Towing Capacity of 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4WD  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

On page 4-65 of the online owner's manual for the 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4WD the towing capacities for the two axle ratios are listed. If you have the 3.42 axle then the maximum trailer weight is 7100-lbs. If you have the 4.10 axle then the maximum trailer weight is listed as 8000-lbs. I suggest you review your own printed owner's manual to confirm your truck's towing capacity.

Clearly your trailer's maximum gross vehicle weight (GVWR) of 8810-lbs exceeds that of the Avalanche so you will want to be cautious to avoid overloading the vehicle. I highly recommend using a weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) system to help reduce rear-end sag and to push some of the trailer tongue weight (TW) forward onto the Avalanche's front axle; this will help maintain front tire traction for better steering and braking performance. I linked an article on such systems for you.

The key to choosing a WD/SC system is knowing your trailer's actual fully-loaded TW and to this adding the weight of anything in the truck bed that sits behind the rear axle, such as a fully loaded cooler or a generator. This combined weight, your total effective TW, will allow you to choose a system rated properly to give you the desired benefits without causing weird handling from the trailer. Since trailer TW is usually around 15-percent of the total, we'll estimate your loaded TW as being in the range of 1200-lbs. We offer a scale # 5780 to measure TW but other methods are outlined in the linked article.

The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37140ET works with TW ranging from 1000- to 1400-lbs and it also works with both surge type brakes and electric brakes. It provides both weight distribution and sway-prevention for your trailer. Thin-walled socket # EQ70-00-4800 is recommended for installation. Please refer to the linked video for more on this system.

expert reply by: Adam R

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