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dlongnecker's avatar
dlongnecker
Explorer
Aug 02, 2021

Getting Confused on what can I tow

I have a Chevy Tahoe and I absolutely love it. I enter its VIN number on the camping world website and it reports back that my 2007 Tahoe LT has a tow limit of 8200 pounds.

I have scoured all of the manual for my Tahoe on Tow limits and there is nothing really definitive...it lists all sorts of models, which none look like my Tahoe.

I am interested in purchasing a trailer for my wife an I to go out on week long trips. I'm not a fan of trucks, so was hoping to stay with my SUV. I also like Class A's, but when we get to our destination, I want to be able to check out there area without towing another engine.

I am guessing the 8200 pounds is probably inflated?

I also assume that is 8200 pounds fully loaded? As when I click on any of the links from that camping world website, it lists trailers with a 6200 pound weight....so they are taking into account I will be loading 1500 pounds of gear into it?

When I go looking at trailers, what numbers should I be taking into account? I saw various forms of GVW abbreviations.

Yes, I am a newbie. I have looked at alot of the threads here before I posted.

14 Replies

  • 07 = 4speed.
    Presuming you have the 5.3 and 3.73s AND the vehicle is in excellent mechanical condition, I'd be at 6klbs max with a full size TT. And that will have you hugging the tractor trailer lane up the passes.

    Shorter trips like you are planning, PNW mountains in every direction, old 'hoe with less HP's and 4 speed, I think a larger single axle Rpod type camper would be ideal.
  • Depending how it's outfitted, a Tahoe can be an OK tow vehicle but it's not the ultimate by any means.

    Assuming you looked up the correct truck when getting the rating, it's not "inflated" but it's not the only consideration:
    - GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the number you want to look for on the trailer. This is the maximum weight when loaded and most people are close to this.
    - UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) is theoretically the weight when it rolls off the factor floor. No water, no propane, no battery, nothing in it...unless you plan to camp that way, it's not very relevant for determining what you can tow.
    - In addition to the tow rating, you need to check the trucks Payload. This is how much the truck can carry directly on it's wheels. It includes anything in the truck or bolted on after market (such as running boards). There is a yellow sticker on the door jam that gives you the payload. The trick is the hitch weight counts against payload. A trailer should have approximately 12-15% on the hitch. Too light and there is a tendency to develop sway. That means for an 8000lb (loaded weight) trailer you are looking at north of 1000lb on the hitch. Add in a family of 4 weighing in at say 500lb plus another 300lb of stuff in the back of the truck...do you have 1800lb of payload? Often the payload runs out before you reach the tow rating.

    Then you have the practical aspect. It may be rated to tow it but it may be a miserable pig doing it. Gas engines typically make HP by cranking up the RPM. Within reason, a properly maintained engine will be fine doing 4000 RPM climbing a hill. You'll make it to the top but it can get annoying if you are frequently in the mountains. A bigger engine can allow you to keep the RPM more sedate and/or allow you to maintain a higher speed on steep grades.
  • I think, if I wanted to know the tow limits on my vehicle (regardless of make) I'd contact the Manufacturer, (Chevy, Ford Dodge) or whatever, rather than asking someone who is trying to sell me an RV.
    Most RV salesmen will tell you that you can tow a Tank with a VW Beetle.:R
  • Please post size of your engine, rear end differential gear ratio, and door sticker weights for your Tahoe plus size and type of tires such as LT for truck tires, etc. etc. All this will help others to help you who tow heavier trailers than mine.