keep it under 1,000 pounds of gear your dreaming.
    I really think this trailer plus your gear and family will be a good bit over the tow rating of your Tahoe.
    Could you still tow it? Sure, tow rating isn't a legal requirement but the driving experience would likely be terrible.
  • Dakota98's avatar
    Dakota98
    Explorer
    May 22, 2015
    Gravydog wrote:
    So the 6,200+ figure is assuming approx. 1000 lbs of gear in the TT? How do I calculate the "Payload Capacity" figure?


    Yes, adding 1,000 lbs to the UVW of the TT is a good starting point.

    GVWR minus the actual weight of the TV as gotten from the scales.
  • Gravydog's avatar
    Gravydog
    Explorer
    May 22, 2015
    So the 6,200+ figure is assuming approx. 1000 lbs of gear in the TT? How do I calculate the "Payload Capacity" figure?
  • Dakota98's avatar
    Dakota98
    Explorer
    May 22, 2015
    The sticker on the door jamb of the TT is accurate @ 5,126 since that figure is "as built"

    Your TT loaded weight will be closer to 6,200 + and your tongue weight should be a minimum 10% of that figure ( 620# )

    Yes, take the TV to the scales, I believe the figures you are currently working with indicate that you have about 1,835 lbs. "payload capacity" I think that may be a bit high.

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