Can I tow a Gray Wolf 26DBH with Avalanche?

[Jay68442]

One of the trailers I'm considering is a 2016 Gray Wolf 26DBH
My tow vehicle is a 2005 Chevy Avalanche Z71 LT
Its a 1500 with a 3:42 rear.

Anyone towing with a similar setup?

[doc73]

I pulled mine with a 2009 1500 z71 crewcab. I do not know the numbers off an Avalanche but they look like a flasher 1500 to me... It pulled OK.

[OntarioFireFighter]

That's a lot of trailer for the truck - little bit of Google-Fu says your max tow is 7100 or 7300 # (4x4 or 2wd) with the 3.42's...

Trailer max weight is 7725; specs say 5500 ish dry...

You'll be at the top end of what the truck's rated for, but should be fine; long as you pack and drive accordingly.

[TURBS]

You'll run out of payload waaaaaay before you run out of max tow.

Look on your tire loading sticker on the door jamb.
From that number subtract the hitch weight of the camper plus everything you carry in the avalanche including passengers, also subtract your receiver hitch and sway bars

I'll bet you've got real close to a zero number if not a negative and you have not even loaded the camper yet which will raise the uvw of the hitch weight.


TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "27 nights"

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by TURBS

You'll run out of payload waaaaaay before you run out of max tow.

I'll bet you've got real close to a zero number if not a negative

I agree. Wrong travel trailer for that tow vehicle.

Bruce

[Jay68442]

I put down a deposit on that trailer today. I hope the truck holds up for a little while, I guess we will see. My wife is not going to be happy if I have to upgrade the truck

[DDC]

I towed our surveyor with an Avalanche that had the 3;42 rear end it pulled fine just make sure it has the full tow package as many with the 3;42 did not, mine did not so I had to add transmission cooling capacity and a larger rad, worked fine.

[Jay68442]

Originally Posted by DDC

I towed our surveyor with an Avalanche that had the 3;42 rear end it pulled fine just make sure it has the full tow package as many with the 3;42 did not, mine did not so I had to add transmission cooling capacity and a larger rad, worked fine.

My avalanche come with a tow package included in the Z71 and LT options but I will be adding a large tranny cooler.

[TURBS]

Curious, why did you even pose the question if you were going to do it anyway?

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "27 nights"

[aceinspp]

Originally Posted by TURBS

Curious, why did you even pose the question if you were going to do it anyway?

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "27 nights"

X 2 I still would not advise the tow. Looking to cause tv problems mainly transmission. Later RJD

[Jay68442]

Originally Posted by TURBS

Curious, why did you even pose the question if you were going to do it anyway?

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "27 nights"

I should have asked the question sooner. When I took the family to see it they were so excited that I felt this was the trailer for us. I do appreciate the replies and to be honest I'm a little nervous about my truck after reading them. A newer/larger truck is not out the picture. My plan is to weigh the truck and trailer once I have it and make a decision after our first trip.
Thanks again,
Jason

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by Jay68442

My plan is to weigh the truck and trailer once I have it and make a decision after our first trip.

Hopefully, you won't be making that decision during your first trip.

Bruce

[The_Rhino]

The Gray Wolf 26DBH is a bunkhouse, so I image you have kids... Once you add-up their bikes, scooters, camping chairs, etc. you will definitely surpass your TV's 1350 payload... However, if you proceed with this purchase, definitely make sure your tires are up to the task & have the dealer install a good, yet affordable, Equalizer 4 WDH, etc. If you pack very light & stay close to home, you could get the family hooked on camping before you talk your DW into the need for a larger TV...

The Gray Wolf's stick & tin design makes it heavier than pricier TT's with nearly the same floor plan, like the Prime Time Tracer AIRs. (Our dual slide PT Tracer 3150 only weighs 6,400 empty...) Some dealers will allow you to apply your deposit to another TT & a few will even refund your deposit. Choosing a lighter, but more pricey TT with nearly the same floor plan may be a better option than having to upgrade your TV in 1-2 years...

If/when you do upgrade your TV, you don't have to buy new. I found a 2 year-old Ram 2500 CC ST (stock) for $14K. I added a like-new fiberglass cap found on CL for $500 & I'm quiet happy. It has a payload of 3,000. The newer engine/tranny combo provides better mpg than older trucks. I get 17 mpg commuting & 8-10 towing... Our (used) PT Tracer 3150 was only $20K & IMO much better quality than new TT's in the same price-range & we've had 2 years w/out problems (not caused by me breaking something...)

[DDC]

Originally Posted by Jay68442

I should have asked the question sooner. When I took the family to see it they were so excited that I felt this was the trailer for us. I do appreciate the replies and to be honest I'm a little nervous about my truck after reading them. A newer/larger truck is not out the picture. My plan is to weigh the truck and trailer once I have it and make a decision after our first trip.
Thanks again,
Jason

Enjoy it with a good tranny cooler and right hitch you should be fine.

[Poper]

I have a lot of Avalanche experience. Owned (4) 02,06,10, 2013.
I towed my 26BHSS FR 4800 empty 6100 loaded.
Long story short I traded to 2015 2500 HD after one stressful season.
In aviation we call it " like a monkey riding a football" .
Avalanche had the tow pkg etc etc trans cooler loaded, and it just didn't have the rear suspension, also shorter WB than the Silverado. Also it had 20" P tires.
Thought I would miss the Av cause I really love them. Just not enough truck for what you want to tow. Good luck.

[keeprr]

I tow a 2504 KS Mini Lite with my 07 Avalanche with 5.3 and 3.73 rear. Nowhere near your trailer weight.
It is my belief that I am at the max capacity of the Avalanche. It works hard in the shallow mountains of Arkansas but does fine on fairly level interstate.
I'm planning on going west and east and will replace the Avalanche with a 2500 Chevy or GMC next season so I can enjoy our trips.

[jlgail4309]

Take it slow and easy you will be fine. Make sure u have a good stiff e rated tire for the truck and a good hitch a E 4 or better.

[campermanray]

been in car business all my life, in the GM end of thingd and the Avalanch has not proved to be much of a tow vehicle. They were made more for the fad look rather than being a workhorse.