GMC Envoy as a towing vehicle.......

[dtennyson]

Hi all! I'm brand new to the forum and am considering purchasing my first Airstream(my first TT)!! I'm planning to use my 2002 SWB Envoy w/ 3.42 rear end as a tow vehicle. I've spoken with my GM dealer and my Airstream Dealer and I'm a little confused.... I hope you all don't mind a couple questions for a newbie...

1. Will the Envoy handle a 19' International?

2. Any chance the Envoy will handle the 22' International?

3. If necessary, I'd be willing to purchase a Hensley hitch. Would this enable the Envoy to tow more?

Thanks all! Dave

[AYRSTRM2]

Welcome to the forums!

As a courtesy to us you should tell us what your vehicle's tow capacities are. They will be listed in your owner's manual. Without that, we can't give you definitive answers. Also, give us your wheel base.

But...first blush, would be 1. Maybe 2.Probably not 3. Most probably not.

Get us your vehicle's info and the real experts here on the forums will tell you.

John

[dtennyson]

113.0 in Wheelbase
The towing capacity for the 3.42 rear end according to The Towing Guide is: 5400lbs.

Thanks so much!!!

[john hd]

lots of driving in the mountains? or mostly flat lands? what are your plans? 3.42 gears are a pretty high ratio, v-8 or straight 6?

john

[Porky Pig]

A 2004 Envoy (3.42 rear) has a tow rating of 5,300 (4WD) and 5,100 (2WD).

A fully loaded 19 CCD is going to weigh about 4,500 pounds. A loaded 22 CCD will weigh about 5,600 pounds.

The payload of a 2004 Envoy is about 1,150 pounds. You will have to add the tongue weight of the trailer (10 - 15% of the trailer weight) to that ... roughly 510 to 795 pounds.

Now your Envoy can handle somewhere between 355 to 640 pounds of weight for you, your passengers and all of your gear.

I was unable to find the GCWR (weight of Envoy and trailer combined) .... but you are probably exceeding that anyway.

I would be looking for a higher rated vehicle.

[dtennyson]

It is an I6.... I live in the flatlands and will probably take it to the beach mostly, so no mountains.
North GA does have some beautiful mountains though and some stiff grades. I'd hate to have to avoid them.........

By the way the GCWR is 10000. Man, I really thought the Envoy would work for the 19'. I guess I should wait till I can get a higher rated vehicle......

P.S. you gotta love a man who quotes Frank...........:-)

[dtennyson]

Porky, The guide I'm looking at says 5400lbs tow-limit for the 2WD Envoy.... Will this make a difference? I guess i'm grasping at straws, but man you just dashed dreams!!

[Porky Pig]

Originally Posted by dtennyson

Porky, The guide I'm looking at says 5400lbs tow-limit for the 2WD Envoy.... Will this make a difference? I guess i'm grasping at straws, but man you just dashed dreams!!

I don't think another 100 pounds will help.

Here's an idea: Load up your Envoy with fuel, passengers and all the stuff you think you would need when travelling with your Airstream. Now drive it to a scale and weigh it. Then do the math again.