2019 Tahoe for towing. Difference between tow and max trailer package?

Hello,

I'm looking for a 2019 tahoe to tow a travel trailer. I'm confused on the difference between the tow package and the max trailering package.

Looks like the tow package is more common.

What is towing capacity for tow package?
what is towing capacity for max trailering package?

any info would be great.

Matt

GreyStone said:

https://my.gm.com/content/dam/gmownercenter/gmna/dynamic/manuals/2015/chevrolet/equinox/CH-CAT-10217126_MY15 US Trailering Guide_122215.pdf

Click to expand...

Thanks. I'm not finding much on the tow package to compare with your link. I know things change from year to year and I'm looking at 2019.

Matt

From what I gather, "Max Trailering Package" is what they call the 3:42's...

So, to break it down - Tahoe with 3:42 AR 2WD = 8600 max / 4WD = 8400 max
Tahoe with 3:08 AR 2WD = 6600 max / 4WD = 6400 max (might have a "tow package" but this is not the "max trailering package")

Also from the trailering guide: "The HeavyDuty Trailering Package (K5L) includes auxiliary external transmission fluid cooler and engine oil cooler."

That said, I wouldn't necessarily rely on what terminology they're using when you're shopping, make sure you check individual specs on trucks you're considering. Good luck ~

I believe the tow package is just the hitch installed on the back and maybe the trailer brake. And the max trailering is the gear ratio change and the rear load leveling air bags (probably the 4Low on the transfer case as well). I'm sure there are more details but thats the main ones I care about. I'm not sure either one has an actual aux/extra transmission cooler.

I have PDF's of the Chevrolet Trailering Guides from 2015 through 2020. Does the Forum have a location where I can upload them?

According to the Trailering Guides, all 5.3L Tahoes from 2015 through 2020 came with the HD Trailer package (RPO Z82) hitch,
GU4 3.08 Rear Axle Ratio (Unless they had the 6.2L engine or NHT Max Trailering Package-See below)
KC4 Engine Oil Cooling System
KNP Heavy Duty Transmission Cooling System
As stated by Sarah_279 above, 2WD = 6600 max / 4WD = 6400 max.

Some 5.3L Tahoes were ordered with the Max Trailering Package (RPO NHT), which included the basic HD Trailering equipment, plus,
GU6 3.42 Rear Axle Ratio
JL1 Integrated Trailer Brake Control
Z85 Suspension Package (rear leveling air shocks)
As stated by Sarah_279 above, 2WD = 8600 max / 4WD = 8400 max.

2018-2020 Tahoes with the optional 6.2L engine with a GU5 3.23 rear axle ratio had ratings of 2WD = 8400 max / 4WD = 8100 max.

So, the "Max Trailering Package" provided an increase in tow rating of 2000 pounds (one ton) over the HD Trailering Package.

All the points above are correct! There is a HUGE difference between what GM calls the HD or regular tow package (basically just a light weight hitch added to the grocery getter) vs the Max Tow Package where you get added transmission, oil, and engine cooling capacity.....brake controller....suspension leveling....and most importantly IMO the lower gear set - which I wish GM still offered a 3:73 geared tow package in their 1/2 ton SUV’s but 3:42’s are much better than 3:08’s when it comes to low speed towing and ‘grunt’.

I have a 2017 Tahoe LT with Max Trailering. I purchased to specifically tow my Travel Trailer (5,850 dry weight). Last I hit the scale, my trailer was around 6,200 loaded and have no problem towing. I use a good weight distribution hitch and keep it at 55-60 on the highway.

The Max Trailering Package is important because you get the 3.42 gears, break controller, sway control, heavy duty cooling, heavy duty suspension, etc

Furthermore, I went with the Tahoe LT vs Premier because the LT has Air Leveling Suspension vs the Magnaride. When I hook the trailer up, the Tahoe gets itself nice and level automatically.

Can someone take a picture of what the rear auto-leveling suspension looks like? My Monroney label shows that I have the Max Trailering Package...but my rear suspension looks to just be standard spring and shock. I am not seeing any bags back there.

Is there a Max Trailering Package with everything (break controller, 3.42 ration, etc.) and not rear air?

Thank you!

It's hard to see anything different. My picture didn't come out well enough to be helpful. There is a little arm with a connecting rod that you will see in front of the rear tire. I also think there is a compressor/air line that you can see attached to the "shock" when you look behind the tire toward the back of the truck where the shock is. You can also hear the compressor turn on every once in a while, especially if you put 3 people in the back seat. And when they get out and you turn off the tahoe, you can hear the air release from them to let the back end lower back to regular height after getting out.