Chevy Tahoe Towing Capacity Chart
A 2026 or 2027 Chevy Tahoe tows up to 8,400 lbs when it has the 5.3L V8, two-wheel drive (2WD) and the Max Trailering Package. Use the matrix below to find the rating for your exact engine and drivetrain.
- Ratings for every engine, 2WD vs. 4WD, with and without the Max Trailering Package
- Figures from Chevrolet's 2026 Trailering Guide and GM's published Tahoe specs
- Camper math: tongue weight, payload and trailer brakes explained
How much can a 2026 Tahoe tow?
Up to 8,400 lbs. That top rating requires the standard 5.3L V8, 2WD and the factory Max Trailering Package. A 4WD Tahoe with the same setup is rated for 8,200 lbs.
Chevrolet carried the same three engines into the 2027 Tahoe, so the ratings below cover the 2026 and 2027 Tahoes on our lot; confirm any 2027 rating on its window sticker. Without the Max Trailering Package, a Tahoe is still rated between 7,600 and 8,200 lbs depending on engine and drivetrain.
Two terms help when reading the chart. 2WD sends power to the rear wheels only. 4WD adds a transfer case and front driveline for traction on snow, boat ramps and gravel, but that extra weight lowers the tow rating slightly.
Tahoe towing capacity by engine and drivetrain
Find your engine in the left column, then read across to your drivetrain and whether the Tahoe has the Max Trailering Package. Ratings are maximum conventional (bumper-hitch) trailer weights.
| Engine | Output | 2WD standard | 2WD with Max Trailering | 4WD standard | 4WD with Max Trailering |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 | 355 hp / 383 lb-ft | 7,900 | 8,400 | 7,700 | 8,200 |
| 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 | 420 hp / 460 lb-ft | 7,700 | 8,200 | 7,600 | 8,100 |
| 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel I-6 | 305 hp / 495 lb-ft | 8,200 | 8,200 | 8,000 | 8,000 |
Sources: Chevrolet 2026 Trailering Guide and GM's published Tahoe specifications. GM lists the same Duramax rating with or without the package. Chevrolet's online configurator can show slightly different figures for some builds, so the Trailering Information Label on the driver-side door jamb is the final word for any specific vehicle.
5.3L V8 with 2WD
The lightest Tahoe setup earns the top 8,400-lb rating once the Max Trailering Package is added.
3.0L Duramax
495 lb-ft of torque arrives low in the rev range, which helps on long highway pulls with a loaded camper.
6.2L V8
420 hp for quick merging. It weighs more than the 5.3L, so its tow ratings are slightly lower.
Which Tahoe trims offer which engines?
Your trim decides which engines and drivetrains you can choose, which in turn sets your tow rating. Compare trims in detail in our Tahoe Z71 vs. Premier trim guide.
| Trim | Standard engine | Available engines | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|
| LS | 5.3L V8 | 3.0L Duramax | 2WD or 4WD |
| LT | 5.3L V8 | 3.0L Duramax | 2WD or 4WD |
| RST | 5.3L V8 | 6.2L V8, 3.0L Duramax | 2WD or 4WD |
| Z71 | 5.3L V8 | 6.2L V8, 3.0L Duramax | 4WD only |
| Premier | 5.3L V8 | 6.2L V8, 3.0L Duramax | 2WD or 4WD |
| High Country | 6.2L V8 | 3.0L Duramax | 4WD only for 2027 (2026 offered 2WD or 4WD) |
Because the Z71 is 4WD-only, its ratings follow the 4WD columns in the towing matrix. Confirm Max Trailering Package availability on any specific vehicle with our sales team.
What the Max Trailering Package adds
The Max Trailering Package is the factory option that unlocks the Tahoe's highest gas-engine ratings. According to GM, on select trims it includes:
- High-capacity radiator and cooling fan
- Integrated trailer brake controller, which works your trailer's electric brakes with the Tahoe's brakes
- Hitch View camera for lining up the ball and coupler
- Hill Descent Control
- Blind Zone Steering Assist with Trailering
- The Chevrolet Trailering App with trailer profiles and a pre-departure checklist
Why 4WD rates lower than 2WD
Chevrolet calculates maximum trailer weight by subtracting the Tahoe's curb weight from its Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR), the most the loaded SUV and trailer may weigh together.
GM lists a 5.3L 4WD Tahoe at 5,705 lbs versus 5,509 lbs for 2WD. Those extra pounds come out of the trailer allowance, which is why 4WD ratings run 100 to 200 lbs lower.
Minnesota winters and wet boat ramps still make 4WD the more popular choice for many local buyers.
Can a Tahoe tow a camper?
Yes. A properly equipped Tahoe can tow many pop-up campers, teardrops and small-to-mid-size travel trailers, as long as the camper's loaded weight stays under the Tahoe's rating.
Check these four numbers before you hitch up
- Loaded trailer weight. Use the camper's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) from its VIN sticker, not the dry weight in the brochure. Water, propane and gear add up fast.
- Tongue weight. Chevrolet recommends 10% to 15% of loaded trailer weight on the hitch for conventional trailers.
- Payload. Tongue weight, passengers and cargo all count against the Tahoe's payload. See the payload table below.
- Trailer brakes. Chevrolet requires trailer brakes above 2,000 lbs of trailer weight on the Tahoe. State laws vary.
Example: a 7,000-lb travel trailer
- Tongue weight at 10% to 15%: 700 to 1,050 lbs
- Five passengers at about 150 lbs each: about 750 lbs
- Total against payload: roughly 1,450 to 1,800 lbs
That can approach or pass the payload of some configurations, so pack light, weigh the setup and check your door-jamb label before the trip.
Chevrolet's guide lists trailers from 5,001 to 10,000 lbs as extra heavy-duty, which typically call for a weight-distributing hitch with sway control.
Tahoe payload by engine
Payload is how much weight the Tahoe can carry in the cabin and on the hitch combined. These are GM's published maximums for the refreshed Tahoe that launched for 2025. Options add weight, so the label on your vehicle's door jamb gives the true number.
| Engine | Max payload, 2WD | Max payload, 4WD |
|---|---|---|
| 5.3L V8 | 1,834 lbs | 1,746 lbs |
| 6.2L V8 | 1,671 lbs | 1,616 lbs |
| 3.0L Duramax | 1,717 lbs | 1,625 lbs |
Weighing the Tahoe against the longer Suburban? The Suburban's top rating is 8,200 lbs. Compare length, cargo and towing in our Chevy Tahoe vs. Suburban size and towing comparison.
Tahoe towing FAQ
What is the maximum towing capacity of a Chevy Tahoe?
8,400 lbs, with the 5.3L V8, 2WD and the Max Trailering Package. The same setup with 4WD is rated for 8,200 lbs.
Does the Duramax diesel tow more than the V8s?
Not on paper. The 3.0L Duramax is rated for 8,200 lbs with 2WD and 8,000 lbs with 4WD, below the 5.3L's 8,400-lb peak. Its 495 lb-ft of torque makes heavy loads feel easier on long highway grades.
Can I add the Max Trailering Package after purchase?
The package is a factory-installed option, so it is best to shop for a Tahoe already equipped with it. Our sales team can search inventory for Tahoes built with the package.
Where do I find the exact towing capacity of a specific Tahoe?
Check the Trailering Information Label on the driver-side door jamb. It lists that vehicle's GVWR, GCWR, maximum payload and maximum tongue weight.
Does the Tahoe tow more than the Suburban?
Slightly. The Tahoe's top rating is 8,400 lbs and the Suburban's is 8,200 lbs, both with the 5.3L V8, 2WD and the Max Trailering Package. The Suburban offers more cargo room behind the third row.
Find a Tahoe that fits your trailer
Tell us what you tow and we will point you to Tahoes with the right engine, drivetrain and trailering equipment, then set up a test drive.
Maximum trailering ratings are for comparison purposes only and assume a properly equipped vehicle with a driver and front passenger. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, review the Trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo, options and accessories reduces the amount you can tow. Ratings sourced from Chevrolet's 2026 Trailering Guide and GM published specifications; verify the exact rating on the vehicle's door-jamb label.