'05 Suburban 8.1L vs. 3/4 ton as dedicated TV
I have been searching for a used (~2003-2005) 3/4 ton truck to use as a dedicated TV but am considering going with a 2005 Suburban with the 8.1L with 130k miles on it. Specs on my TT are: Dry we...
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I've been towing a large trailer for many years with a 2500 454ci Suburban, pictured above and now the last two years primarily with our Duramax crew cab pickup. I love our newer truck, the Duramax pulls our trailer at over 11mpg and our Suburban never even got 8 and honestly it was sometimes as low as 6mpg.
Our trailer weighs 10,300 (8800 axles, 1500 tongue) and we travel heavy with all the toys and stuff we probably shouldn't have.
The Suburban would pull the trailer faster at sea level going up hills, mostly because the Vortec really comes to life around 4000RPM. But the Duramax Diesel pulls steady having more gears to work with.
The big difference for me is the ride. Our Suburban was much smoother with the same amount of air in the tires as our truck. Something about the flex of a truck frame, it bucks way more than the Suburban. The gap between the cab and bed really flexes when towing a heavy trailer, something you don't notice in the Suburban.
I only wish GM still made a diesel Suburban. All the best with your choice. Hans
