Towing

[RaeDar]

Just order a new travel trailer this weekend . It is a 31' long, 7 1/2 ft wide. We have the 5.3L 2 wheel drive Avalanche. Any experienced TT drivers out there? Any suggestions on brake controllers, hitches, etc. I just found out for the first time after months of research that our wheel base is technically to short to be pulling anything over 25' .

Thanks

[J-Ri]

I'd bet the avalance isn't rated to pull a trailer as heavy as yours, regardless of length. If I were you, I'd trade the avalanche in for a real truck like a Silverado.

[RaeDar]

Actually it is. The Avalanche with the 3.73 ratio is rated at a tow capacity of 7300 and the trailer is 4800 dry. It's the length I was worried about because of the wheel base but I think with the right set up we will be ok.

The Silverado is too boring, if I have to trade it will be for the Avalanche 2500 with the 4.10 ratio unless they redesign the Silverado. (It's gotta be a GM regardless!)

[J-Ri]

That really suprises me, but good luck, and have fun with the new trailer!

[RaeDar]

Originally Posted by J-Ri

That really suprises me

What surprises you? What the Avalanche can tow or what the trailer weight is?

[dbcvn69]

u should have no problem towing the trailer. i have a 26' travel trailer and have no problems.i would suggest u make sure u have a weight distribution hitch,electric brakes with controller under dash,and also anti sway bars due to the length.

[84fiero123]

i would suggest you buy a suburban the extra weight and size has an advantage, and a larger standard motor. i find towing large trailers with small trucks very hard on the nerves. they have a tendancy to be pulled by the trailer. if you do get a burban get the four wheel steer much smaller turning radius when parking, you can get the trailering package with load leveling. thats the only draw back to the burban they are so long. but with it you wont need all the extras except the trailer brakes, and that you should have anyway. i belive its the law now you have to have brakes on any trailer with 2 axels. i may be wrong but i have heard that.

[Chevyman15004X4]

The only thing i would be worried about is the transmission overheating on long trips and expecially in the mountians or on long hilly roads where the temp in the summer time is extreem. I would sugest getting, (if not already equipted) a heavy duty tranny cooler but make sure yours doesn't have one from the factory first. They are really cheap and can save lots of money. Most tranny shops will tell you that is the main cause of tranny failer or premature wear on it is due to heat, heat from pulling large loads. Other than that, i wouldn't be too worried about the trailer over running you as long as you have the trailer brakes and go slow on the narrow sholder roads. As for brake controllers, I don't know much about them but definatly get one.

Just for your information im considering on buying a Chevy Avalanch 2500 4X4 with the 8.1 liter engine and all the options. I would say it would be a great choice due to the heaver brakes, larger rear end, heavy duty transmission probably already equipted with the extra heavy duty tranny cooler and the 2500 weighs about 1000 pounds more (from chevy web site).

[Bob La Londe]

I have towed a 28 ft with a 5.3 2wd Avalanche. On the long grades I had to down shift and elave it there running slower, but it ran 70+ just fine with the AC on on the flat and level. I did use a stabilizing / load equaization hitch.

I wouldn't do it every day though. That's why I bught a 3/4 Silverado w/ 6.0L

[Bob La Londe]

P.S. Its a heavy steel frame toy hauler with two full size Harleys inside so it probably weighs as much as your 31 does.

[imthepcguy]

Hi, new here, great site so far...

I have pulled a 30ft TT for several years with our 2002 avalanche, 5.3 Vortec/4:11 2 wheel drive..Had no problems

Leasing a 2004 and now pulling a 40ft. had no problems either...Turning in the lease next Feb and will upgrade to the 8.1/2500/4:11/4X4

[BLUE ZL600 EFI]

Two quick suggestions, one make sure to get sway bars because of the length. Second I would suggest getting the 4.1 gear in the rear end. Should only be about $200 installed since you only need one as apposed to 4wd you would need a second one in the front. I tow 5800 lbs all the time with my 5.3 Tahoe with no problem. I would consider changing to a 4.1 if I towed in more hilly areas, not for the few hills I encounter in WI, I can deal with the 3.73 I have.