Towing

[longbucks]

They are more or less the same truck. ZR2 has softer suspension, so you will need airbags probably. You are well with in the 8900 rating on the zr2. 6.2 is the same in both trims, Same transmission, same rear end, ect. The only real difference is with a high country you can add a max trailering package that steps up the rear end gear ratio to 3.42 vs the standard 3.23. With the 10speed GM themselves has said going up on the gear ratio makes very little difference though. I'd go with which ever trim you like the most. It's not like a high country is known for having a stiff suspension that handles heavy loads either.
I'm towing my boat with the ZR2 for the first time tomorrow. Much smaller boat than yours though, lol. It's about a 65mile haul for me with a small mountain in the middle. Not concerned at all. Truck handles my Tractor NP.
View attachment 5239

Thanks...picked up the ZR2 Saturday.

 

[Eric E]

This may have already been a thread so forgive me if I'm repeating things here....

Has anyone done much towing with their ZR2. Yes, I realize this is an off road truck with suspension tuned as such.

I've got a 5700 lb camper and based on what I've seen should be fine with a weight distributing hitch. I also plan to put airbags on when it gets here. Anyone have any suggestions or know for sure which ones will fit? I've been looking at the Airlift Loadlifter Pro Series which sounds like it should fit and my mechanic also seems to think it will.

I've watched the TFL guys tow a 10000 lb camper with a 1000 lb tongue weight on their "gauntlet" so figured it won't have any problems. Just curious to hear some firsthand account from anyone who has towed.

Thanks.

I Tow a 16ft tandem regularly and it does a good job. I do balance the jeep a little further back on the trailer to keep the load evenly distributed. The tow ratings are a little less than other GM trucks due to the suspension, but it still will do everything I need it to.

 

[RLD]

Is there a difference in the tow ratings between the TB and ZR2?

I imagine the TB might be a tad better for towing.

Only a 200 pound difference, with the TB towing more

 

[Spoolin]

I've exceeded the GVWR on the truck by a significant margin on a 2,000 mile trip and aside from the inherent squat and the dreadful fuel mileage it handled it surprisingly well.

 

[cbpagent72]

I know I'm pretty late to this message string. I recently got a Robalo r250 and towing it is a nightmare with the ZR2. I did put some sumo springs so I don't totally bottom out the suspension. But I've got to tell you the front end is very light both on the braking and the steering and at one point when I was going uphill the front tires lifted off the ground.

I'm really wondering if airbags and upgrade brakes are really the solution or should I be looking at the 2500?

The boat weighs 6,000 lb dry, it has 165 gallon tank and I'm assuming the trailer which is aluminum is about 1,800 to 2,000 lb.

If air bags are the answer I'd love to know some specific models that fit the ZR2 1500 because I haven't found any that claim to fit.

 

[AXE]

Your way past the rear axle limit right now. Its not at all safe. I have both and I think the 1500 is good for 6-7k lbs, but I still have bigger springs or air bags. If your towing over 8k regularly and want to do it safely and effortlessly, then a 2500HD is a good investment. There's some great mark downs right now on 2500HDs, get it done.

 

[MO_ZR2]

Your way past the rear axle limit right now. Its not at all safe. I have both and I think the 1500 is good for 6-7k lbs, but I still have bigger springs or air bags. If your towing over 8k regularly and want to do it safely and effortlessly, then a 2500HD is a good investment. There's some great mark downs right now on 2500HDs, get it done.

Agree completely with Axe. There is what the specs “say” and then there is your experience. The proof is in the pudding as they say.

 

[GatorZR2]

Nice Boat! I Agree. I have a 18' key west stealth flats with 250 vmax and it squats a little. Anything bigger than 22' bay boat a 2500 is a more comfortable pull imo.

 

[ZR2CANDYMAN]

I have ordered a 2026 silverado 2500 HD ZR2 Diesel fully loaded with 5th wheel towing package and uplifter switches and looking to get a 5th wheel too. I want to add a winch, bumpers, some lights, tonneau. step bars, skid package, and some safes inside the truck. what would be a good lenght 5th wheel hitch weight to get.

thanks
Candyman

 

[AXE]

32-38, footer, but need to check the gross and pin weight, they are all different. Just depends upon what you want in terms of features.

You get north of 10k lbs you probably want airbags. It's a soft suspension, that's why it rides so well unladen.

 

[JoeDirty]

I'm currently towing a 24' Nautique GS24 behind my baby max with airbags. Your boat is definitely too big for the truck. I'm using the EZLift bags with a cradle to level and protect the shocks from being overworked. No issues towing other than the known DEF tank reading issues. Even without the bags the truck sits near level.