Posted by tim on August 03, 04 at 10:49:46:
In Reply to: Towing weight...how many get fooled posted by Ben on August 02, 04 at 09:10:19:
I get fed too by TT dealers that only look at dry weight. But I look at the GVW of the trailer, then make sure it is less than the 10k tow rate of my K2500.
the GCVW of a 3/4 ton is ~18,000 lbs, and the max loaded sub is 8600lbs, therefore it "can" tow 10,000lbs.
I do like the idea of driving over a set of scales as we leave town to get the TT and TV weight. Once would be plenty for all future refrences.
Tim
: Not that any manufacturer actually goes out and publishes bogus info...it's factual and applicable information...but not many read the "fine print", and those who do...has larger percentage not understand what it means.
: Basicly the OEM's have no choice bases all towing weights on "stripper" model because the matrix of options is almost endless, so the base vehicle weight will range from "stripper" (curb) weight, everything orderable from the OEM and up to the after market stuff.
: "Stripper" model in old days had cardboard door panels. No rugs. No Heater (now against the law, must have defroster/heater). No AC. No 2nd/3rd row seats. No spare. On pickups no rear bumper. Etc.
: This can be several hundred to over a thousand pounds over the stripper, "curb", weight.
: Then they used one 150 lb driver and no other passengers.
: Also no cargo. No luggage. No pets. Nothing.
: So the borchure listed "specifications" are all based on this "stripper" model with one 150 lb driver, no other passengers, no luggage, no cargo, etc.
: Since based on the lightes tow vehicle (TV), it can tow 1K-2K-3K more than a fully optioned and loaded TV.
: OEM's are not lying either when they state that my 96 3/4 ton Sub has 10,000 lb "max trailer weight rating" (MTWR). It can and did...but in a "stripper" model level....but mine is highest option (SLT) and is loaded up with people, cargo, luggage, etc when towing. That makes it about 2,600 lbs over the stripper, "curb", weight of 6,000 lbs.
: That means the "true" MTWR is 7,400 lbs...a far cry from the brochure listed 10,000 lb MTWR.
: For those who tow with any GM 1500, note that the weak links are the autor tranny and diff. Undersized for the vehicle and towing.
: Think about this. A Suburban is just a streeeetched Tahoe 4 door, which is a streeeetched Tahoe 2 door. They all share exact same auto tranny and diff. 2 dr Tahoe is about 3-4 feet shorter than a Suburban. That's sheetmetal, glass and the stuff inside. Maybe the frame is strengthened in the appropriate areas, but the auto tranny and diff are the same between'm.
: Then look at the weight ratings, especialy tow ratings.
: Then factor in that a Suburban can hold about twice in volume that any Tahoe can.
: Look around and read up on GM 1500's used to tow. Common auto tranny and diff failures. Usually tell tale sign of burnt fluid, smell burning fluid, wacky shifting.
: Finally, too many think since all Suburban model lines has exact same body, that a 1500 is same/similar to 2500. Completely different animal underneath the body. Bigger frame. Bigger auto tranny. Bigger diff. Bigger suspension. Bigger engines. ETC. Why a 2500 sits about 2 inches taller than a 1500 in stock form. Mostly larger frame this.