Vehicle Option Codes

[Tom C.]

I have the GM Vehicle Build Option Codes sheet for my truck. It states the GVWR for my truck is 8619 lbs. Down in the list of codes there is a code C6P 8600 lbs. Does anyone know if this is the tow rating for my truck?
Thanks for any help you can give me.

Tom C.

[vernj4]

Tom.....appears to be the GVW rating for the vehicle. I would check the inside of the doors for the GVWR. That number is the combined weight of the vehicle AND the towed load. Also listed will be the max load for the front(GAWR FRT) and rear axle(GAWR RR).
The GVWR includes all passangers, after market accessories added after the vehicle was manufactured and a loaded trailer or load in the bed. The GVW should not exceed the GVWR.
Hope this helps

[ulhpilot]

Option code C6P was the code used by GM to differentiate the 8600 GVWR (vehicle weight + cargo capacity) 3/4 ton truck (HD) from the then light duty 3/4 ton truck. C6P has 8 lug wheels, 4L80E auto trans, lots of HD stuff like brakes, axles, etc.. . The factory tow rating is determined by engine, trans type and gear ratio combination. EX: my '92 has a 6000 lb tow rating with 6.5TD/4L80E auto/3.42 gear combination. 4.10 gears = 9000 lb tow rating. I believe the term used for tow rating is GCVWR Gross Vehicle Combined Weight Rating which means the weight of the truck and cargo + towed weight, like if you where to put your truck and trailer on a weight scale.

[Tom C.]

Thanks for your info. I can't refer to my door post sticker because the previous owner must have cleaned it with something that obliterated most of the writing.

Any other way to determine tow rating? I am kind of assuming 8500 lbs since that is what most of the trucks seem to specify.

Tom C

[ulhpilot]

Refer to Service Parts Identification Label in glove box for RPO codes. Here are the most common axle codes:
G80 Locking, Rear Axle
GT4 3.73:1 Rear Axle Ratio
GT5 4.10:1 Rear Axle Ratio
GU4 3.08:1 Rear Axle Ratio
GU6 3.42:1 Rear Axle Ratio

Depending on the transmission, the 4.10:1 will get you a ~8000 to 9000 lbs tow rating. Adjust accordingly for 3.42:1 and 3.73:1