Conflicting Towing Information (Chevy Tahoe)

megmp787 wrote:
Hi. I am a newbie to the TT world and am getting conflicting info from various "experts" on the towing capabilities of my 2007 Chevy Tahoe LT which has 320-hp, 5.3 liter, V-8 with 3.73 axel ratio and GVWR of 7300, a payload of 1,776, and a GCWR of 13,000.

I am in the military and will be moving my family from Tennessee to Alaska, a 4,060 mile trip, in July and want to ensure the least amount of issues with my Tahoe and TT.

This weekend

I was assured by several experienced traveled and a mechanic

that a 27' Coachmen Catalina 273BH with a dry weight of 4,688 and GVWR of 7000 would be an easy pull for my Tahoe from Tennessee to Alaska.

However, after reading numerous forums, and talking with others, some state that the wheel base on my

Tahoe may be too short for the overall 29' length of the 273BH

and that depending on how I loaded the TT and my vehicle, I may be close on weight as well. I have calculated my anticipated weight with fluids, people, pets, and cargo and believe I will come in right at 12,000 lbs gross combined weight.

With that said, do you think my vehicle is capable of towing this trailer (which I did make a downpayment on to hold) or do I need to downsize in length and GCWR weight for the trip? I really want this trailer to work, but safe travels is the most important issue.

I greatly appreciate your time and thoughts.

First of they will ALL tell you 'yes you can tow this'.

From a Tahoe owner who learned the hard way:
Yes the Tahoe can PULL it. Can you TOW it 'safely' down the road NO.

The wheel base is too short.
It will be a constant struggle with the tail wagging the dog with towing a 27 foot trailer. I would not want to be driving next to you when that trailer starts swinging. And it will every time a semi passes you or any slight cross wind. And in a short wheel based tow vehicle it won't be pretty when you try and correct it because simply put you won't be able to.

The TT I bought was a 21 ft.
'One' trip towing it with the Tahoe and I sold the TT and the Tahoe was retired to going for groceries.