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Axel weight ???

Mik68
Explorer
Explorer
Hello, I am enquiring about a 2005 Chevy suburban 2500 that is for sale in Dallas Texas. They are asking $9,995. It's done 120,000 miles and was a one owner vehicle with a very good Carfax history. (I am finding it very hard to find a 2500 series SUV, especially in Texas) this is our preferred choice as we need a 7 or 8 seater.
The TT we are very keen on purchasing is a Dutchman Aerolite 250KBHS with a GVWR of 7600 lbs. I asked what the tow capacity was for the vehicle and this was the response.
"The maximum towing capacity depends on the axle ratio of the trailer used. With an axle ratio of 3.23 the maxium towing capacity is 6,700 lbs and with an axle ratio of 3.73 your maximum towing capacity is 7,700 lbs."
I am waiting on a response from Aerolite for the axel weight.
How does this all sound to you guy's? And am I cutting it fine in regards to towing capacity?
25 REPLIES 25

Mik68
Explorer
Explorer
intheburbs wrote:
Mik68 wrote:
That's great info thanks, I have asked these questions and am now waiting for a reply.
How much would you pay for something like this?


An 05, with 120K miles? For $10k it should be 4wd and the LT, in good shape.

That year had two trim levels - LS (cloth seats) and LT (Leather). An even higher level is the LT with Autoride. The 6.0L engine is good, but if you're strictly focused on maximum towing ability, the 8.1L engine would be a bonus.

Here's a similar vehicle, worth about $12k because it's superclean and totally loaded - big motor, LT, sunroof, etc: CLICK HERE


Check it out for yourself
https://autos.aol.com/used-detail--6250827552054176959-Chevrolet-Suburban+2500-2005
It is a LT with Autoride, but looks a little rough in places, drivers seat well worn.
Still waiting on reply for other info. Granted it has been night time over there, you should all be just starting to wake up, while were looking at going to bed.

APT
Explorer
Explorer
I agree with intheburbs. Only 3.73 and 4.10 axle ratios for 2500 Burbs of that year. Tow ratings for the 6.0L are about 7500/9500 and 8.1L are 10.5k/12k. You can determine the engine based on the VIN. Either character is 'G' for 8.1L, I think 'U' for 6.0L.

IMHO, if this is primarily a TV for your US travels, find an 8.1L.
A & A parents of DD 2005, DS1 2007, DS2 2009
2011 Suburban 2500 6.0L 3.73 pulling 2011 Heartland North Trail 28BRS
2017 Subaru Outback 3.6R
2x 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV (Gray and Black Twins)

intheburbs
Explorer
Explorer
Mik68 wrote:
That's great info thanks, I have asked these questions and am now waiting for a reply.
How much would you pay for something like this?


An 05, with 120K miles? For $10k it should be 4wd and the LT, in good shape.

That year had two trim levels - LS (cloth seats) and LT (Leather). An even higher level is the LT with Autoride. The 6.0L engine is good, but if you're strictly focused on maximum towing ability, the 8.1L engine would be a bonus.

Here's a similar vehicle, worth about $12k because it's superclean and totally loaded - big motor, LT, sunroof, etc: CLICK HERE
2008 Suburban 2500 3LT 3.73 4X4 "The Beast"
2013 Springdale 303BHS, 8620 lbs
2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali (backup TV, hot rod)
2016 Jeep JKU Sahara in Tank, 3.23 (hers)
2010 Jeep JKU Sahara in Mango Tango PC, 3.73 (his)

Mik68
Explorer
Explorer
intheburbs wrote:
Not sure where these numbers are coming from. The trailer you're looking at will be a walk in the park for an 05 2500.

The 2005 2500 is a beast (moreso than the one in my sig LOL). According to Trailer Life, the tow rating of that year 2500 is 9700 lbs. Rear axle rating is 5500 (limiting factor being the tires, not the axle). Payload is 2000+.

I don't think a 3.23 axle was even offered in the 2500. It's either 3.73 or 4.10, with a 6.0 or 8.1. Any of those combinations will easily handle that trailer.

Check the glove box codes -
GT4 - 3.73
GT5 - 4.10
G80 - locker (nice additional option)


1000-lb tongue weight? No problem.
7600-lb trailer GVWR? No problem.
Buy that Burb and sleep well. You'll have a hell of a tow vehicle.


That's great info thanks, I have asked these questions and am now waiting for a reply.
How much would you pay for something like this?

intheburbs
Explorer
Explorer
Not sure where these numbers are coming from. The trailer you're looking at will be a walk in the park for an 05 2500.

The 2005 2500 is a beast (moreso than the one in my sig LOL). According to Trailer Life, the tow rating of that year 2500 is 9700 lbs. Rear axle rating is 5500 (limiting factor being the tires, not the axle). Payload is 2000+.

I don't think a 3.23 axle was even offered in the 2500. It's either 3.73 or 4.10, with a 6.0 or 8.1. Any of those combinations will easily handle that trailer.

Check the glove box codes -
GT4 - 3.73
GT5 - 4.10
G80 - locker (nice additional option)

1000-lb tongue weight? No problem.
7600-lb trailer GVWR? No problem.
Buy that Burb and sleep well. You'll have a hell of a tow vehicle.
2008 Suburban 2500 3LT 3.73 4X4 "The Beast"
2013 Springdale 303BHS, 8620 lbs
2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali (backup TV, hot rod)
2016 Jeep JKU Sahara in Tank, 3.23 (hers)
2010 Jeep JKU Sahara in Mango Tango PC, 3.73 (his)

ScottG
Nomad
Nomad
Mik68 wrote:
wrgrs50s wrote:
I think you meant to say the axle ratio of the vehicle. Look in the glove box of the Suburban for a factory options sheet that will have a code to indicate the gear ratio when the suburban was built.l

There is no axle ratio for the trailer, only an axle weight limit per axle like 3500 lb etc. Two axles would mean a total 7000lb capacity.

The gear ratio of the vehicle will determine the max load you can tow.


Ok, I was just quoting the words of the car salesman. I need to ask him the axel weight of the vehicle. You think he would of known that being in the industry? :h


Seriously here, and I'm not just being flippant, a car salesman generally has no more knowledge of the technical aspects of a vehicle than the girl that makes your latte.
He is going to tell you what ever it takes to sell you that car.

GWolfe
Explorer
Explorer
He is a salesman, thats all. You will have to do your own research. If you can get the VIN number you can have a GM dealer run it and get the answer on the axle ratio in the Burb. There should be a sticker on the drivers door that has the payload rating. You will have to take the weight of your family and any gear you plan to carry in the Burb and subtract that from the payload capacity, that is what you will have available for the tongue weight.

I don't think 120,000 miles is too bad. You didn't mention what engine is in it, 6.0 or 8.1.

About forgot to add that I would be surprised to see a 3.23 rear end in a 2500.
2005 Sun-Lite Eagle
2011 Silverado

Mik68
Explorer
Explorer
wrgrs50s wrote:
I think you meant to say the axle ratio of the vehicle. Look in the glove box of the Suburban for a factory options sheet that will have a code to indicate the gear ratio when the suburban was built.

There is no axle ratio for the trailer, only an axle weight limit per axle like 3500 lb etc. Two axles would mean a total 7000lb capacity.

The gear ratio of the vehicle will determine the max load you can tow.


Ok, I was just quoting the words of the car salesman. I need to ask him the axel weight of the vehicle. You think he would of known that being in the industry? :h

Mik68
Explorer
Explorer
kaydeejay wrote:
Regardless of the axle ratio - yes you are cutting it fine, but more so with the 3.23 than the 3.73.
Although you will be pushing your towing ability a little past its limits, where that 7000#+ trailer is going to hurt is the 1000# plus tongue weight. That is probably the limit of the 'burb hitch and eats up a good chunk of the available payload for the truck. Depending on how many people and how much "stuff" you plan to carry will determine whether you can stay within the truck ratings.
I for one would not want to push a truck with 120,000 miles on it too hard. I think you are asking a lot of it.

Note - not sure where the axle weights of the Aerolite comes in, it's the weight on the rear axle of the 'burb you need to keep an eye on.
Also, curiosity got the better of me - are you planning on shipping the 'burb to Oz?


Right, so I will ask what the payload is and axel weight is of the 'burb.
And no! Not going to bring back to Oz.

wrgrs50s
Explorer
Explorer
I think you meant to say the axle ratio of the vehicle. Look in the glove box of the Suburban for a factory options sheet that will have a code to indicate the gear ratio when the suburban was built.

There is no axle ratio for the trailer, only an axle weight limit per axle like 3500 lb etc. Two axles would mean a total 7000lb capacity.

The gear ratio of the vehicle will determine the max load you can tow.
Walter and Janie Rogers
2012 Sundance 277RL
TV 2006 Silverado 2500 6.0

kaydeejay
Explorer
Explorer
Mik68 wrote:
Hello, I am enquiring about a 2005 Chevy suburban 2500 that is for sale in Dallas Texas. They are asking $9,995. It's done 120,000 miles and was a one owner vehicle with a very good Carfax history. (I am finding it very hard to find a 2500 series SUV, especially in Texas) this is our preferred choice as we need a 7 or 8 seater.
The TT we are very keen on purchasing is a Dutchman Aerolite 250KBHS with a GVWR of 7600 lbs. I asked what the tow capacity was for the vehicle and this was the response.
"The maximum towing capacity depends on the axle ratio of the trailer used. With an axle ratio of 3.23 the maxium towing capacity is 6,700 lbs and with an axle ratio of 3.73 your maximum towing capacity is 7,700 lbs."
I am waiting on a response from Aerolite for the axel weight.
How does this all sound to you guy's? And am I cutting it fine in regards to towing capacity?
Regardless of the axle ratio - yes you are cutting it fine, but more so with the 3.23 than the 3.73.
Although you will be pushing your towing ability a little past its limits, where that 7000#+ trailer is going to hurt is the 1000# plus tongue weight. That is probably the limit of the 'burb hitch and eats up a good chunk of the available payload for the truck. Depending on how many people and how much "stuff" you plan to carry will determine whether you can stay within the truck ratings.
I for one would not want to push a truck with 120,000 miles on it too hard. I think you are asking a lot of it.

Note - not sure where the axle weights of the Aerolite comes in, it's the weight on the rear axle of the 'burb you need to keep an eye on.
Also, curiosity got the better of me - are you planning on shipping the 'burb to Oz?
Keith J.
Sold the fiver and looking for a DP, but not in any hurry right now.