I have been out of the RVing world for about six years but now I am making plans to purchase another motor home and I have a question about the vehicle we should pull. Six years ago I owned and a 40 foot diesel motorhome and we pulled a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Now I have five children and need to pull something larger. I was wondering if anyone has any experience pulling a suburban. I have read online that it will tow with all four wheels down without any modifications. Obviously the suburban is much heavier than the jeep so my question is would I notice a big difference pulling something that heavy? I still need to purchase both the motorhome and the tow vehicle so I am open for suggestions. Also would there be much difference pulling the suburban with a gas powered motor home versus diesel power?

I see nothing wrong with pulling a Suburban if your MH has the power. I have a friend who pulls a newer Chevy 3/4T 4X4 CC diesel so he can load his Razr on top of the truck bed - but he's pulling it with 500HP+ Prevost. I wouldn't pull a Sub (I used to own a 3/4T) with a gas MH and in a diesel, I'd use 350HP as the minimum (I own one). Besides the weight of the Sub, I'm sure with five kids you're also going to "stuff" stored in it or on top on the rack.As long as the Sub has a transfer case that will shift into neutral, you should be fine. Don't use a drive line disconnect.Bill

With 5 kids and two adults I assume you would be looking at not only the Suburban but also a larger motorhome. You will have a lot of stuff to take along, but I need not tell you that. There is basically only one manufacturer right now for gas chassis motorhomes and it's a very nice V10 but it does have it's limits. If it were me, a DP with bunks, large water and waste tanks, multiple slides, multiple baths would be high on my must go find list. Then pulling the Suburban becomes a non issue.

You might look into something like a Honda or Toyota minivan, or a Honda Pilot. All very comfortable vehicles, although the 3rd row in the Pilot is cramped for anyone over 5' tall.

You can pull a 4wd Suburban without issue as long as your MH has the capacity. The owners manual has very simple instructions for towing with 4 down....just put the transfer case in neutral. You'll want a very good braking system for sure. :-)

Suburban is great for comfort and towable. Check the year for towing regulations. Since a Suburban is close to 6000# you definitely need a DP. This sounds like fun. My daughter tows their Buick Enclave and it seats 7 in luxury. Being raised in Detroit I won't ever have a rice burner in my garage.

Large family Toad question | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

bsinmich
Explorer
Jan 03, 2016
Suburban is great for comfort and towable. Check the year for towing regulations. Since a Suburban is close to 6000# you definitely need a DP. This sounds like fun. My daughter tows their Buick Enclave and it seats 7 in luxury. Being raised in Detroit I won't ever have a rice burner in my garage.
LongWeekends
Explorer
Jan 03, 2016
You can pull a 4wd Suburban without issue as long as your MH has the capacity. The owners manual has very simple instructions for towing with 4 down....just put the transfer case in neutral. You'll want a very good braking system for sure. :-)
coolmom42
Explorer II
Jan 03, 2016
You might look into something like a Honda or Toyota minivan, or a Honda Pilot. All very comfortable vehicles, although the 3rd row in the Pilot is cramped for anyone over 5' tall.
wildtoad
Explorer II
Jan 03, 2016
With 5 kids and two adults I assume you would be looking at not only the Suburban but also a larger motorhome. You will have a lot of stuff to take along, but I need not tell you that. There is basically only one manufacturer right now for gas chassis motorhomes and it's a very nice V10 but it does have it's limits. If it were me, a DP with bunks, large water and waste tanks, multiple slides, multiple baths would be high on my must go find list. Then pulling the Suburban becomes a non issue.
Trackrig
Explorer II
Jan 03, 2016
I see nothing wrong with pulling a Suburban if your MH has the power. I have a friend who pulls a newer Chevy 3/4T 4X4 CC diesel so he can load his Razr on top of the truck bed - but he's pulling it with 500HP+ Prevost.

I wouldn't pull a Sub (I used to own a 3/4T) with a gas MH and in a diesel, I'd use 350HP as the minimum (I own one). Besides the weight of the Sub, I'm sure with five kids you're also going to "stuff" stored in it or on top on the rack.

As long as the Sub has a transfer case that will shift into neutral, you should be fine. Don't use a drive line disconnect.

Bill

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Large family Toad question

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