Help Me Understand Tow Ratings Of 01 Vs 07 Tahoe

turt1e · April 10, 2007

Trying to make sense of Chevy's tow ratings.

I've got two Chevy Tahoes now. A 2001 that I've had since new, and a new 2007 that I purchased last February. They both tow my Corvette + open car hauler trailer with no problem. The trailer with Z06 corvette loaded, and all the racing gear and tires weighs in at 5,700lbs at the truck stop scales. However the difference in tow ratings between my two Tahoes has me a bit perplexed after I weighed both of them at a truck stop scale recently.

Here are the specs for the 2001 Tahoe:

Tow Rating: 7,800 lbs with the 3.73 rear end.

Engine: 5.3

HP: 285 TQ 325

Curb Weight 5,400 lbs (without driver, full tank of gas, with third row seats in the car)

Now for the 2007

Tow Rating 7,200 lbs with the 3.73 rear end.

HP 320 TQ 340

Curb Weight 5,600 lbs (without driver, full tank of gas, with third row seats in the car)

I initially chalked up the lower tow rating on the new one due thinking it was a LOT heaver than the 2001. While this is true I was a bit surprised it was only 200 lbs heavier. So with the new Tahoe I lose 600 lbs of towing ability for an about 200 lbs weight gain? 7,200 lbs tow rating just seems low considering the extra horsepower and torque the new one has. Anyone else think this is odd? Not that I'm going to run out install 4.10 gears in the 07, but just thought it was interesting. Anyone know how the car companies determine tow ratings? Is there a standard they all use?

Thanks,

Coachmenguy · April 10, 2007

interesting, its a set standard per truck, not like power locks weighing 10 pounds would decrease your tow rating by 10, 7200 sounds about right for a half ton. Im sure there were other suddle changes in those 6 years but you wouldnt think they would make it less capable. Good thing you werent maxed out before or you'd be way over now I'm assuming they were both 4 wheel drive

turt1e · April 10, 2007

...I'm assuming they were both 4 wheel drive

Actually they are both 2 wheel drive models. Forgot to mention that, thanks!

And I was also thinking that it was odd that Chevy down rated the 07 on towing. You'd think for marketing purposes they would want the newer models to show a better tow rating.

GRB60 · April 10, 2007

The tow rating is not solely dependent upon HP and gearing. The frame and suspension, braking, etc. are also part of the equation.

C & A s Dad · April 10, 2007

Paul, you had better check that 07 for an aux trans cooler. Many of the 07s are not equipped with the aux cooler. If there is not one, I would highly recommend a good stacked plate designed cooler about 11" x 11". This will be about twice as big as the OE unit and will do a great job.