Can a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 Tow a 5th Wheel or Gooseneck Trailer  

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Helpful Expert Reply:

I do have options for you to tow a heavy trailer with your 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 but a gooseneck or 5th wheel trailer would be off limits. The reason for this is not so much as the weight of the trailer is more than the vehicle can handle though it would be a stretch but more so that the configuration of the truck bed does not allow for turning clearance. The Chevrolet Avalanche only has a 5' bed and the bed rails further limit turning clearance therefore you would most likely be limited to a 45 degree or less turn with a 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer which is just not safe. There are also no 5th wheel or gooseneck hitch options for this vehicle.

According to the owner's manual for your Chevrolet Avalanche, this vehicle can tow up to 10,400 lbs if you have the 3.73 gear ratio or up to 12,000 lbs if you have the 4.10 gear ratio. It should say on a sticker inside your glove box what the gear ratio for your truck is but if not you will need to call the dealer. For a trailer hitch that can handle the towing capacity of your vehicle I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 14080. This trailer hitch offers a completely no-drill installation.

If you will be towing a heavy trailer near the upper limits of your truck's towing capacity then I also recommend using a set of suspension enhancements so you don't lose too much braking power or stability. For this, I recommend the Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System part # TGMRSB4S because they are easy to install and offer more support than most other options.

expert reply by: Conner L

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