'09 Tahoe - Gear Ratio and Towing

[mdailey588]

I am looking at some '09 Tahoes to tow a travel trailer. Everything I looked at has two ratings for weight, 5,700lbs or 8,200 lbs. The only difference I see between the two is a cooling package (tranny cooler) for the 8,200 lbs. Do the '09's all have the same ratio?

 

The used ones I see don't have the cooling package. Is it really as simple as having the tranny cooler installed to have the extra capacity?

 

Thanks!

[SouthCo]

I highly doubt it's just the tranny cooler that adds the extra towing capacity. You may want to check Chevy's website for current year specs which should be same as '09.

 

With the pickups the towing package which adds towing capacity has different gearing in addition to the extra cooler.

[jimmyboy8301]

there are 3.42's and i think 3.08's and maybe 3.23's

[SouthCo]

Ok, like I was saying.... straight off Chevy's website:

 

Tahoe 4wd (2wd adds 300lbs capacity)

 

3.08 rear gearing gets your 5200lbs towing

3.42 rear gearing gets your 8200lbs towing

 

I think it said the heavier towing package is rpo code z82, but I'd confirm that before buying.

[mdailey588]

Jimmy and SouthCo, thanks for the information.

 

Where on the site did you find the '09 specs? I have looked but cannot locate it.

[SouthCo]

the manufacturer's site will only show current year and maybe 1 year older than current... They are same gmt900 platform and from what I've seen there hasn't been any significant changes '09 (year you mentioned) and current 2012. again i'd confirm with more in depth looking before you buy but at least you got something to go on now.

[RyanbabZ71]

Dont know how well a Tahoe will tow a travel trailer. It would be better to have a longer wheelbase vehicle to tow one.

 

There havent been any significant changes to ratings from 07-current MY.