Towing Capacity of a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche with HD Towing Package

Question:

Hello, We recently purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ with the 5.3L engine and a 3.42 gear ratio. It has the complete heavy duty trailering package from the factory, including HD transmission oil cooler, engine oil cooler and trailer brake controller. According to the documentation I have, it has a 7,200 lb towing capacity. The door sticker indicates that the cargo capacity for all passengers and cargo should never exceed 1182 lbs. We are looking to purchase a travel trailer in the range of 5,200 lbs dry with a GVWR of 6,695 lbs.. The trailer has a hitch weight of 427 lbs. We have never towed anything and are looking for some helpful information. Can our vehicle safely tow this trailer with our Avalanche? Is there anything we can do to safely increase our cargo capacity springs, leafs, shocks that will not cost an arm and a leg? Any information you can provide will be very helpful.

asked by: Michael

Expert Reply:

According to the owner's manual for your 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche, if you have the HD towing package and it is 2WD than your maximum towing capacity is 8,100 lbs but if you have the HD towing package and it is 4WD than your maximum towing capacity is 7,900 lbs. Regardless of if you have 2WD or 4WD, the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) which is the maximum weight allowed for the vehicle with cargo and a trailer is 14,000 lbs.

With that being said as long as your trailer and cargo are below the above figures then you can safely pull a travel trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 6,695 lbs. However, since you will be near the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle and you have rear coil springs which are not the best for heavy towing, I recommend adding a set of suspension enhancements or a weight distribution system. If you experience trailer sway while towing then I recommend a weight distribution system but if not then a set of suspension enhancements will work for you.

For a set of suspension enhancements I recommend using the Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Springs part # F4108 as long as you do not have the factory auto-leveling feature. The air springs are easy to install, easy to setup, and are adjustable so you can find the perfect level of support/comfort. You can also use them with a weight distribution system if needed.

For a weight distribution system, you will need to base this off of the loaded ready to tow tongue weight of the trailer and any cargo stored behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. As long as this figure does not exceed 600 lbs, I recommend using the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System part # EQ37060ET which is considered to be one of the best systems on the market.

I have attached a review video of the weight distribution system and an install video of the air springs for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L