Hello,We have a 2013 Chevy Tahoe Z-71 2 wheel drive with the 5.3 engine. We are looking to buy a larger travel trailer (currently pulling a pop up). We are looking at a Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf 23DBH. From what I understand this is a 23' box with an overall length of 29' (1 slide). The dry weight is 5,380 lbs. Everyone at the dealership says the Tahoe will pull it. But I would like some input to see if this will be a safe and enjoyable towing experience, or if it will be a fight all the way. The trailer does have dual axles and I will buy the weight distribution hitch and have an electric brake controller.We plan to make several 500 mile round trips per year, with some hilly terrain. If this trailer is too big, what is the largest you recommend? I have included the specs from the dealer website on the 23DBH below.Thanks,ShaneGVWR 7621 lb.Hitch Weight 621 lbUVW 5380 lb.CCC 2241 lb.Exterior Length 29' 1"Exterior Height 10' 6"Exterior Width 97"

You need to get the details of your tow vehicle---look up its tow rating and cargo capacity.You will probably add about 1500 lb to the trailer, over the UVW. So say 7000 for a generous margin. you can cut that down if you travel really light. The tongue weight of the trailer should be 10-15% of the loaded trailer weight--so 700 to 1000 lb. That becomes part of the cargo of your tow vehicle. Then you must have enough cargo capacity left for people & their stuff. Do the math and see if you have enough cargo capacity. You will definitely need some sway control, so include that in your hitch plans.

“The dry weight is 5,380 lbs. Everyone at the dealership says the Tahoe will pull it.“I wouldn’t with my Tahoe. Six thousand pounds overall is my selfset limit. Then I move to a 3/4 ton truck. Wheelbase and payload are other concerns.

And the hitch alone will be 50 pounds off your payload.

What axle ratio does your Tahoe have? Do you have the optional tow package? Or just the standard towing equipment?

I towed a similar sized trailer with an 03 Tahoe for many miles, and while I never had any issues with it I always felt like it was on the edges of steering and stopping capacity. I've since upgraded to a 2500HD diesel, and while that is gross overkill for my trailer (I was planning to upgrade that too) I find it way less tiring to drive long distance with, and I get better fuel economy. The main thing to be careful of with the Tahoe is to use a good wdh and sway control, and be very careful not to exceed the rear axle and hitch ratings. It wouldn't hurt to add a transmission cooler even if you have the tow package. I found the Tekonsha P3 with factory adapter harness to work great.

2013 Chevy Tahoe / Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf 23DBH

15 Replies

bartlettj
Explorer
Jul 08, 2018
I towed a similar sized trailer with an 03 Tahoe for many miles, and while I never had any issues with it I always felt like it was on the edges of steering and stopping capacity. I've since upgraded to a 2500HD diesel, and while that is gross overkill for my trailer (I was planning to upgrade that too) I find it way less tiring to drive long distance with, and I get better fuel economy. The main thing to be careful of with the Tahoe is to use a good wdh and sway control, and be very careful not to exceed the rear axle and hitch ratings. It wouldn't hurt to add a transmission cooler even if you have the tow package. I found the Tekonsha P3 with factory adapter harness to work great.
ktosv
Explorer
Jul 08, 2018
What axle ratio does your Tahoe have?

Do you have the optional tow package? Or just the standard towing equipment?
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Jul 08, 2018
And the hitch alone will be 50 pounds off your payload.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Jul 08, 2018
“The dry weight is 5,380 lbs. Everyone at the dealership says the Tahoe will pull it.“

I wouldn’t with my Tahoe. Six thousand pounds overall is my selfset limit. Then I move to a 3/4 ton truck. Wheelbase and payload are other concerns.
coolmom42
Explorer II
Jul 08, 2018
You need to get the details of your tow vehicle---look up its tow rating and cargo capacity.

You will probably add about 1500 lb to the trailer, over the UVW. So say 7000 for a generous margin. you can cut that down if you travel really light. The tongue weight of the trailer should be 10-15% of the loaded trailer weight--so 700 to 1000 lb. That becomes part of the cargo of your tow vehicle. Then you must have enough cargo capacity left for people & their stuff. Do the math and see if you have enough cargo capacity.

You will definitely need some sway control, so include that in your hitch plans.

Forum Discussion

2013 Chevy Tahoe / Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf 23DBH

15 Replies

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Difficulty timing a 1995 Chevy 454ci

6.6 Chevy gas engine

Towing a Jeep Cherokee

Forest River Forester opinions

Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf 25rl