My goal is to move from the motorhome to a tow vehicle and a travel trailer. On Monday we bought a 1500 Suburban 4x4, 5.3 V8, tow package. The dealer that sold the burb says he will consign my motorhome. That should save some hassle. My wife's thing is dog shows but, we weren't using the RV for those. So, as it turned out we only use the motorhome like, twice a year. So, a travel trailer seems like a better, less labor intensive choice. They tell me that the suburban tows acceptably well for two trips a year to the beach. Maybe a trip to the Blue Ridge on the rare occasion. Anyway, I will be one happy camper to be out from under that motorhome. It has been a good motorhome and it's been paid for but, high maintenance and all year every year. Tires: $2,700.00. I've probably spent $1,000.00 on the roof and that's with me doing the work. Generator repairs: who knows but, over $1,500.00. Oil changes, lube jobs, tune ups, exhaust gaskets, $50.00 dollar a piece wiper blades, and on and on and on. The motorhome is in great shape for the year but, it will be nice to not have to worry about the chassis issues.. If we were people that traveled a whole lot the motorhome would be the superior way to go. For twice a year..ugh..

Be very careful. 1500 Suburbans can be right at their limits when simply loaded with family and stuff. Adding a trailer to the mix can easily push them to overloaded territory.

donn0128 wrote:Be very careful. 1500 Suburbans can be right at their limits when simply loaded with family and stuff. Adding a trailer to the mix can easily push them to overloaded territory.True and they tend to be very soft in the back end. Often sagging under their own weight.Also, I would verify it has a towing package. This seems to be one of the biggest lies used car dealers tell (assuming you bought used) because the uninitiated can't tell. So I wold verify the rear end ratio and that it has the coolers it's supposed to have.I hope it all works out for you!

We have been RV-ing since 1992. We started out, TT wise, pulling a heavier than it should have been, Prowler with an F-150. It did a good job. Then we went to a Jeep Grand Wagoneer (which didn't tow well) then a Toyota Landcruiser (which was worse). I feel reasonably comfortable that this Suburban will do an acceptable job for what we do. My wife and I said that we were going to do the burb for two years and then re-evaluate how it does, all things considered. I do my own mechanical work so, I can boost up that rear end if needed. It has the transmission cooler, the hitch and it's wired for trailer brakes. I have jumped up on the back bumper and bounced and it barely moves. It rides like a truck so, I think it will be fine.

Simple fix for a soft rear suspension, Timbrens.

GeoBoy wrote:Simple fix for a soft rear suspension, Timbrens.I'm totally going to order some of those.

1/3 of the way there.. | Good Sam Community

17 Replies

APT
Explorer
Jan 08, 2017
If you think a tow vehicle needs rear suspension aids when towing a trailer, the WDH needs to be adjusted or its overloaded.
jerem0621
Explorer II
Jan 07, 2017
Congrats!!!

What year Suburban and Can you post pics? I love those things.

Have you thought about what size TT you are going for and what kind of weight distribution hitch?

If your Sub is a 2000-2006 ish Suburban pay attention to the receiver hitch. The factory one wasn't known for strength and some had issues holding together. It's easily solved by a more robust receiver hitch from the likes of Curt and Reese.

Again, congrats!

Thanks!

Jeremiah
falconbrother
Explorer II
Jan 07, 2017
GeoBoy wrote:
Simple fix for a soft rear suspension, Timbrens.

I'm totally going to order some of those.
GeoBoy
Explorer
Jan 07, 2017
Simple fix for a soft rear suspension, Timbrens.
falconbrother
Explorer II
Jan 07, 2017
We have been RV-ing since 1992. We started out, TT wise, pulling a heavier than it should have been, Prowler with an F-150. It did a good job. Then we went to a Jeep Grand Wagoneer (which didn't tow well) then a Toyota Landcruiser (which was worse). I feel reasonably comfortable that this Suburban will do an acceptable job for what we do. My wife and I said that we were going to do the burb for two years and then re-evaluate how it does, all things considered. I do my own mechanical work so, I can boost up that rear end if needed. It has the transmission cooler, the hitch and it's wired for trailer brakes. I have jumped up on the back bumper and bounced and it barely moves. It rides like a truck so, I think it will be fine.
ScottG
Nomad
Jan 05, 2017
donn0128 wrote:
Be very careful. 1500 Suburbans can be right at their limits when simply loaded with family and stuff. Adding a trailer to the mix can easily push them to overloaded territory.

True and they tend to be very soft in the back end. Often sagging under their own weight.
Also, I would verify it has a towing package. This seems to be one of the biggest lies used car dealers tell (assuming you bought used) because the uninitiated can't tell. So I wold verify the rear end ratio and that it has the coolers it's supposed to have.
I hope it all works out for you!
donn0128
Explorer II
Jan 05, 2017
Be very careful. 1500 Suburbans can be right at their limits when simply loaded with family and stuff. Adding a trailer to the mix can easily push them to overloaded territory.

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1/3 of the way there..

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