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Real world towing for Av 2500 (3.73 vs 4.10 gears)

Greg06

Full Member
Joined
Dec 8, 2019
Messages
9
I have a 2003 Av 2500 4x4 with 3.73 gears which is tow rated at 9,900 lbs.  The same Av with 4.10 is rated at 11,900 lbs.  Besides the different gear ratio, is there any difference between the two?  I believe its old tag indicated the trailer hitch is a Class 4 rated at 12,000 lbs.  I have pulled a 12,000 lb boat trailer without issue (11,000lbs on the trailer axles / 1,100 lbs tongue weight) to the scale, also 4,900 lbs on rear axle of Av which is rated at 5,500 lbs.  I don?t want to temp fate, but before I replace the Av with a Pickup 2500 HD Diesel rated for 13,000 lbs I wish to know if there is a difference between the two Av 2500s (3.73 & @4.10) besides the gear ratio?  Does the 4.10 have a higher weight rated hitch, bigger brakes, chassis?  FWIW my Av 2500 sat level (no rear squat), steered fine, front axle weighed in around 3,800 lbs, pulled and braked the trailer very well ( I have a high end trailer with disc brakes).  I live in a relatively flat area, no mountain or big hills so the Av 2500 power is more than adequate.  Last question... is there anything I can do, aside from changing the gears to 4.10, which would increase the tow rating on my Av?  Thanks
 
There is no difference between the two other than the gear ratio, but it's harder on your transmission and engine.

It's easier to tow that much weight with 4.10.
 
Last question... is there anything I can do, aside from changing the gears to 4.10, which would increase the tow rating on my Av?  Thanks

  Legally, or Liability wise, No you can not.
 
JV is correct you don't want to get caught towing over the manufacturer rating, but you may want to drive a 2500 hd before you buy one it's a world of difference between it than a AV 2500
 
What I thought.  It?s a shame because my Av pulls ( and stops ) the boat trailer with ease,  and I would have no problem putting in 4.10s, but the manufacture rating is what it is.  I have driven the new 2500 pickups and they are a noticeably stiffer ride.  Thanks for the the information.  Greg
 
I'm curious do you have a weight distribution hitch. Towing a boat is different from towing a trailer
 
No weight distribution hitch because the trailer has surge brakes.  It?s interesting to note that the loaded rear axle weight is below the truck rating and the truck sits level with the trailer (no squatting that I see on overloaded trucks).  The trailer is also a high end Myco custom for the boat with great brakes and the Av has no problem getting up to speed and holding 60 without gear searching on the highway. I have never noticed any trailer sway on any of the boats I?ve trailered over the previous 17 years with this Av.  But, I don?t want to be non compliant with any regulations while towing.
 
Upgrading the transmission and engine oil coolers would help keep temps down for towing more.  You can always add power with a supercharger (I've thought about doing this, but it's costly for my 150,000 mile Avy).  I tow a 6,000 lb travel trailer with my 2007 Avy and installed a transmission oil cooler to keep my temps down.  I towed in the Smoky Mountains with no problem back in November.  Next month, I plan on getting the rear axle fluid changed since my Avy is at 150,000 miles. 

For some interesting tow vehicles, take a look at this site: https://www.canamrv.ca/

Mike
 
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