Broke down an bought a new Chevy

[Timber]

I understand the hitch is rated at that but the truck is not. Its a common misconception. They use that hitch on many applications.

The GM web site is wrong on some info that I have gathered such as the front axle GVWR.

In your owners manual it will have a chart showing your tow rating based off your engine, axle, cab, and bed configuration.

Chris

I agree with you the the hitch and the truck are in conflict with each other. I havn't actually considered towing anything at the moment and just going buy what I see and have been told. Like anything when it comes down to actually working the truck I will make my calculations then. You are very wise to point this out and I'm am great full not only for myself but for anyone that may reference this thread in the future. I got caught up in my own excitement LOL

 

[Diamondpilot]

Thanks guys. Yes, it can be very confusing. Especially with the towing wars that are going on between all 5 manufactures of trucks and the sales pitches the so called sales people at the dealer try to feed ya. They are so quick to sell vehicles they get stupid.

I have actually gotten calls from my Ford dealer wanting me to answer questions for customers because they can not. It seems like the manufactures would educate the dealers a little better.

Chris

 

[bdeboer]

That tag is not right, guaranteed. The front axle info will all be on the sticker inside your door along with the rear axle and the GVWR.

Its all right here:
http://www.chevrolet.com/assets/pdf/brochures/2012_Chevy_TraileringPoster.pdf

Chris

Anyone else find it interesting that they rate the 1/2Ton Crew Cab with 5.3L and 6 lug axles with "heavy cooling" almost the same.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Anyone else find it interesting that they rate the 1/2Ton Crew Cab with 5.3L and 6 lug axles with "heavy cooling" almost the same.

Its been that weight for years. A F-250 with the 5.4L always towed a few thousand pounds less than a 5.4L F-150. It all comes down to the weight of the total rig, truck and trailer and a F-250 is 1,500# heavier.

Heck, the new 1/2 tons such as the F-150 will tow 11,300# now.

The big difference is payload or tongue weight capacity with a 3/4 ton and brakes.

Chris

 

[tcartwri]

I have actually gotten calls from my Ford dealer wanting me to answer questions for customers because they can not. It seems like the manufactures would educate the dealers a little better.

Chris

You really have to go to a dealer that sells commercial vehicles to get a straight answer on vehicle specs. The typical salesman in an urban dealership hasn't got a clue, and can't find his *** fast enough to scratch it.

 

[Timber]

I know I have been buying trucks off this dealership for over 25 years though rarely do I use the same salesman. I don't believe anyone intentionally deceives anyone but it does happen. In my case I simply didn't ask. I knew I bought enough truck to do what I needed but the salesman did enjoy selling the truck as much as I did buying it. It was clear he would have liked one himself LOL. I too am guilty of bragging what I was told & what I scanned over without working the figures but I am enjoying the new truck envy if you know what I mean.

 

[Lt CHEG]

Anyone else find it interesting that they rate the 1/2Ton Crew Cab with 5.3L and 6 lug axles with "heavy cooling" almost the same.

I honestly think that they rate the half tons as high as they possibly can to attract people to their brand over the competition. However, for the 3/4 and 1 ton gassers I believe that they intentionally underrate them to help sell the diesels. Personally, most of my towing is within 25 to 30 miles, and the most I'll ever tow is 150 miles to my mother and father in laws house. I really only care about suspension. I think the diesel 1 ton version of my truck is rated for more towing capacity at least for gooseneck towing. I'd have no problem towing what the diesel is rated for with my truck, and frankly probably more than that. My truck is rated for 13,000 pounds bumper pull, but if my hitch was rated for say 15,000 pounds, I'd tow 15,000 without concern for the kind of towing I need to do. For 25 miles or less usually, I'd just plan on taking it slow. Heck My 1/2 ton silverado with 5.3 V8 and 3.42 gears made more than enough power to tow even heavier than I did, the only reason I upgraded was for the bigger suspension and brakes. Towing 700 pounds over the truck's rated capacity I was able to tow up the steepest grade in the Adirondack mountains at 50 mph in the truck lane without going over 3,100 rpm or so. I could have driven faster if I was willing to really raise the rpms, but I saw no need to. I'm not in a race when I'm pulling my tractor, so I take my time and make sure I get there.

 

[Diamondpilot]

For a few years Ford V10 equipped trucks could tow more than the diesel version. Reason being was weight and gears. The diesel SRW trucks could only get 3.73's and the V10 could get 3.73, 4.10, or 4.30 gears and the engine was more than 500# lighter than the diesel.

Chris

 

[crashz]

I was surprised when I read that in the manual too. Seems like all the HD trucks with 3.73 gears are limited to a 16,000 CGVWR. The trucks with the diesel (3.73 only) and gas trucks with the 4.10's are rated at 20,500 CGVWR. Seems like an incredible difference in capacity for a slight difference in gearing.

This limits my truck to a max trailer weight of 9500 lbs. Only 700 lbs more than my old half ton. I'm not too concerned though. This truck isn't going to see anything other than the same loads I had on my 1/2 ton. This truck was bought to work the same, drive the same distances and be more confident with a load on the back. So far, I couldn't be happier!

Timber - I'm just driving normal for me, 50/50 city and highway, and so far the mileage is about 12-14 mpg. I've been driving with some "spirit" to break her in, but I think I'll be backing off and trying to keep my foot out of it. Its actually hard to keep the truck under the speed limit.

Gonna take a ride out to western MA this weekend and see if I can squeak some better mileage numbers out of it.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Your mpg numbers are right on for the 6L and 6 speed tranny. The old 4 speed was a 10 to 12 mpg truck.

About the same as all V8 3/4 ton trucks.

Chris