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rudderman's avatar
rudderman
Explorer
Apr 11, 2018

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 disappointed to learn the max trailer weight rating is only 5000 lbs. How big of a TT can I safely tow? I’ve basically committed to buying a preowned hard-side, UVW 4200 lbs, 24 ft long. Chevy dealer (and of course the RV dealers) both said it could handle the load fine. Now reading some of these forums I’m not so sure.

Thanks for any help you can give!

44 Replies

  • whethr or not you could/should exceed weight limits is highly debated by many on this forum. I am not as conservative as some, but do feel one is well-advised to stay within specs in the vast majority of cases.

    With that in mind, the trailer you are considering is going to be 5k plus loaded - and that doesn't account for the passengers and gear in the Suburban. There is little doubt in my mind that you would be well overweight. Short trips to the local park, maybe. Longer travels, I don't think you'd be happy.
  • The tow rating is likely low because of the 3.08 gearing. A tt with a dry weight of 4200lbs will exceed 5k and then some. What year is the ‘burb? The new tow ratings account for 150lbs for a driver and 150lbs for 1 passenger. Old rating only allows weight for driver. Any weight added above that will reduce your tow rating pound for pound. If you plan on filling the seats your tow ability will be much less.

    Also, what is the payload rating on the door sticker of the burb? This rating must include weight of driver and all passengers plus the tongue weight of the tt. A 5k trailer will have a tongue weight of 600+lbs. Do you have enough payload left for your passengers and gear?
  • Your axel @ 3.08 is an issue (you're not going to like ant mountains)
    The check the door jam for your payload, which will include the contents of the Suburban and the tounge wt.
    Also you should use the GVW for what you can pull.

    Sorry for the bad news.
  • Even UVW of 4200 is too much in my opinion. That's because you will load it up with at least #600 of stuff and water, then there's the #120 hitch, your passengers and any gear in the vehicle.
    YOU WILL HATE having an under sized TV.

    Sorry for the downer,
    Scott

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