Community Forums

high desert · 09-09-2005, 01:00 PM

I have an 05 Suburban 2500 with the 8.1 and 4.10 axle ratio. This combination allows me to tow a max trailer weight of 12,000 lb.

My toyhauler is rated at 13,000 GVWR (it was 11000 lb. when I ordered it, but was rated higher by the manufacturer after the fact. But that's a long story). The burb actually does a fairly good job of towing this weight with the exception of the steepest grades.

Yesterday I went to my Chevy dealer to look at the new 2500 and 3500 Duramax/Allison trucks and was surprised to learn that they also have a max ball hitch trailer rating of 12,000 lb.

I realize the diesel 2500 or 3500 has more torque and would pull this trailer easier, but they still wouldn't be rated for the weight.

What is the limiting factor in all of these rigs that limit ball hitch trailer weights to 12,000 lb.?

Wes

high desert · 09-09-2005, 01:00 PM

I have an 05 Suburban 2500 with the 8.1 and 4.10 axle ratio. This combination allows me to tow a max trailer weight of 12,000 lb.

My toyhauler is rated at 13,000 GVWR (it was 11000 lb. when I ordered it, but was rated higher by the manufacturer after the fact. But that's a long story). The burb actually does a fairly good job of towing this weight with the exception of the steepest grades.

Yesterday I went to my Chevy dealer to look at the new 2500 and 3500 Duramax/Allison trucks and was surprised to learn that they also have a max ball hitch trailer rating of 12,000 lb.

I realize the diesel 2500 or 3500 has more torque and would pull this trailer easier, but they still wouldn't be rated for the weight.

What is the limiting factor in all of these rigs that limit ball hitch trailer weights to 12,000 lb.?

Wes

Hoverbug · 09-09-2005, 04:11 PM

Wes, remember it's not only the vehicle but the hitch concern. My '87 Burb with 454 is rated 12000# but the hitch was only 10000#. It has a 373 an '87 with a 410 was rated at 14000#

Erich · 09-09-2005, 04:17 PM

Like Hoverbug said, I too believe the limiting factor at that weight would be the hitch. I don't know if capacities go much beyond that.

high desert · 09-09-2005, 07:52 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Hoverbug:
Wes, remember it's not only the vehicle but the hitch concern. My '87 Burb with 454 is rated 12000# but the hitch was only 10000#. It has a 373 an '87 with a 410 was rated at 14000# </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yeah...your right that the hitch on my 450 lb.-ft. of torque burb is rated to 12,000 lb. But you would think that on a 3500 DRW with 650 lb.-ft. of torque that GM would upgrade the hitch just a little.

I'll definitely have to upgrade the hitch on the burb if I keep it as my TV.