Do I Really Have Max Tow Package???

SamDSJR · November 4, 2019

So I went to move my RV with my new T1 2019 Silverado with the Max Tow package. Previously I had a 2018 Silverado that DID NOT have the Max Tow package. In my opinon, this looks like an awful lot of squat for a truck that has the Max Tow package that supposedly has stiffer springs than normal.

Now granted, this is without my weight distribution hitch on. I did this to see what the trailer itself would do, and I do not remember my old truck squatting this much. This trailer weighs 7125 pounds, and has a 832 pound tongue weight. Well within the specs for the Max Tow Silverado.

I'm honestly starting to wonder is it possible even though I have Max Tow they messed up on the assembly line and put the wrong springs/shocks on? What do you guys think?

The performance pulling it was wonderful. A clear difference from my old truck without the Max Tow package. And that brings up another question - How is it this new truck can pull 11,400 pounds with a 3.42 and a 5.3? On the old Silverado's the Max Tow got you a 3.73 (unless you had a 6.2.) And the old Silverado's with 3.42's could only pull 9100 in Crew Cab configuration.

lt1z · November 4, 2019

More gears in the trans allows then to use a lower( numerical) rear gear and still achieve the towing and mileage numbers.

With both the 8 and 10 speed 3.42 is the max tow gearing and 3.23 is standard.

Moledigger2019 · November 4, 2019

Looks like you have the wrong hitch setup

SamDSJR · November 5, 2019

1 hour ago, Moledigger2019 said:

Looks like you have the wrong hitch setup

Roger that - what makes you say that? (Asking politely.) I'm using a WD hitch rated for 15,000lbs, w/weight distribution. Just wondering if you could give more details about what makes you say that.

Cooper 114 · November 5, 2019

I have a 2019 Sierra with Max Trailering package and have towed my 8000 lbs trailer (dry weight) with ease numerous times this summer. The picture you have is about the same squat I have when the weight distribution bars are not engaged. When the weight distribution bars are engaged it is nearly level. Night and day difference between my 2019 Sierra and my 2015 Sierra that did not have the Max Trailering package. I took my new truck and trailer to an RV dealer to ensure the hitch and weight distribution bars were properly set up. As a side note I did replace the factory jounce stops/bumpers with Timbren Suspension Enhancement System

https://timbren.com/timbren-ses/

Moledigger2019 · November 5, 2019

The ball is way above the receiver.

SamDSJR · November 5, 2019

11 hours ago, Cooper 114 said:

I have a 2019 Sierra with Max Trailering package and have towed my 8000 lbs trailer (dry weight) with ease numerous times this summer. The picture you have is about the same squat I have when the weight distribution bars are not engaged. When the weight distribution bars are engaged it is nearly level. Night and day difference between my 2019 Sierra and my 2015 Sierra that did not have the Max Trailering package. I took my new truck and trailer to an RV dealer to ensure the hitch and weight distribution bars were properly set up. As a side note I did replace the factory jounce stops/bumpers with Timbren Suspension Enhancement System

https://timbren.com/timbren-ses/

Thanks for the info on the Timbren system. Do you know exactly which product you bought? They have 5 different models.

Lamby66 · November 5, 2019

On 11/4/2019 at 10:16 AM, SamDSJR said:

How is it this new truck can pull 11,400 pounds with a 3.42 and a 5.3? On the old Silverado's the Max Tow got you a 3.73 (unless you had a 6.2.) And the old Silverado's with 3.42's could only pull 9100 in Crew Cab configuration.

first off, I think you are looking pretty level for not having your load bars on, maybe a little trailer high though. with the load bars on it should be level

To comment on your question above, the manufactures cook the numbers.

The 11,400 number will be impossible to get to as you will overload something somewhere. Probably your RAWR (rear axle weight rating) first. My loaded 9500lb camper in the picture was 200lbs below the max rating on the rear tire with no payload other than me and more front axle bias than I wanted on the hitch. with it in full "camping mode" I had 20lbs to spare and that was with some creative load balancing in the trailer (aka less tongue weight)

Edited November 5, 2019 by Lamby66
mistake made

Cooper 114 · November 5, 2019

6 hours ago, SamDSJR said:

Thanks for the info on the Timbren system. Do you know exactly which product you bought? They have 5 different models.

Part # GMR15MR

newdude · November 5, 2019

On ‎11‎/‎4‎/‎2019 at 11:16 AM, SamDSJR said:

So I went to move my RV with my new T1 2019 Silverado with the Max Tow package. Previously I had a 2018 Silverado that DID NOT have the Max Tow package. In my opinon, this looks like an awful lot of squat for a truck that has the Max Tow package that supposedly has stiffer springs than normal.

Now granted, this is without my weight distribution hitch on. I did this to see what the trailer itself would do, and I do not remember my old truck squatting this much. This trailer weighs 7125 pounds, and has a 832 pound tongue weight. Well within the specs for the Max Tow Silverado.

I'm honestly starting to wonder is it possible even though I have Max Tow they messed up on the assembly line and put the wrong springs/shocks on? What do you guys think?

The performance pulling it was wonderful. A clear difference from my old truck without the Max Tow package. And that brings up another question - How is it this new truck can pull 11,400 pounds with a 3.42 and a 5.3? On the old Silverado's the Max Tow got you a 3.73 (unless you had a 6.2.) And the old Silverado's with 3.42's could only pull 9100 in Crew Cab configuration.

The 8 speed. 3.73 was needed for the 6 speed trans to make the NHT max trailer package. The 8 speed with those 2 extra gears and much better gear ratio spread allows for using the 3.42 gears. Best of both worlds really as the 8 speed even with the 3.42 will spin less RPMs than the 6 speed/3.73 when unloaded = better mileage.

SamDSJR · November 5, 2019

10 minutes ago, newdude said:

The 8 speed. 3.73 was needed for the 6 speed trans to make the NHT max trailer package. The 8 speed with those 2 extra gears and much better gear ratio spread allows for using the 3.42 gears. Best of both worlds really as the 8 speed even with the 3.42 will spin less RPMs than the 6 speed/3.73 when unloaded = better mileage.

Ok. Now that makes sense. Yep yep. I understand now.

f8l vnm · November 6, 2019

Still wish GM gave us the option of 3.55 or 3.73 like RAM , FORD and TOYOTA do

Cpl_Punishment · November 6, 2019

23 hours ago, f8l vnm said:

Still wish GM gave us the option of 3.55 or 3.73 like RAM , FORD and TOYOTA do

I wouldn't say Toyota gives you the option. Everyone gets a 4.30 whether they want it or not. That combined with a 7200 lb GVWR in a 5600 lb truck means you can have both low payload and towing capacities and poor fuel economy.

Ezekiel2517 · November 7, 2019

I have a new NHT and I dont think the springs do any more than regular ones. What is your tongue weight? That is a lot of squat. If you didnt readjust your hitch it's likely not transferring enough up front.

I plan to get air bags for mine like I had on my 2014 z71. Made all the difference.

madconcept · November 8, 2019

I did my first tow with a bit of a heavy load a few days ago and noticed quite the sag on my max trailer 2019 Sierra.

I had a fair amount of weight in the box, a high tongue load in the trailer and I also have a leveling kit installed, which I’m sure all contributed to the sag.

The trailer I had hooked up didn’t have a WD hitch either where as our 24’ travel trailer does.

Looking forward to seeing how this new truck handles our TT.