We use a 2011 Tahoe, it’s only 116 inches in the wheelbase. Our TT is 31 ft long and 7,200 lbs loaded. It is absolutely fantastic as a Tow Vehicle and as a Family Vehicle.
You are right about finding one with the HD towing package. It’s nearly impossible and the factory Trans cooler is small anyway. I just looked for one that was in good condition and added the trans cooler myself. I was ready to change the rear axle ratio but the 3:08’s have worked out great.
I tow all the time with it. I tow my TT and I tow my Father in Laws 24 ft Pontoon trailer. We just completed 820 plus mile round trip with it towing our TT and had a wonderful time.
The 5.3l has more than enough power and the 6 speed is just about perfect for towing. My truck has 3:08 gears and it works great IN TOW HAUL mode. I have no problem getting up to or maintaining speed.
I’m a tinkerer and will change things to accomplish my goal. I had to spend some $$ to make the Tahoe rock solid as a tow vehicle.
1) tires- I changed the squishy P tires to General Grabber ATS LT load range E. I air them to 44 PSI While towing.
2) Transmission Cooler- I added a Hayden 33,000 GVWR cooler. My trans temps stay well below 190° - typically at 176°
3) Well dialed in round bar WD hitch and dual friction sway control
4) self imposed speed limit of 55 MPH
5) Close attention to weights. My tongue weight is 850 lbs with the hitch... I weigh it.
6) pack the trailer and not the truck. All the truck carries is the tongue weight and the people weight.
7) highly detailed attention to maintenance on the TV and the TT
Getting this rig into and out of gas stations and other tight situations is so much easier than our last rig. (CC, LB, dually)
Works great for us. YMMV, etc etc etc.
Thanks and good luck with your search.
Jeremiah
