Towing question
So we have a 2011 Tahoe equipped with the HD tow package, 5.3L V8, 3.42 axles. The towing capacity is 8,200 lbs and max tongue weight (carrying = 600 lbs / with WD hitch = 1,100 lbs). We do have the...
Forum Discussion
Check your owners manual. It does say:
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is very important because it is also part of the vehicle weight. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo carried in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle as well as trailer tongue weight. Vehicle options, equipment, passengers and cargo in the vehicle reduce the amount of tongue weight the vehicle can carry, which will also reduce the trailer weight the vehicle can tow. See Vehicle Load Limits on page 9?23 for more information about the vehicle's maximum load capacity.
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight for the vehicle. Choose the shortest hitch extension that will position the hitch ball closest to the vehicle. This will help reduce the effect of trailer tongue weight on the rear axle. Trailering may be limited by the vehicle's ability to carry tongue weight. Tongue or kingpin weight cannot cause the vehicle to exceed the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) or the RGAWR (Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating). See “Total Weight on the Vehicle's Tires” later in this section for more information.
Your vehicle has several limits, some of which are typically exceeded well under the official tow ratings for traveling trailer towing. Even the 1100 pound TW limit as quoted by the manual exceeds the receiver on the vehicle:
Check your as equipped payload by locating this sticker on the driver's door or door jam. Note what it lists where mine says 2051:
Subtract an estimated 850 pounds for loaded TW. The rest is reasonable estimate for people and cargo inside the Tahoe before exceeding its GVWR.
silverfz's RV seems to be an exception. Many TTs that I have seen have higher as equipped weights than the manufacturer's brochure or web site dry listings. Mine is 320 pounds higher than brochure spec. Why? Options as well as "mandatory" option packages. Like this for mine:
Lightweight Strength Package
• Laminated Crowned Roof System
• Block Foam Brick Insulation
• Aluminum Construction
(front, back and side walls, floor,
roof)
• Enclosed and Heated Underbelly
• Radius Double Entry Step
• Tinted Safety Glass Windows
• 2” Thick (R-7) Sidewall Construction
• 4 Stabilizer Jacks with Sand Pads
(T.T.)
• WIDE-TRAX Axle Placement (T.T.)
• HD Leaf Spring Suspension
• Dual 20 lb. LP Tanks (T.T.)
How does a manufacturer weigh some of that?
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is very important because it is also part of the vehicle weight. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo carried in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle as well as trailer tongue weight. Vehicle options, equipment, passengers and cargo in the vehicle reduce the amount of tongue weight the vehicle can carry, which will also reduce the trailer weight the vehicle can tow. See Vehicle Load Limits on page 9?23 for more information about the vehicle's maximum load capacity.
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight for the vehicle. Choose the shortest hitch extension that will position the hitch ball closest to the vehicle. This will help reduce the effect of trailer tongue weight on the rear axle. Trailering may be limited by the vehicle's ability to carry tongue weight. Tongue or kingpin weight cannot cause the vehicle to exceed the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) or the RGAWR (Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating). See “Total Weight on the Vehicle's Tires” later in this section for more information.
Your vehicle has several limits, some of which are typically exceeded well under the official tow ratings for traveling trailer towing. Even the 1100 pound TW limit as quoted by the manual exceeds the receiver on the vehicle:
Check your as equipped payload by locating this sticker on the driver's door or door jam. Note what it lists where mine says 2051:
Subtract an estimated 850 pounds for loaded TW. The rest is reasonable estimate for people and cargo inside the Tahoe before exceeding its GVWR.
silverfz's RV seems to be an exception. Many TTs that I have seen have higher as equipped weights than the manufacturer's brochure or web site dry listings. Mine is 320 pounds higher than brochure spec. Why? Options as well as "mandatory" option packages. Like this for mine:
Lightweight Strength Package
• Laminated Crowned Roof System
• Block Foam Brick Insulation
• Aluminum Construction
(front, back and side walls, floor,
roof)
• Enclosed and Heated Underbelly
• Radius Double Entry Step
• Tinted Safety Glass Windows
• 2” Thick (R-7) Sidewall Construction
• 4 Stabilizer Jacks with Sand Pads
(T.T.)
• WIDE-TRAX Axle Placement (T.T.)
• HD Leaf Spring Suspension
• Dual 20 lb. LP Tanks (T.T.)
How does a manufacturer weigh some of that?
