Forum Discussion

megmp787's avatar
megmp787
Explorer
Apr 07, 2015

Chevy Tahoe with 7300 towing capacity?

Hi. I am a newbie to the TT world and am getting conflicting info from various "experts" on the towing capabilities of my 2007 Chevy Tahoe LT which has 320-hp, 5.3 liter, V-8 with 3.73 axel ratio and GVWR of 7300, a payload of 1,776, and a GCWR of 13,000.

I am in the military and will be moving my family from Tennessee to Alaska, a 4,060 mile trip, in July and want to ensure the least amount of issues with my Tahoe and TT.

This weekend I was assured by several experienced traveled and a mechanic that a 27' Coachmen Catalina 273BH with a dry weight of 4,688 and GVWR of 7000 would be an easy pull for my Tahoe from Tennessee to Alaska. However, after reading numerous forums, and talking with others, some state that the wheel base on my Tahoe may be too short for the overall 29' length of the 273BH and that depending on how I loaded the TT and my vehicle, I may be close on weight as well. I have calculated my anticipated weight with fluids, people, pets, and cargo and believe I will come in right at 12,000 lbs gross combined weight.

With that said, do you think my vehicle is capable of towing this trailer (which I did make a downpayment on to hold) or do I need to downsize in length and GCWR weight for the trip? I really want this trailer to work, but safe travels is the most important issue.

I greatly appreciate your time and thoughts.
Tow Vehicles
  • BenK's avatar
    BenK
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2015
    Formula is:

    GCWR => TV + TT + STUFF/MISC

    So with a 13,000 GCWR minus 7,300 MTWR = 5,700 lb that your TV can weigh as RATED by the OEM to tow at MTWR

    Go out and weigh your TV, fully loaded as if going to tow. People, pets, luggage, etc, etc...then plug that weight into the above formula

    Then figure the rear GAWR, as most half ton TV's run into rear GAWR first with big trailers

    Most likely your TV will weigh approx 7 thousand range...meaning rated for a much lighter trail
  • jfkmk's avatar
    jfkmk
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2015
    donn0128 wrote:
    Once you load it with family and stuff that towing rating will drop like a rock. Start looking for a TT with a gross weight of around 7500 pounds and you'll be safe.


    Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't he say the gross trailer weight is 7000 pounds?
  • handye9's avatar
    handye9
    Explorer II
    Apr 07, 2015
    Here's a calculator program, where you can inout your weights and it will tell you the approximate loaded trailer weight that would put you close to your ratings. Click here.

    Check the tire and loading sticker, on your drivers door post, to confirm your payload.
  • 2003silverado's avatar
    2003silverado
    Explorer II
    Apr 07, 2015
    I think you will be ok. Get a good weight distributing hitch and sway control, and try to load things as conservatively as possible. With a payload of over 1700 pounds, and figuring 10% on the hitch of a properly loaded trailer you should have about 1000 pounds of payload left for people and stuff in the Tahoe which is pretty good.

    One thing you should definitely check into is to make sure you have LT tires on the Tahoe, not P rated tires. If you do have P rated tires get them switched out before the trip.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Apr 07, 2015
    Once you load it with family and stuff that towing rating will drop like a rock. Start looking for a TT with a gross weight of around 7500 pounds and you'll be safe.

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