2015 Tahoe Z71 4X4 Towing Capacity

[Mike Foye]

Just purchased 2015 Tahoe 4 x 4 LT w/Z71 package. Option RPO codes reflect that I have a 3.42 axle ratio and a Z82 tow package. Not sure but I thought that my tow capacity increases with the 3.42 axle ratio but my options RPO listing does not reflect that I have a Max Tow Package. I read another forum that said that If I have a Z71 then I cannot have Max Tow. They are different suspension packages and you cannot have both. Bottom line for me is what is my max tow with this 3.42 axle ratio?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Big Mama]

What does it say on the driver door jam? Or the owners manual? Go with gvwr covering the truck it’s payload and trailer and it’s payload. Ex my boat weighs 3800 so I’m ok but with 60 gallons gas different story

 

[NYisles1]

Only difference in ratings was with or without max tow and whether 2wd or 4wd. The Z71 could not have max tow.

https://my.gm.com/content/dam/gmown...-10217126_MY15 US Trailering Guide_122215.pdf

 

[Mike Foye]

I have concluded from all of the above that my towing capacity is 6300#. Is there an after-market way to increse the towing capacity up towards the Max Tow Package of 8300#

 

[Big Mama]

Some use weight distribution hitch it spreads the tongue weight over a larger area but doesn’t change the weight you tow. How far are you towing?

 

[NYisles1]

I have concluded from all of the above that my towing capacity is 6300#. Is there an after-market way to increse the towing capacity up towards the Max Tow Package of 8300#

What are you towing? What’s your hitch weight? You can’t do anything that would legally change the towing capacity of your vehicle, but there are options to improve towing performance - things like better shocks, stiffer coil springs, adding a sway bar etc. Wilwoods got a brake package upgrade that would fit the z71 stock wheels if braking is your concern.

I recently put bilstein 5100 shocks at all corners of my 16 suburban z71 and even that minor change significantly improved the ride.

 

[Mike Foye]

I am in the market for a travel trailer and towing weight will dictate what kind of trailer I will be looking for.

 

[NYisles1]

I am in the market for a travel trailer and towing weight will dictate what kind of trailer I will be looking for.

Travel Trailers will put about 15% of their weight on the tongue. Do your research .. my first TT had a dry weight around 7000lbs, wound up being an uncomfortable tow with a 1500 Silverado so i traded in for a 2500 Silverado. My .02 would be to find a camper with a dry weight WELL below the max tow rating of the Tahoe.