Chevy Suburban an ok tow rig?

I am certainly not an expert, but from what I've learned, it would seem not at all. 7700 dry i would guess is at least 9k loaded. Is that dry weight the "listed" weight or sticker? There should be a yellow sticker giving you a more accurate weight. This often does not include propane, batteries, water etc. What is the max payload of the suburban? you'll likely be over that as well with that much TT.

also, are you just moving it 1-time up to WA or are you hoping to do more travelling with it? a one-time move, might want to hire someone to get it up there. More travel i think you probably need more truck. But i have a much smaller TV and TT, there are plenty others on this forum who can give you better info.

I have a 2500 Suburban with the 6.0 liter engine that would have a hard time pulling that trailer up any hills. Look for a used one with the 8.1L engine.

You would most certainly need a WDH. Most better ones will help for sway also. It is obvious you are near your burb capacity, with nothing in the trailer, or truck, for that matter.

It may get you where you are going, but not going to be the best experience. You would not be the first, or last, to be on the short side of having enough tow vehicle.

Jerry

7700 "dry" will put you close to 9000 loaded and probably 1100 on the tongue weight. Too much for a 1500, in my honest opinion.

I think so! The suburban payload is little over 2000 lbs, and the dry weight is listed, so I imagine it is heavier than that. Thank you for the reply, it has confirmed my feelings on buying a truck instead! We're looking at a 99 Ford with the 7.3 diesel.

Thank you all for the honest opinions! We've never tried pulling with the suburban, and my gut has been saying we shouldn't even try. I'm glad I asked you all!

Payload trumps max tow capacity. Payload is what the TV can carry. Look at the door jamb sticker to get the number where it states total weight of cargo and occupants not to exceed xxxx lbs.

Air bags, sway bars do nothing to increase the payload of your vehicle.

It's an ok tow rig, but not for what you have. That tt is well into 3/4 ton territory to be safe and comfortable.

I had a 2013 Silverado 1500 with 5.7 pulling 5,000 and the bed was loaded to max of 1650 with tongue. It would get up and go and merge smoothly. I certainly knew it was there but it wasn't a pita. I thought it was just about right for easy driving in a 1/2 ton truck. The max was 9700. If it was close to home I'd maybe go 7,000. A 3/4 ton would make a big difference

No way you have 2000 pounds of payload. That's more likely 1400-1500 pounds. Some of the 8.1L 3/4 tons don't have 2000 pounds.


That TT would put your vehicle over at least 4 of its ratings and quite frankly not be comfortable for anyone. You could spend $2500 on a premium WDH plus another $2500 on suspension upgrades and you'll need a replacement receiver if it is still the stock round tube design. And even with those mods, you are still over the truck's ratings and I'm not sure it would be comfortable. Then you have a performance issue with the 5.3L/4-spd trans. That's solidly into 3/4 ton range, and if you are looking at similar era of early to mid 2000s, you will want the optional engines. So 8.1L or diesel for GM, V10 or diesel for Ford.