Chev Avalanche 2500 limitations?
06-13-2010 | 09:47 AM
#1
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Chev Avalanche 2500 limitations?
I own a 2003 Avalanche 2500 with an 8.1 with 3.73 rear axle, book rates at 10,000 lbs towing capability. The same truck with 4.10 gears was rated at 12,000 lbs. I'm looking at buying a Formula 353 fastech which weights 12,000 lbs on the trailer. My queston - Can I get away with 3.73 gears when my towing distance is short and occassionally 200 miles or less (flatland / no mountains)? I'm going to check to ensure the truck has adequate braking because I don't know if the Avalanche with 4.10s were any different in this respect. Both were GVWR of 8600lbs. Any information or opinions would be appreciated. Thanks Greg
06-13-2010 | 10:03 AM
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From: Naples, Fl
The two answers I always have to this question:
1. You can pull it with anything you like. It's the stopping that worries me. In my limited recollection, I believe the Avalanche with the 4.10 rear also had bigger brakes. However, don't rely on my memory.
2. Even if you're comfortable with the towing capacity and the stopping power of your rig, what happens if the unthinkable happens ? You're towing with a rig that's rated below the combined weight of your boat / trailer combo. Your insurance company will use that as a valid excuse to deny any claims / liability and leave you personally on the hook for all claims related to an accident.
T
1. You can pull it with anything you like. It's the stopping that worries me. In my limited recollection, I believe the Avalanche with the 4.10 rear also had bigger brakes. However, don't rely on my memory.
2. Even if you're comfortable with the towing capacity and the stopping power of your rig, what happens if the unthinkable happens ? You're towing with a rig that's rated below the combined weight of your boat / trailer combo. Your insurance company will use that as a valid excuse to deny any claims / liability and leave you personally on the hook for all claims related to an accident.
T
06-13-2010 | 10:51 AM
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I don't believe they had bigger brakes. Easiest thing to do would be look up parts online for the different configurations and see if they are different part numbers.
That said, I have experience towing 12,000 lbs. with a 2500 Avalanche (with 4.10 gears). I have made a lot of posts about this truck here in the past. There are some things you can bolt on to make it tow better.
In my experience, it will tow it adequately, but not expertly; and I can't tell you for how long. I had a Class-V hitch and a weight distribution setup, and I still saw that my frame was sagging when loaded aft of the rear axle. I didn't like what I saw so I sold it and went to a 1-ton dually.
That said, I have experience towing 12,000 lbs. with a 2500 Avalanche (with 4.10 gears). I have made a lot of posts about this truck here in the past. There are some things you can bolt on to make it tow better.
In my experience, it will tow it adequately, but not expertly; and I can't tell you for how long. I had a Class-V hitch and a weight distribution setup, and I still saw that my frame was sagging when loaded aft of the rear axle. I didn't like what I saw so I sold it and went to a 1-ton dually.
06-13-2010 | 03:10 PM
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From: Sandown, NH - Sebago Lake Region, ME
I don't believe they had bigger brakes. Easiest thing to do would be look up parts online for the different configurations and see if they are different part numbers.
That said, I have experience towing 12,000 lbs. with a 2500 Avalanche (with 4.10 gears). I have made a lot of posts about this truck here in the past. There are some things you can bolt on to make it tow better.
In my experience, it will tow it adequately, but not expertly; and I can't tell you for how long. I had a Class-V hitch and a weight distribution setup, and I still saw that my frame was sagging when loaded aft of the rear axle. I didn't like what I saw so I sold it and went to a 1-ton dually.
That said, I have experience towing 12,000 lbs. with a 2500 Avalanche (with 4.10 gears). I have made a lot of posts about this truck here in the past. There are some things you can bolt on to make it tow better.
In my experience, it will tow it adequately, but not expertly; and I can't tell you for how long. I had a Class-V hitch and a weight distribution setup, and I still saw that my frame was sagging when loaded aft of the rear axle. I didn't like what I saw so I sold it and went to a 1-ton dually.
06-14-2010 | 08:45 PM
#6
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It's not.
Both have airbags installed in the pictures.
The AV pic is on flat land. It also has weight distribution bars installed.
The F350 pic is at the top of a (fairly steep) launch ramp, as such the truck is squatting a bit due to suspension pre-load.
Those are also different trailers. My Myco carries more tongue weight than my McClain, not to mention being a bit heavier.
Both have airbags installed in the pictures.
The AV pic is on flat land. It also has weight distribution bars installed.
The F350 pic is at the top of a (fairly steep) launch ramp, as such the truck is squatting a bit due to suspension pre-load.
Those are also different trailers. My Myco carries more tongue weight than my McClain, not to mention being a bit heavier.
Last edited by Sydwayz; 06-14-2010 at 08:52 PM.
06-15-2010 | 04:04 PM
#7
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From: Troy, Mich
502SS:
The first thing is to get a set of Firestone Air Bags and install. This will help immensley. Second replace factory hitch receiver with a Reese, Putnam or some other HD hitch. Factory hitch is a POS. Finally get electric or electric over hydraulic brakes on trailer. Do not use surge brakes- they are terrible. The real reason the drop from 12k to 10k is the gearing and the strain it puts on the tranny. I have 4.10 in mine and I pull a 30 ft Chris Cat on a Myco steel trailer pushing the 12 k limit. Once I got the air bags and electric brakes set up it is a breeze. You know its there but no sway at all and the air bags smoothed out the ride for the truck and boat over Michigans lousy roads. The brakes are the same on the 3.73 and 4.10 axles- they are full floating 14 bolt rear axles on the 2500. The 2500 will run better with a Hypertech tune job also... more rpm available from 4000 and up.
Wannabe
The first thing is to get a set of Firestone Air Bags and install. This will help immensley. Second replace factory hitch receiver with a Reese, Putnam or some other HD hitch. Factory hitch is a POS. Finally get electric or electric over hydraulic brakes on trailer. Do not use surge brakes- they are terrible. The real reason the drop from 12k to 10k is the gearing and the strain it puts on the tranny. I have 4.10 in mine and I pull a 30 ft Chris Cat on a Myco steel trailer pushing the 12 k limit. Once I got the air bags and electric brakes set up it is a breeze. You know its there but no sway at all and the air bags smoothed out the ride for the truck and boat over Michigans lousy roads. The brakes are the same on the 3.73 and 4.10 axles- they are full floating 14 bolt rear axles on the 2500. The 2500 will run better with a Hypertech tune job also... more rpm available from 4000 and up.
Wannabe
06-15-2010 | 07:59 PM
#9
21 and 42 footers
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From: Richmond VA
I was using a 2500 suburban with 3.73 (but the 6.0 motor) as a tow vehicle for a 312 fastech....which is only 500 lbs lighter than the 353. It did OK but it was all I wanted to haul. I figured the gearing and TQ of the bigger motor/gears raised the tow rating but I had everything needed to STOP the 12,000 lbs load. If you really want to keep using that truck then follow the advice already given and as with anything, drive responsibly.
06-16-2010 | 09:47 AM
#10
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From: Hendersonville, TN
The two answers I always have to this question:
1. You can pull it with anything you like. It's the stopping that worries me. In my limited recollection, I believe the Avalanche with the 4.10 rear also had bigger brakes. However, don't rely on my memory.
2. Even if you're comfortable with the towing capacity and the stopping power of your rig, what happens if the unthinkable happens ? You're towing with a rig that's rated below the combined weight of your boat / trailer combo. Your insurance company will use that as a valid excuse to deny any claims / liability and leave you personally on the hook for all claims related to an accident.
T
1. You can pull it with anything you like. It's the stopping that worries me. In my limited recollection, I believe the Avalanche with the 4.10 rear also had bigger brakes. However, don't rely on my memory.
2. Even if you're comfortable with the towing capacity and the stopping power of your rig, what happens if the unthinkable happens ? You're towing with a rig that's rated below the combined weight of your boat / trailer combo. Your insurance company will use that as a valid excuse to deny any claims / liability and leave you personally on the hook for all claims related to an accident.
T
Well said!
What tranny does the avalanche have. If it has an Allison you will have good engine braking, but not sure it was available in the avalanche. All Duramax diesels have 3.73 ratios, and the torque in the 8.1 is a little less that the diesel but a 3.73 should be adaquit. Without the Allison tranny I would be make sure you had good braking.
just my .02
