Re: which axle ratio to pick for new Chevy silverado?
I also can't seem to find in any of the Chevy literature if it comes with a class 4 hitch or class 3.. it just says "heavy duty".. I believe a class 4 is needed when towing over 5000 lbs.? I'd think they'd include a class 4 with the max tow package but I can't find where it says it and of course the dealer will tell me what I want to hear.
If you read between the lines you'll find that anything over #5000 tow weighti (#500 lb tongue weight) requires the use a weight distributing hitch.
A class 4 hitch doesn’t mean a thing if the rear axle is only rated to carry an additional #500 load.
Here is some of the small print from the trailering brochure.
BALL HITCH TRAILERING: There are two types of ball hitches.
A weight-carrying hitch consists of a ball and coupler with no means to distribute the hitch weight. It is used primarily for lightweight trailers. Heavier trailers, however, require a weight distributing hitch, which uses spring bars to transfer some of the hitch weight forward onto the tow vehicle’s front axle and rearward onto the trailer’s axle(s).
RGAWR AND GVWR: Addition of trailer hitch weight cannot cause vehicle weights to exceed Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating(RGAWR) or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). These ratings can be found on the certification label located on the driver door or door frame.
GCWR: The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and trailer. A properly equipped tow vehicle and trailer at the maximum GCWR should be able to accelerate and merge with traffic, climb typical grades at highway speeds, handle the combination on virtually all road surfaces and stop adequately within a reasonable distance