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Uncutbulldog's avatar
Uncutbulldog
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014

Towing 2003 Suburban 1500 4X4

Hello All,

First post of many I hope. My wife and I are buying our first RV soon.

My wife and I are thinking about buying a 2014 Forest River 3170ds. My question is will I be able to dinghy pull my 2003 Suburban 1500 4X4 (safely).

We have a family of seven so we want to be able to sleep 8 and tow our suburban anywhere we go.

We love the 3170ds but I want to make sure I can pull my suburban with it. If not, any suggestions one what motorhome to buy that will sleep 7 and pull our suburban?

2014 ForestRiver Sunseeker 3170ds:
Dry weight: 12,378
GCWR: 22,000 lbs
GVWR: 14,500 lbs
Engine: Ford 6.8L V10
Hitch rating :5k/500

2003 Suburban:
Curb Weight 5219 lbs
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Mar 11, 2014
    The weight police will point out that you will be more than 219 lbs over your hitch rating as you'll have other stuff in the burb. Even at 10% over it would not bother me ASSUMING you have a good braking system for the burb. In the mountains I'd unhook and have the DW drive it... making it easier on the V10 going up and your brakes coming down. This will be less than 1% of the time but will save more than 1% of the wear and tear on the MH.
    With the stuff for seven you will be on the heavy side but the tow bar does not put much weight on the rig and I would not travel with much water on board. Unless you go with a DP, the V10 is about your only choice.
    PS, welcome to the forums and hold on as the flames will be coming for you wanting to do this and me suggesting that you can... most of the time.
    PSS, I would buy slightly used, but then that's what works for me. Buying new does not guarantee you will not have problems. Most used units have had time to work the bugs out and unfortunately most have too many problems.

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