Tow vehichle ?

[Dick W.]

Re: Tow vehichle ?

I know how to take care of the "hogwash".. It's called SELL.

[Lee S.]

Re: Tow vehichle ? EXPLAINED!

Many people misunderstand towing capacity of a vehicle... any vehicle. The manufacturer measures/rates a capacity called GROSS COMBINATION WEIGHT RATING (GCWR). This is published in your Owner's Manual. Make sure you use the correct table for truck... Series (1500), Engine, & axle ratio. This would be the maximum capacity for your truck (including everything in it), and the trailer, and it's contents.

Now you need to know what the actual GCW (Gross Combination WEIGHT) is for your truck/trailer. Unfortunately, this is a little tougher as it now relies on actual curb weight. Neither the truck or trailer manufacturer know this as they don't know what you will put in the truck or trailer. The absolute best way to find actual weight is load the truck and trailer the way it is when you travel... load everything... including you, your wife, kids, dog, beer, etc. I think you get the picture. Most scrap yards, ready mix concrete, or other places where bulk heavy materials are sold have drive on scales. I have never seen one who wouldn't weigh your truck for a small fee... frequently free. They will guide you (just like a toll booth) to drive on the scale and stop at each axle... front axle weight, rear axle weight, each trailer axle. For most trailers, there will only be one weight even though you have multiple axles. This is because the axles are so close together.

Add up these weights (GCW) and compare them to the the GCWR. If GCW exceeds GCWR, you are overweight.

Two other very important things to consider
1) You can be under the GCWR and still be overweight. This due to weight distribution in the truck or trailer i.e., all of the truck's weght is on the rear axle. It is now overweight and the front is under the maximum. This is a very serious problem as you will now have problems with steering and maintaining vehicle control. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is on a sticker on the driver's door or LS B-pillar.

2) The trailer hitch that came on your truck is usually rated for a maximum of 4,000 pounds. If your truck can tow more than 4000 LBS you must add additional hitch components to distribute more of the GCWR further to the front of the vehicle. I don't know anyone who ever thinks about this and I regularly see 8,000 LB trailers hanging on to a GM Z82 Trailering Package hitch. The trailer weight is OK for the GCWR and the hitch may have stabilizer bars. Usually, the driver wonders why the truck/trailer still sways down the road. DUH!

With regard to your axle problem, it is hard to tell. If the conditions above apply, it could result in excessive twisting on suspension or axle components and result in the condition you describe.

I doubt it. My guess is that this is a shop comeback. However, it is just a matter of different opinions now.

Recomendation - Next time don't be so proud of your Corvette and Trailer and tell them you just tow a small pop-up camping trailer. (I'm not trying to insult you... I'm also guilty of gloating at times)

Good Luck.