Does anyone else tow with a avalanche

I have a 03, 4x4, 5.3, Z71 Avalanche . We pull a 25ft Gulfstream by Innsbruck. I added an external trans cooler and a Scan Gauge II to track Trans Temps. I use a Equalizer hitch with 750lbs bars. I have weighed the combo several times and the trailer comes in 7-7.2k depending on how loaded we are. This clears all ratings except RAWR, depending on what we take I can be 100-150lbs over the RAWR rating. We only have 3-4 passengers and because I know I'm close if not over the RAWR I do not carry anything in the bed, instead everything is packed in the camper. This is OK because in MN we cannot transport fire wood across the counrty lines. Bikes are on the bike rack on the camper or in the camper. We also camp at only full service sites so we never carry water or waste except within the campground itself.

I have pulled this combo to Yellowstone and to mid SD from MSP, MN. Most of our trips are in MN or W. WI on flat terrain under 4 hrs of driving. I had 3.73 gears and switched to 4.10's and have not regretted it. As someone pointed out the 4 speed is not great for towing. I use tow/haul mode and set tranny to 3 and go. With the 3.73 gears it had a hard time holding 65 mph in 3rd and downshifted to 2nd gear too much for my liking, crusing rpm was about 2800. With the 4.10's it pretty much stays in 3rd and will only drop to 2nd on medium to steep grade hills. With 4.10's crushing rpms are about 3-3.2k. The 5.3 makes most of it power above 3k rpm and is very happy there. It's a little loud but not unbearable but everyone will have their own opinion, its just a V8 signing it's song.

Overall his combination has been very solid. No trailer sway even in heavy cross winds, always enough power to get the job done but you will never be in 1st place. Braking is fine as well I've had a few quick stops and brakes work great.

Some would say I need a 3/4 ton, I'd agree if I towed in mountains or with more freaquency but since we only go 4-6 times a year it not worth the cost in terms in ride quality, gas and cost of a new vehicle. As far as the gears I would not change my mind. They made a functional tow vehicle more capable and enjoyable. At the time I put them in my truck was paid off and the cost of a 'more capable' vehicle would have meant a car payment, which I did not want, so the 2k cost to put them in was money well spent IMHO.

Bottom line packing and towing an RV is like packing for vacation, some go carryon some check 2 bags for the same trip. Some are day trippers and some are gong across the ocean. Know what you like and what you are going to be doing. I LOVE my Avalanche as a daily driver AND as a tow rig, and will miss it when it dies, but it's 150k young!!

wallnuts2011 wrote:
I just got a price quote today to put 4.10s in it. 2,000$ ouch.

That is way too much $$, even if it was a 4 X 4. That 3:73 will do just fine (within its payload rating). I towed with a TrailBlazer with a 3:73, I had no issues.

Brisk wrote:
The trailer you are looking at is 6300lbs Dry. IMO way too much trailer for comfortable towing with an Avalanche. I would look for something under 5000 dry.

Totally agree.

The trailer you are looking at is 6300lbs Dry. IMO way too much trailer for comfortable towing with an Avalanche. I would look for something under 5000 dry.

If you change gearing, go 2-steps. 3.73->4.56 for example.

I would save that $2k towards a more capable TV, one with more payload, power, and gearing.

I just got a price quote today to put 4.10s in it. 2,000$ ouch.

It's suspension is basically the same as that of a full size SUV. A friend of mine uses an Avalanche to pull an enclosed snowmobile trailer with six sleds, gear, fuel, etc. and says it does OK.

3.73s, well set up, flatland, local camping, let er rip. As good as towing with any other half ton of the day.

I have a huge external trans cooler 11x11
Trans temp gauge as well. We're now looking at a gray wolf 27dbs. We will never fill the water tank as we go to a full hook up camp ground.

Oh. Also have 3.73 gears

My '07 Avy tows a HTT that weighs around 5000lbs loaded.

A TT with a max GVWR of 6000lbs would be the limit for me.
Avys don't have great payload capacities.