What can I tow with my Suburban
Hello all, Very new here to both travel trailers/ towing, and online forums, so please forgive any missteps in advance. I’ve got a 2014 Chevy Suburban LT, 5.3L V8, 4x4, 3.08 axle ratio. Was very di...
Forum Discussion
Before scrapping the idea of a 5-7klb trailer, I'll suggest finding someone (friend, neighbor, farmer, etc) that has a similar size trailer to what you're considering and go drag it around with your suburban.
I've had 2 now of basically the same vehicle, except crew cab pickup and 3.42 gears and I wouldn't even hesitate to put more weight than that behind them.
Now running uphill at 9000' is different than towing across TX, but the phenomenon that is sweeping rvnet with the advent of all these monster HD trucks with 900+ ft lbs of torque is amazing. Now it seems that a vehicle that is completely more capable in every sense than a HD truck of years past cannot tow a moderate size trailer.
Sure you may want another trans cooler and some airbags etc, but it's all about duty cycle. If you're using it for the camper for a couple thousand miles a year or less and putting 20,000 soccer mom miles on it, the vehicle will be just fine.
Remember a lot of folks replying here are now "professional" OTR Heavy duty RVers or what's more commonly referred to as retirees. They're looking at a very conservative approach where the occasional weekend warrior will have no trouble, because the weekender is not putting on major windshield time with the camper in tow like the Pros are.
That said, some of it comes down to your comfort and ability levels. You may not be totally comfortable doing something that is in the upper end of the vehicle's capabilities, where others may be ok with it.
Good luck in your decision.
I've had 2 now of basically the same vehicle, except crew cab pickup and 3.42 gears and I wouldn't even hesitate to put more weight than that behind them.
Now running uphill at 9000' is different than towing across TX, but the phenomenon that is sweeping rvnet with the advent of all these monster HD trucks with 900+ ft lbs of torque is amazing. Now it seems that a vehicle that is completely more capable in every sense than a HD truck of years past cannot tow a moderate size trailer.
Sure you may want another trans cooler and some airbags etc, but it's all about duty cycle. If you're using it for the camper for a couple thousand miles a year or less and putting 20,000 soccer mom miles on it, the vehicle will be just fine.
Remember a lot of folks replying here are now "professional" OTR Heavy duty RVers or what's more commonly referred to as retirees. They're looking at a very conservative approach where the occasional weekend warrior will have no trouble, because the weekender is not putting on major windshield time with the camper in tow like the Pros are.
That said, some of it comes down to your comfort and ability levels. You may not be totally comfortable doing something that is in the upper end of the vehicle's capabilities, where others may be ok with it.
Good luck in your decision.
