Tow capacity of 4wd 2013 Tahoe LT w/trailer pkg?

[jwardcomo]

I have found the tow weight capacity listed anywhere from 5200 to 8200 lbs. I ordered the tow package when I bought the vehicle. The vin confirms it. 3.42 rear end and trans cooler, etc.

Last year we rented a 29 foot trailer and melted the rear end. I am trying to figure out if that was a bad differential or an overload. I am looking at trailers to buy and if the weight is 5200-5500, as some articles suggest, we will be limited to 21' which would be a little small--a 25' would be ideal.

Does anyone have experience pulling over 5500lbs with a 2013?

Thanks!

 

["EZ"]

I doubt that it was a coincidence that your rear differential failed while you were pulling a 29' travel trailer. I'd say it tells you EXACTLY what you think it tells you.

 

[jwardcomo]

I was hoping otherwise. I cant figure where the 8200 number came from. The tahoe is supposed to be a 1/2 ton frame silverado

 

[Fish]

You have the 5.3L engine? I had a 2013 Silverado 4x4 crew cab with the 3.42 gear and it was a complete dog towing. I think your rear end gear is what's hurting you on tow rating. I'd think your tranny would give out before your rear end gear though.

This site shows your tow rating at 5700 pounds unless you have the "Cooling or other accessory package required" which puts it up to 8200 pounds.

Towing Ratings For 2013 Chevrolet Trucks, Vans & Cars

Towing Ratings For 2013 Chevrolet Trucks, Vans & Cars with Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels and Gooseneck Hitches

rvbonus.com

 

["EZ"]

You have the 5.3L engine? I had a 2013 Silverado 4x4 crew cab with the 3.42 gear and it was a complete dog towing. I think your rear end gear is what's hurting you on tow rating. I'd think your tranny would give out before your rear end gear though.

This site shows your tow rating at 5700 pounds unless you have the "Cooling or other accessory package required" which puts it up to 8200 pounds.

Towing Ratings For 2013 Chevrolet Trucks, Vans & Cars

Towing Ratings For 2013 Chevrolet Trucks, Vans & Cars with Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels and Gooseneck Hitches

rvbonus.com

With a 3.42 gear I can assure you he does NOT have the 8200 lb. tow rating. All manufacturers only advertise their highest possible tow rating on the TV commercials. But it's up to the sales managers at the dealership to spec the trucks out properly to get the max tow rating. Have you ever gone to a dealership and talked to these guys? Most of them don't know a transfer case from a differential. So 90% of the trucks on their lots do not qualify for the 8200 lb max tow rating. They are actually rated at MUCH LESS. I'm sure this is the problem here.

 

[jwardcomo]

With a 3.42 gear I can assure you he does NOT have the 8200 lb. tow rating. All manufacturers only advertise their highest possible tow rating on the TV commercials. But it's up to the sales managers at the dealership to spec the trucks out properly to get the max tow rating. Have you ever gone to a dealership and talked to these guys? Most of them don't know a transfer case from a differential. So 90% of the trucks on their lots do not qualify for the 8200 lb max tow rating. They are actually rated at MUCH LESS. I'm sure this is the problem here.

The trailer I was towing when the rear end melted was rated at 6100 pounds so, yeah, the Tahoe actual towing capacity must be a lot less... I'm thinking any trailer I buy would need to be no more than 5200 loaded.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Tow rating.......with your vehicle VIN number, go to the dealership service department and ask them to look up the maximum trailer towing rating. Then on the inside of the driver door is a yellow sticker that lists the maximum cargo weight of the vehicle. The tongue weight of the trailer transfers 100% to the vehicle then add passengers, gas, camping gear and "stuff" in the tow vehicle. I'd say you are overweight. As to the trailer weight, there is a sticker on the trailer that gives the maximum GVRW. This is the maximum loaded weight rating for the trailer. Was it overloaded? Bet so. As to the recommended maximum tow weight for the vehicle, you should use 80% as a safety factor.

Get the "real" numbers from the dealer, from the trailer, from the vehicle. Don't rely on what others do or say. Just do the simple math for yourself. Remember that 80% is a safe value. It is VERY EASY to overload a 1/2 ton tow vehicle.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

I have found the tow weight capacity listed anywhere from 5200 to 8200 lbs. I ordered the tow package when I bought the vehicle. The vin confirms it. 3.42 rear end and trans cooler, etc.

Last year we rented a 29 foot trailer and melted the rear end. I am trying to figure out if that was a bad differential or an overload. I am looking at trailers to buy and if the weight is 5200-5500, as some articles suggest, we will be limited to 21' which would be a little small--a 25' would be ideal.

Does anyone have experience pulling over 5500lbs with a 2013?

Thanks!

I find the tow maximum rating to be as follows: Tahoe/Yukon 4WD 5.3L V-8 5,700 That is 5700 lbs maximum tow rating of the vehicle. Safely figure 80% of this weight or 4560 lbs for trailer maximum weight. NO WAY should you be pulling a 5200 - 5500 lb trailer with this vehicle.
There is also a sticker on the driver's door that lists the maximum cargo weight for the vehicle. Usually about 1200 to 1500 lbs or so. That weight includes trailer tongue weight, passengers weight, gas, and other stuff you haul in the vehicle. It is easy to hit or exceed this number.

No doubt with a 29 ft trailer the tow vehicle was grossly overloaded!