Tahoe Towing Capacity

[OttoB]

I've seen towing capacities on the "same" 2009 5.3L/6speed Tahoes of 5700lbs to 8200lbs.

I'm wondering, what "adds" are creating the 2500lb delta, and can changes/equipment increase the 5700lb towing capacity?

You input is always appreciated.

Thanks

[tim_and_amy]

Tystevens wrote:
Why do people just randomly guess at these things? Making some statement when you don't actually know the answer is less helpful than just remaining silent if you don't know!

The answer is on page 4-52 and 4-53 of the manual. Look at the RPO codes in the glove box to determine which axle you have, look to see if you have the K5L HD cooling equipment or not, and there you go!

Whether you can install aftermarket equipment and achieve the same 'ratings' is another question. I expect GM's answer would be no. Whether you will sustain any damage in real life use is a question that can be answered only by installing the equipment and trying it out.

Ty is correct,
Added to the fact that the Kl5 package is an external oil and external trans cooler, that is all.
Although if it was me, I would verify what tires you have prior to towing. Make sure your tires are Okay to tow the weight you will be putting on them.

Honestly I know you will be fine by adding the external coolers to your Tahoe. Also, ignor what people say about gearing in these trucks. All new trucks with the Tow/Haul mode are designed with "towing in mind"

FYI, the 09 Tahoe can also have an optional integrated brake controller, the wiring is already existing under the dash. So you can buy a harness and plug an aftermarket one directly in, just like on the Ford Trucks.
If you have never towed with your Tahoe, you will need to access the Fuse box under the hood and move the "Tow Fuse" to the correct slot. This will turn on the 12vdc and trailer brake harness to both the cab and rear of the truck for your connector.

[Leroy2u]

I have a 2004 Tahoe with a 5.3 and 3.73 rear end, I do have the #8200 capacity.

[APT]

I only have the order guide for 2011 when I purchased my GM SUV. I expect 2009 description was the same.

Reference for current model years.

[Tystevens]

Why do people just randomly guess at these things? Making some statement when you don't actually know the answer is less helpful than just remaining silent if you don't know!

The answer is on page 4-52 and 4-53 of the manual. Look at the RPO codes in the glove box to determine which axle you have, look to see if you have the K5L HD cooling equipment or not, and there you go!

Whether you can install aftermarket equipment and achieve the same 'ratings' is another question. I expect GM's answer would be no. Whether you will sustain any damage in real life use is a question that can be answered only by installing the equipment and trying it out.

[Campfire_Time]

Why guess at this stuff or read Trailer Life's generalized numbers? The owners manual lists all the engine/gearing options and with correct towing capacities. I've found this to be the most accurate source of information when it comes to these numbers.

The RPO codes for the option packages and gears are in the glove box. Also, you can find all other codes to find out exactly how your truck is equipped (see link below). Spending an hour going over your RPO list and reading the owners manual will tell you more about your truck then you ever thought you could learn.

GU6 = 3:42, GT4 = 3:73, GT5 = 4:10.

2009 Tahoe/Suburban manual

RPO code master list

APT wrote:
From the order guide:

If you have a link that, I think it would be helpful for the OP. I found one for my Sierra and the things it lists in the packages can be found in the RPO code list.

bikendan wrote:

loulou57 wrote:
I could be wrong but it is the 6.2 V8 that has the 8200lb tow rating.

pretty sure there was no 6.2 for the Tahoe. only the 4.8 and 5.3 engines.

to have the 8200lbs. towing capacity, it requires the factory HD towing package with the 4.10 rear end.

According the manual, there was a 6.2. What's really strange is that it looks like it was only available on the Tahoe. The 'Burb got the 6.0.

[APT]

From the order guide:

KL5 Trailering Package, heavy-duty, includes (KNP) auxiliary external
transmission oil cooler and (KC4) engine oil cooler, provides increased
trailering capabilities
1 - Requires ½ ton models only. Includes (GU6) 3.42 ratio rear axle and
(NQH) 2-speed active transfer case with model CK10906.
2 - Requires ½ ton models only. Includes (GU6) 3.42 ratio rear axle.

[bikendan]

loulou57 wrote:
I could be wrong but it is the 6.2 V8 that has the 8200lb tow rating.

pretty sure there was no 6.2 for the Tahoe. only the 4.8 and 5.3 engines.

to have the 8200lbs. towing capacity, it requires the factory HD towing package with the 4.10 rear end.

[Hammerhead]

In addition to the cooling package, a higher gear ratio is usually installed to increase the tow rating.

[Francesca_Knowl]

OttoB wrote:
So, I can have an auxiliary transmission cooler and HD engine oil cooler added, and that decrease the 2500# towing delta?

Maybe...there may be a little more to it than that. It's unclear, to me at least, if those numbers relate to things that have to have been factory installed or if aftermarket add-ons will do. Also, I couldn't find specific payload or tongue weight numbers anywhere for this rig. Could be big limiters there.

I did find an online owner's manual that you ought to check out- free PDF available for download at this link.
Lots of towing info there, beginning on page 4-52

[OttoB]

So, I can have an auxiliary transmission cooler and HD engine oil cooler added, and that decrease the 2500# towing delta?

(By the way, everyone, can't thank you enough for your information. VERY helpful)

[Francesca_Knowl]

OttoB wrote:
From the 2009 Travel Life Towing Guide:


Tahoe/Yukon 4WD 5.3L V-8 5,700
Tahoe/Yukon 4WD 5.3L V-8 8,200 (p)

Looking for details as to what options are different.

Thanks again.

Link to TL 2009 towing guide

It's the "P" option from this list downpage from the model listings.

Towing guide wrote:
a = Automatic Transmission
a4 = Automatic Transmission, four
speed
a5 = Automatic Transmission, five
speed
a6 = Auto Transmssion, six speed
m = Manual Transmission
b = 3.08:1 axle ratio
d =3.23:1 axle ratio
e =3.42:1 axle ratio
g =3.73:1 axle ratio
i =4:10:1 axle ratio
p = Cooling-package required
AWD = All Wheel Drive
CC = Crew Cab
LB = 8-foot bed
Shortbed = 5-foot 9-inch bed
Std. Bed = 6 1
?2-foot bed
SWB = Short Wheelbase
LWB = Long Wheelbase
DRW = Dual Rear Wheels
SRW = Single Rear Wheel
CV = Cargo Van
PV = Passenger Van
TD = Turbodiesel
t = Tow package required

[OttoB]

From the 2009 Travel Life Towing Guide:


Tahoe/Yukon 4WD 5.3L V-8 5,700
Tahoe/Yukon 4WD 5.3L V-8 8,200 (p)

Looking for details as to what options are different.

Thanks again.

[loulou57]

I could be wrong but it is the 6.2 V8 that has the 8200lb tow rating.

[afishinado]

Towing package & gear ratio