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  1. #1
    Seasoned Camper
    Join Date
    Sep 2022
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    Wisconsin
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    GM Half-ton Max Tow Package - Worth the upgrade?

    Looking to see if anyone has experience owning a GM half-ton with the factory "max trailering" package. From the GM web site, the stated inclusions of note are "Heavier duty rear springs and increased RGAWR" and "9.76" rear axle". The only engine options are the 5.3L or 6.2L V8's, and either is geared at 3.42.

    Stats with and without max trailering:
    GVWR 7300 vs. 7000
    Base curb weight: 5250 vs. 5070
    Payload 2050 vs. 1930
    RGAWR 4150 vs. 3800

    Towing capacity and combined weight ratings are not a concern to me. I'd consider this package mainly for the increased RGAWR and heavier rear spring. I'm currently towing our 22MLE (runs about 5800 lbs loaded) with a 2017 Silverado 1500. It tows fine except like most standard half tons, it starts to ride low and get bouncy with much more in the bed than a couple of bags of groceries. And of course like most I bump up against the payload and RGAWR before anything else. All of the videos I have seen with guys towing anything on the newer 2022-23 GMs, including GMs own promotional video for towing with the 2.7L turbo-I4, show the trucks riding very low. In my current truck, I added some helper coil springs in the back (it's a coil over shock), and then there are the roadmaster springs and air bags etc. I just don't like the idea of buying a new truck and then having to go to the aftermarket add-ons right away. The downside of the max tow package is that dealers never stock them, which means factory order, which in today's world still means wait until they have the parts to make it, and then pay window sticker.

    IMO, the 22MLE is firmly in half-ton territory, and I have no intention to tow anything bigger or go to a 3/4 ton truck. The half-ton max tow package seems to have some real meat in it and not just playing dress-up, since it adds 180lbs to the curb weight. Does anyone have the max tow and is there a noticeable performance difference, particularly for a level and composed ride while towing? Thanks.
    Last edited by Harvestmoon; 03-19-2023 at 08:39 PM. Reason: typo
    2023 Imagine XLS 22MLE

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