Towing Weight Capacity of 2008 Chevy Avalanche with 5.3L Engine

Question

Question:

I have a 2008 Chev Avalance LTZ with towing pkg, I am looking at camper trailer that I can tow behind. 5.3 liter. What Wt. limit, and or length should I be looking for? What is the difference between dry wt. and hitch wt. Would appreciation any professional advice you could give. Im getting so many different opinions from dealers. Thanks for any help you can give.

asked by: Larry C

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Expert Reply:

I took a look at the online version of the owner's manual for your 2008 Chevy Avalanche and it looks like with the 5.3L engine it has a towing capacity of 7,000 pounds for the 2WD model or 7,200 pounds for the 4WD model. I do recommend verifying this by checking your copy of the owner's manual as well.

When looking for a trailer you can safely pull the most important thing to look at is its GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), which refers to the most it can weigh when fully loaded. A trailer's dry weight refers to its weight when empty (before adding anything such as cargo or water for a trip). A trailer's hitch weight, which can also be called tongue weight, is the amount of downward weight the trailer will be putting on the hitch/truck when hooked up. Just imagine a person standing on top of the trailer hitch for your Chevy Avalanche. This is the type of weight a trailer's hitch/tongue weight refers to.

As long as you remain under the truck's capacities in terms of weight, a trailer's length is not really a concern.

From what I could find it looks like the towing package for your Avalanche included both a trailer hitch and 7-Way connector. If you do happen to need one or both of these parts please just let me know and I will be happy to make a recommendation.

If the trailer you purchase is equipped with electric brakes you will need to add a brake controller to power them. For this I highly recommend the Curt Echo # C51180. This is a unique proportional controller that will simply plug into the 7-Way at the back of the truck and pair to your smart phone via Bluetooth. This allows for a super easy install process and also eliminates the need for a separate monitor/box inside the cab since your phone is what is used to adjust any settings or activate the manual override.

I have attached a short video demonstration that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R

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Answer 1

I spoke with my representative at Equal-i-zer and the grooves that you see at the top and bottom of the spring bar receiver on the head is normal wear. He also mentioned that keeping the receiver lubricated will help reduce on wear in the future,…

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Answer 2

I spoke with my contact at Tekonsha regarding the PS Brake Controller, #90195. He stated that while descending or ascending an incline the self-leveling on the brake controller will calculate at what percent incline the vehicle is at, and apply a…

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Answer 3

There is one additional step that is required on your 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche that was not covered in the video with the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. There is a red wire located just outside the engine compartment fuse box that needs to be attached to…

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Answer 4

If your 2008 Chevy Avalanche came with a factory installed 7-Way trailer connector, it will have wiring for the brake controller under the dash. It will not have a port you can plug into, but the wiring will be already ran and you just have to make 4…

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Answer 5

Sounds like you have a friction sway control weight distribution (WD) system like the Reese Steadi-Flex #RP66561 or the Equal-i-zer #EQ37140ET. Pretty much all sway control setups use friction and that's what those loud popping and creaking…

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Answer 6

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 7

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 8

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 9

The trailer brakes work on a separate circuit than the lights. You have a couple of options to control the electric brakes on the trailer. One option is to use an air over electric brake control, #HA100400C. This unit connects to the air brakes on…

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Answer 10

A factory 7-way trailer connector isn't all you need to power a trailer's electric brakes. You still need a brake controller. Some Ford F-150s are equipped with a factory integrated brake controller, which you may have. If your 2012 Ford…

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Answer 11

Sure thing, I will go ahead and list out what you need for your 2023 Kia Sportage to add a 7-way for a brake controller so you can tow with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C94WR: - T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector…

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Answer 12

Hey Antoine, so the two kits you mentioned are actually really similar and honestly I would go with the part #ETBC7 if I were you. The #ETBC7L is basically the same thing minus a couple wires and breakers so you may as well get the kit that has…

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Towing Weight Capacity of 2008 Chevy Avalanche with 5.3L Engine

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