Help interpreting towing guide for my vehicle

Question

I need help interpreting the info on page 8 of the 2012 chevy towing guide. The link is:  https://www.chevrolet.com/content/dam/Chevrolet/northamerica/usa/nscwebsite/en/Home/Vehicles/Trucks%20and%20Vans/2012%20Express%20Passenger/Model%20Overview/02_PDFs/2012_Express_Trailering_Guide.pdf

My truck is the crew cab short box 2wd. And engine is 5.3l v8 flex fuel. Axel ratio is 3.42.  Following the chart indicates the max trailer weight of 9600 lbs. Then the little footnote 3 indicates that these ratings are for trucks with k5l cooling that comes with z82 trailer package.  I confirmed with my RPO codes that I do indeed have z82 trailer package with k5l cooling.  I'm thinking I'm good, right?  Not so fast.

Under that there is a section with heading "general trailering notes" that indicates that all 1500 models are maxed at 5000lbs unless you have an optional suspension package of either z85 or z71. My truck does NOT have either of these packages. I have spoken to multiple dealers as well as the customer assistance people directly from General Motors. They even sent a message directly to their internal research dept (I wasn't allowed to speak with them directly). They ran the vin number and they state that my vehicle can tow 9600 pounds regardless of the suspension package I have. The suspension package on my truck is z60.

Am I crazy or are these people giving me incorrect information?  The way I read it, my truck is limited to 5000 lbs since I don't have one of the optional suspension packages. This is my first rodeo and I'm trying to make sure I'm towing safe and legal. We want to tow a 6000 lb trailer so if I can't get a 9600 lb rating then my truck is not going to cut it.

Any advice from experts here?  Thanks in advance.

scottg · Answer

Aside from the suspension question, I think the towing experience with that drive-train combo @9600# will not be a pleasurable one, especially when you hit any hills.
I once had a very under powered tow rig. It's not a mistake anyone makes twice!

Good luck,
Scott

old-biscuit · Answer

Once again poor sentence structure like MANY brochures/guides/information sheets etc have.

In top paragraph pg.8

" The maximum rating for a weight-carrying hitch is listed in the General Trailering Notes below"

Then down in the General Trailering Notes
"To achieve a trailer weight rating greater than 5,000 lbs., models must be equipped with an available optional suspension: Handling/Trailering (Z85) or Off-Road (Z71)."
That is for weight carrying....bumper(NOT receiver hitch)

For trucks with 'receiver hitch'
"Where available, the Heavy-Duty Trailering Equipment Package (Z82)
provides a trailer hitch platform and a seven-pin sea led connector at the rear bumper." (receiver hitch and 7 pin connector)
Note #3 Ratings are for trucks with K5L cooling that comes with Z82 Trailering Package. (which you have)

So tow rating is: 9600#

BUT------
Note #1 1
Trailer weight ratings are calculated assuming a base vehicle, except for any option(s) necessary to achieve the rating, plus driver. The weight of other optional equipment, passengers and cargo will reduce the trailer weight your vehicle can tow.

9600# rating using a BASE model, 150# driver, 20# cargo
SO higher 'trim' level, optional equipment, passengers, stuff in truck, stuff in bed ----ALL have to be subtracted from available 'payload' (cargo carrying capacity on door jamb sticker

How much you have left determines 'how much trailer based on tongue weight'

Figure on 6500# GVWR trailer.....MAX

jmkraus · Answer

So you're saying that the hitch provided with the z82 package is considered a conventional hitch and is different from a weight carrying hitch?  I'm still learning all these terms. Where does a weight distributing hitch come into this equation?

handye9 · Answer

All hitches are weight carrying, to a point. Look at your hitch receiver. It will have a decal or stamp, stating it's carrying capacity, with and without weight distribution.

While you are looking at your hitch, also take a look at your tire / loading sticker (located on drivers door jamb). It will have a number for max occupant / cargo weight. This number is also referred to as payload.

Payload is used up by weight of aftermarket accessories, people, pets, cargo, weight distributing hitch, and trailer tongue weight. Normally, you will run out of payload, before you get close to max towing weight rating. That is because, max tow rating was established without accessories, passengers, or cargo, and as these items are loaded into (or on) the vehicle, the max tow rating is going down, pound for pound.

Examples: A 200 lb bed cap, reduces max tow rating by 200 lbs. A weight distributing hitch reduces max tow by about 100 lbs. Five hundred pounds of people, reduces max tow by 500 lbs. That max tow number is more marketing hype, than a useful tool for matching a travel trailer to your tow vehicle.

Add up the weight of people and cargo (include 100 lbs for a WD hitch and the weight of any accessories) that would normally be in your tow vehicle. Subtract that from your available payload. What is left is your capacity to carry trailer tongue weight. Divide this number by .13, it will give you a ballpark figure for real world max tow weight.

grit_dog · Answer

Don't worry about legal. No one has ever been pulled over for simply pulling a 3 ton trailer with a half ton truck.
It's safe too. The truck will handle it. May need a little suspension help, but you'll probably have a wdh so no worries there.
You can put away the owners manual. Go find ya a nice camper!

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