Trailer Length/Weight Recommendations
I know this is probably the most frequently asked questions around... But I would like some advice from a few different sources. I will be towing with a 2002 Chevy Avalanche Z71 1500 4WD. Based on...
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I found this info at theautochannel.com
Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4X4 Z71 (2002)
SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price $ 33,245
Price As Tested $ 37,556
Engine Type OHV 16-valve 5.3 Liter V8 w/SMFI*
Engine Size 327 cid/5358 cc
Horsepower 285 @ 5200 RPM
Torque (lb-ft) 325 @ 4000 RPM
Wheelbase/Width/Length 130.0"/79.8"/221.7"
Transmission Four-speed automatic
Curb Weight 5705 pounds
Fuel Capacity 31.0 gallons
Tires (F/R) P265/70R17 all-season
Brakes (F/R) Disc (ABS)/disc (ABS)
Drive Train Front-engine/four-wheel-drive
Vehicle Type Five-passenger/four-door
Domestic Content N/A
Coefficient of Drag (Cd.) N/A
PERFORMANCE
EPA Economy, miles per gallon
city/highway/average 13/17/14
0-60 MPH 10.5 seconds
Maximum payload capacity 1322 pounds
Maximum towing capacity 8100 pounds
To find your limits, I would start with the 1322# payload. Subtract the weight of all passengers and anything else you are carrying in the truck along with the WDH.(Don't forget to use higher weights if you might haul more occasionally) What you have left over is available for the TT tongue weight.
For my situation, I add 700# in passengers,cargo and WDH to the TV. 1322 - 700 = 622# left for the tongue.
To calculate the max trailer weight from the tongue weight, divide it by .13 . So in my case, 622 / .13 = 4784# max trailer weight.
When first considering a TT to replace an old ClassC, I looked at an Avy and YukonXL. When I discovered the payload limitations with those vehicles, I went with a Suburban 2500 and the 8.1L. I knew I would be towing thru mountains and I couldn't be happier with the overall performance. Also, my tongue weight is closer to 15%. Not 13%.
Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4X4 Z71 (2002)
SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price $ 33,245
Price As Tested $ 37,556
Engine Type OHV 16-valve 5.3 Liter V8 w/SMFI*
Engine Size 327 cid/5358 cc
Horsepower 285 @ 5200 RPM
Torque (lb-ft) 325 @ 4000 RPM
Wheelbase/Width/Length 130.0"/79.8"/221.7"
Transmission Four-speed automatic
Curb Weight 5705 pounds
Fuel Capacity 31.0 gallons
Tires (F/R) P265/70R17 all-season
Brakes (F/R) Disc (ABS)/disc (ABS)
Drive Train Front-engine/four-wheel-drive
Vehicle Type Five-passenger/four-door
Domestic Content N/A
Coefficient of Drag (Cd.) N/A
PERFORMANCE
EPA Economy, miles per gallon
city/highway/average 13/17/14
0-60 MPH 10.5 seconds
Maximum payload capacity 1322 pounds
Maximum towing capacity 8100 pounds
To find your limits, I would start with the 1322# payload. Subtract the weight of all passengers and anything else you are carrying in the truck along with the WDH.(Don't forget to use higher weights if you might haul more occasionally) What you have left over is available for the TT tongue weight.
For my situation, I add 700# in passengers,cargo and WDH to the TV. 1322 - 700 = 622# left for the tongue.
To calculate the max trailer weight from the tongue weight, divide it by .13 . So in my case, 622 / .13 = 4784# max trailer weight.
When first considering a TT to replace an old ClassC, I looked at an Avy and YukonXL. When I discovered the payload limitations with those vehicles, I went with a Suburban 2500 and the 8.1L. I knew I would be towing thru mountains and I couldn't be happier with the overall performance. Also, my tongue weight is closer to 15%. Not 13%.
