Towing with Suv

To All
All you have given some great info. I have learned more about our situation jus in the last day, then doing hours of research on my on.. It pays to ask for help and i thank you all.
Jack and Jeanne

Tow ratings for full sized half ton SUVs is in the 8000-9000 pound range with each manufacturer's optional towing equipment. When it comes to towing a travel trailer, some other rating is likely to be exceeded under the tow rating. Receiver ratings are in the 900-1000 pound range which means 6500-7500 pounds loaded TT. Payload may be a limit with a larger family. Rear axle ratings also get really close even with a WDH. So make sure you verify all the vehicle ratings as well as estimate with your family's weights while traveling.

I would say under 6k dry is a realistic comfortable limit for either late model Sequoia or Tahoe that you listed as long as you do not plan for 700+ pounds of family in seats. Make sure whatever you pick has the heavy duty trailer towing/trailing package.

Is the 7000lbs loaded or advertised "dry" weight.

You will be so much better off considering a slightly used 2500 crew cab pick up. Get the year you can afford. You posted to get feed back from all those that have been there and have the best advice. There are also lighter trailers to switch to if you are dead set against a bigger vehicle.

I tow our TT with a 2010 Toyota Sequoia. Power will never be an issue, but as others have said, it will absolutely max out this SUV when loaded for more than one reason.

Would I ever tow something that large and heavy with it? Yes. But only for a few in state, half day driving type distances, TOPS. For 3 seasons I towed with a mid-size SUV at max capacity, which compares to this discussion well. Power was not an issue, long distance comfort was the problem because we wanted to start national trips.

I'd look at Suburban size SUV's only if you're set on that trailer.

X2^^
IF the 7000#s is dry, consider it to be 7800 to 8500#s ready to camp with a tongue weight over 1000#. The front storage will add considerable weight to the tongue.
Mine started out 5650# with 800# hitch weight. Now it sits at 7200# and 1100# hitch ready to pull out. For an SUV, I recommend a 2013 or older 2500 Suburban. Yes, a 1500 will pull it. But towing also involves having to keep it slow on large downhill grades with hairpin curves that will test the brakes and transmission(and make your butt pucker), and have enough payload capacity to carry the tongue weight and passengers.
Many on these forums will agree that the Tahoe and Sequoia are not up to the task for these weights.

You may want to think 2500 Suburban, or Expedition EL, Or better yet a used Excursion.

Any way you cut it. You need more TV than you are looking at

My Espy tows a 24 ft TT at 6000 lbs, I would not want to tow anything longer or heavier

What will be in the SUV? A properly loaded 7000 lbs TT will have a TW of 840-1000+ lbs. You will start to hit the receiver limit and payload ratings pretty quick. If that's a 7000 lbs. brochure weight then forget it.

We Tow a 28' TT with a Tahoe and I'll tell you right now at that weight you'll be better off with the capacity and the longer wheelbase of a truck. We have a family of 5 and a SUV is preferred but a truck will be next. Soft coil springs, passenger tires along with a short wheelbase are just a few of the things we've had to work around. But if you insist on sticking with a SUV the 2016 Tahoe has an eight speed tranny vs the 6 speed of the Toyota as well as a few other nice features (btw I am biased as a Chevy guy).