• If you currently own, previously owned or want to own an Avalanche, we welcome you to become a member today. Membership is FREE, register now!

Towing with my 2008 LTZ 4x4

JohnnieMo

JohnnieMo

SM 2017
PM 2014
SM 2013
Full Member
Joined
Jun 2, 2011
Messages
905
Location
Calgary, Alberta
I'm trying to figure out the towing specifics for my 2008 Avalanche LTZ 4x4.  I've researched a lot on the site, but I'm finding conflicting information.  I have some questions to answer.  For reference, I've attached a picture of my RPO codes. 
IMG_00000328.jpg


1.  What is the final drive ratio?  Someone on here told be 4.10, but according to my GT4 code, its actually a 3.73. 
2.  How much can I tow?
3.  What class is the hitch?
4.  Do I have a tranny cooler?


I'm asking because I want to make sure my truck is suitable to haul a boat.  I'm picking up either a Tige RZ2 or a Tige Z3.  They are about 5000 to 6000lb loaded up.  When I bought this truck (used) I was told it had a trailer package, but given what I've researched I don't think that was true.  I had no intention to tow at that time, so I didn't care.  Now I want to be sure before I wreck something.

As a side note I want to get a brake controller.  After looking at this site, the Prodigy P2 looks like the best.  I contacted a shop who sold one and they said they wouldn't install it because "in the Chevys you have to splice the wires."  I guess they don't want the work.  So I want to confirm other guys on here have done that before I go cutting things up.  Maybe there is some secret to this.

Sorry for all the questions... I've been reading for weeks and this seemed easiest.
 
1:  GT4 - REAR AXLE - 3.73 RATIO
2:  C5Z - 7,200 LB GVW RATING
3-4:  Z82 - HD TRAILERING EQUIPMENT


So, 3.73 final drive, you can tow 7200 LBS, Im not sure about hitch class, I think most trucks are class 3. And yes you have a trans cooler. I'm pretty sure the HD equipment includes the aux. trans cooler. So you should have 2 tranny coolers.
 
This is where is get confused. Isn't a class 3 hitch limited to 5000lbs? If so, I don't see how they can rate the truck for 7200lb.
 
Another question...  GVW implies gross vehicle weight.  Given the truck is almost 6000lbs on its own, that only leaves 1200lbs.  This doesn't immediately occur to me to be a trailering weight.  That would be called GTWR. :help:
 
Johnie- You have at least a 7000 lb tow rating. GVW is NOT the same as a tow rating. That would be a GCVWR which should be on your door sill will have the combined vehicle weight rating of vehicle and trailer and is much higher. 

http://media.channelblade.com/EProWebsiteMedia/2484/2008TowGuide.pdf

The factory hitch is rated only for 5,000 lbs without a weight distributing hitch. Its has a higher rating with a weight distributing hitch. That's why many of us change to a drawtite or curt class V hitch. Take some time and read through.

Take some time to read some information on trailering websites.

Avalon
 
Thanks.... that is finally starting to make some sense.

It still doesn't add up for me that GM rates the truck for 7000lbs when the hitch itself can't handle it. 

For the time being I want to get a brake controller installed, and that on its own looks like a bit of a challenge.  Next year I'll be getting the boat and I have time to read through the data and ensure the truck is up to the job.

 
avalonandl said:
Get a Tekonsha Prodigy controller.

Avalon
Click to expand...

I agree! I have the Prodigy P3 and love it.

IMG_0867.jpg


JohnnieMo said:
For the time being I want to get a brake controller installed, and that on its own looks like a bit of a challenge.  Next year I'll be getting the boat and I have time to read through the data and ensure the truck is up to the job.
Click to expand...

I installed it in less than 30 minutes in my 08 LTZ... this video will explain everything.

http://images.etrailer.com/Merchant2/Graphics/00000001/video/install-brake-controller-2011-chevrolet-suburban-90885.webm

I know it is for a 2011 Burb but it is the same procedure for the 08.
 
avalonandl said:
Johnie- You have at least a 7000 lb tow rating. GVW is NOT the same as a tow rating. That would be a GCVWR which should be on your door sill will have the combined vehicle weight rating of vehicle and trailer and is much higher. 
Avalon
Click to expand...

Door sticker doesn't say anything about GCVWR.  However the owners manual says 13,000lbs.  I'm sure my truck is pushing 6500+ with family and gear, so that leaves another 6500 for a boat.  It sure is getting heavier than I would like.  I'd just hate to go to a diesel for the two trips a year that I make through the mountains.

I can add some 4.10 gears and perhaps some HP boosters.  Maybe that would be enough.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_00000324.jpg
    IMG_00000324.jpg
    54.1 KB · Views: 159
this is your build sheet


193 - EBONY  19I - EBONY 
1LZ - AVALANCHE LTZ EQUIPMENT GROUP: * FRONT LEATHER APPOINTED BUCKET SEATS * DRIVER SIDE SEAT W/10-WAY POWER, HEAT & MEMORY * PASSENGER SIDE SEAT W/10-WAY POWER & HEAT * 2ND ROW LEATHER APPOINTED SEATS * POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS * REMOTE VEHICLE START * AM/FM STEREO WITH MP3 COMPATIBLE 6-DISC CD CHANGER (REPLACES STD RADIO) * BOSE PREMIUM SPEAKER SYSTEM * LOCKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL * AUTORIDE SUSPENSION PACKAGE * 20" POLISHED ALUMINUM WHEELS * HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM * RAIN SENSING WIPERS * UNIVERSAL HOME REMOTE * DUAL-ZONE AUTOMATIC A/C * ULTRASONIC REAR PARK ASSIST * OUTSIDE POWER FOLDING MIRRORS W/AUTO DIMMING & TURN SIGNALS * LUGGAGE RACK - SIDE RAILS * CHROME GRILLE,MIRRORS,HANDLES  1SZ - OPTION PKG DISCOUNT 
41U - BLACK  6A8 - SUSPENSION 
7A7 - SUSPENSION  A31 - POWER WINDOWS 
AG1 - SIX-WAY POWER DRIVER SEAT  AG2 - 10-WAY POWER PASSENGER SEAT 
AJ1 - DEEP TINTED GLASS  AL0 - SENSOR INDICATOR INFLATABLE RESTRAINT FRT PASS 
AN3 - FULL FEATURE BUCKET SEATS  AP3 - REMOTE VEHICLE START 
ASF - HEAD CURTAIN SIDE AIR BAGS  AT5 - FOLDING CENTER SEAT 
AU3 - POWER DOOR LOCKS WITH REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY  AXP - MPV VIN IDENT POSITION 
B30 - CARPETING, COLOR-KEYED  B41 - CARGO AREA FLOOR MAT 
B58 - COLOR-KEYED FLOOR MATS, CARPETED  B85 - BODY SIDE MOLDING 
BVE - ASSIST STEPS  C49 - ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER 
C5Z - 7,200 LB GVW RATING  CE1 - RAIN SENSING WIPERS 
CF5 - POWER SLIDING SUNROOF  CJ2 - DUAL-ZONE AUTO AIR CONDITIONING 
D07 - CUSTOM FRONT FLOOR CONSOLE  DCP - ONSTAR DIRECTIONS & CONNECTIONS 1 YR FACTORY PACKAGE 
DF5 - ISRV MIRROR W/COMPASS & TEMP  DH6 - LIGHTED VISOR/VANITY MIRRORS 
DK8 - DELUXE OVERHEAD CONSOLE  DL3 - OSRV MIRROR W/DRIVER SIDE AUTO DIMMING, PWR FOLD & ADJ, HEAT, TURN SIGNAL (REPLACES STD/PKG MIRROR) 
DT3 - REAR STOWAGE COMPARTMENT  EN4 - 3 PIECE RIGID TONNEAU COVER 
FE9 - FEDERAL EMISSIONS  G69 - LEVEL CONTROL AUTO, AIR, HD 
G80 - LOCKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL  GT4 - REAR AXLE - 3.73 RATIO 
JD9 - BRAKES, 17" DISC/DISC  JF4 - POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS 
JL4 - STABILITRAK-STABILITY CONTROL W/ TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM  K34 - CRUISE CONTROL 
KG3 - 145 AMP ALTERNATOR  LC9 - VORTEC 5.3L V8 SFI FLEX-FUEL 
M30 - 4-SPD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION  MSL - SILAO, MEXICO PLANT 
NP5 - LEATHER WRAPPED STEERING WHEEL  NQH - TRANSFER CASE, ELECTRONIC 
NT7 - EMISSION SYSTEM FEDERAL TIER 2  NZ4 - FULL SIZE SPARE WHEEL 
QSS - P275/55R20 BW RADIAL TIRES  R9N - PROCESSING CODE 
RCS - 20" POLISHED ALUMINUM WHEELS  SAF - SPARE TIRE LOCK 
SLM - STOCK ORDERS  SLT - EQUIP CHEV 'LT' SALES PKG 
STZ - LTZ EQUIPMENT GROUP  T74 - HEADLAMPS 
T96 - FOG LAMPS  U2K - XM SATELLITE RADIO - SERVICE FEE EXTRA. 1ST 3 MONTHS INCL. 
U3U - NAVIGATION SYSTEM-TOUCH SCREEN W/CD/MP3 (REPLACES 6-DISC CD CHANGER)  UD7 - ULTRASONIC REAR PARKING ASSIST 
UE1 - 1 YR ONSTAR DIRECTIONS W/TURN- BY-TURN NAVIGATION (ASK DEALER ABOUT GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE)  UG1 - UNIVERSAL HOME REMOTE 
UJ6 - TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR  UK3 - STEERING WHEEL RADIO CONTROLS 
UK6 - REAR SEAT AUDIO CONTROLS  UQA - BOSE PREMIUM SPEAKER SYSTEM 
UVC - REAR VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM  V1K - LUGGAGE RACK - CROSS BARS 
V22 - CHROME GRILLE  V54 - LUGGAGE RACK - SIDE RAILS 
V73 - STATEMENT OF VEHICLE CERT.-U.S. /CANADA  V76 - RECOVERY HOOKS 
VGD - BODY COLOR FRONT FACIA  VGE - BODY COLOR REAR FACIA 
VGK - LTZ ORNAMENTATION  VH9 - ENVELOPE OWNER INFO MANUAL 
VK3 - FRONT LICENSE PLATE MOUNT  VR4 - WEIGHT DISTRIB. PLATFORM HITCH 
VT7 - OWNERS MANUAL ENGLISH  VXS - COMPLETE VEHICLE LABEL 
X88 - CHEVROLET CONVERSION  XA7 - HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM 
YD3 - BASE AXLE  YD5 - BASE FRONT SPRING 
YD6 - BASE REAR SPRING  YE9 - LS TRIM 
Z55 - AUTORIDE SUSPENSION  Z82 - HD TRAILERING EQUIPMENT 
ZRS - P265/70R17 SPARE TIRE  ZW9 - BASE BODY 
ZY1 - SOLID PAINT  ~CD - 
 
Very similar to mine, does anyone know definitively if the Z82 on the LTZ resulted in oil cooler and trans cooler? I don't see one on my truck.
 
The smaller vertical cooler circled above is the power steering fluid cooler.

The optional engine oil cooler routes from a set of ports above the engine oil filter up into a set of ports on the driver's side radiator tank inside the engine bay.

If your truck does not have the optional engine oil cooler (my 2003 Avalanches does not, but my 2004 EXT does) then you will find a bypass adapter mounted to the ports above the oil filter.
 
ToyHauler13 said:
Yes, you are correct Sir!
I originally thought that was an oil cooler and I just can't keep that straight.
Thanks for clearing up my disinformation. (y)
Click to expand...

You are welcome.

I hope you will do the same for me.

:) (y)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top