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270wsmhunter's avatar
270wsmhunter
Explorer
Apr 10, 2014

Tahoe Tow Vehicle, Trailer Recommendations

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Hail totaled our 2011 Jayco 26BH last summer, then oldest daughter decided to go to nursing school so good old Dad got rid of his 2011 Silverado 2500HD crew cab 4x4 6 liter, (gosh I miss that truck) to help her through school. Daughter quits school, Dad out tuition and his truck.

My wife on the other hand faired pretty well with the whole ordeal. Traded her new Camry in on a 2012 Tahoe LTZ 4x4 (she loves it). That all being said, we are now expecting our first grandchild and looking for a replacement camper. Common sense says we should find something our Tahoe will pull comfortably with 3 adults, 2 Golden Retrievers, and a carseat with cargo in it. I on the other hand drove a 2015 Silverado 3500HD crew cab 4x4 6 liter long bed the other day, fell in love with it. Before I go and drop $45K on a new truck (wife will be keeping her Tahoe) is there anyone out there towing with a similar Tahoe and what are your experiences/thoughts with your rig and camper?

I loved how my HD towed with ease and confidence and know I will not have that same level with the Tahoe. Thanks in advance and looking forward to the experiences of bringing my grandchild camping!

15 Replies

  • First, find out that Tahoe has the HD trailing package and 3.42 axle. If not, the tow rating is in the 5000 pound range. Check the RPO sticker in the glove box for GU6 and K5L. If you have GU4, I'm sorry. :(

    Ok, so let's say she has the HD towing package: 3 adults, dogs, an infant in a loaded (LTZ) half ton will run out of payload before the 1000 pound receiver limit or the 8000-ish pound tow rating. Check driver's door for the Tire and Loading sticker listing max combined weight of occupants and cargo. Subtract estimated weight of your three adults and dogs and baby plus another 200 pounds of diaper bag, stroller, toys, etc. :) Then multiply by 6 for a good dry weight to stay under.
  • Our family is close to yours, 3 adults and a lil one (soon to be 9), except we have a 3.8lb dog. My hybrid is doing OK for me until I get the funds for a bigger TV. Hybrids are not for everyone.
  • Defiantly stay below 6,000 pounds MAX!! The lower the better. Trust me on this I went over this on my 2011 Yukon XL Denali and it was bad, so bad that after 2 camping trips I had a bigger truck to tow it with.
  • I have 2 Tahoes now (just traded the 3rd one). Pull trailers with all of them. For a 2012 model I would recommend the following:
    - Factory HD Tow Equipped keep the loaded TT below 7k#
    - non HD Tow Equipped stay below 5k# loaded
  • Keep your towing weight under 7000 pounds and your length under about 22-23 feet. The short wheel base of the Tahoe can create a squirrely situation with much longer trailers or heavier loads.