Durango, Tahoe or ???

Any car can "tow" on a dead pull what it is rated for.

What many can NOT do is handle the tow in REAL towing situations on a highway. I.E. semi's sucking you in when they pass, windy conditions etc.

It's a case of the ""tail wagging the dog"" with a vehicle with a short wheelbase maxed at rated weight.

I full time and see it all the time. I stay back 10 car lengths when I see them on the road.

To the OP or anyone that feels it's ok to tow right at or more than rated and with a TV that has a short wheelbase go ahead and get back to us after trying to drive your family on a camping trip and fighting the sway all the way every time the weather changes and every time a semi passes!

It is "THE" reason I retired my Tahoe after only one trip with a brand new TT weighing in at far less than what it was rated for! :W

I had a Tahoe and when I bought it the Toyota Sequoia was not out yet. Today the Sequoia would be my first choice as it is more reliable and with a tow vehicle that is very important.

2007+ Yukon Denali is what I recommend then. 6-spd, 400-ish HP 6.2L. The SWB version (non XL) offers reasonable payload (I test drove a 2011 with 1550 pounds) considering it has a lot of features.

Otherwise, 2009+ Tahoe. Make sure it has the 3.42 gear and HD towing package. These will be listed by a list of encoded characters on a sticker in the glove box. It will either have GU4 or GU6 listed for 3.08 or 3.42.

gschindel wrote:
So what can a Tahoe when properly equipped safely tow??

Thanks much

i wouldn't tow anything heavier than 6500lbs. loaded.
i have an Avalanche, which is based on the same GM900 chassis as the Tahoe, but the Tahoe is shorter.
and because of the shorter wheelbase, get a good WDH with built-in sway control, like Equalizer or Reese Dual-Cam.
or if you have the money, a Hensley or ProPride WDH.

Thanks for the info - especially appreciate knowing which years to look at for the 6 speed.

I would much prefer the shorter Tahoe over a suburban. We only use the 3rd row a couple of times a year so that isn't a big deal. We only tow a few times a year too. So while I of course want to be safe if I can be in a Tahoe compared to a suburban that is the way I would go.

I would even likely choose another durango over a suburban but from what I hear tahoes are better made - correct?

So what can a Tahoe when properly equipped safely tow??

Thanks much

Any new enough SUV with 6+ spd trans will tow better than you have now. Make sure you get something new enough that has 6-spd trans. That means 2007+ Expy, 2009+ GM twins. Or find a 2007+ Yukon XL Denali with the 6.2L/6-spd. It is a relative rocket.

I highly recommend the long wheelbase versions, Expy EL or Suburban/Yukon XL. The cost difference is negligible. The interior space is not, especially with the third row of seats in use. And the longer wheelbase is always a benefit when towing.

Spend $15 at a CAT scale to find out where you stand currently. 7k loaded TT is pushing the payload and rear axle limits with a family onboard of any half ton SUV. Half ton SUV payload seems to range from 1200-1600 pounds depending on brand and equipment. 700-1000 pounds of tongue weight eats that up quickly.

I love my 2500 Suburban. Essentially the same 2008-2013 models. While they are hard to find, so can be the half tons with proper towing equipment (axle ratio, towing packages/trans cooler, brake controller). Any every one of the 2008+ 3/4 tons come with what you need to tow a TT standard except the towing mirrors which are optional. Unfortunately, mine does not have the OEM ones. :( I had a 2003 F-150 5.4L before and get better fuel economy towing and unloaded, with far more power, gearing, and capability.

Here's a funny video of Ron Burgundy on Dodge Durango.

Linky

Enjoy... :B

When Tahoes have the opimal rear end wouldn't they pull better than my durango? Isn't the 2010 Tahoe rated for 8400? - Opps - 8200 for the 4x4. - we live in alberta. 4 wheel drive is a MUST.
Thanks.

Thanks for all the replies. Would I notice the 3" shorter wheel base of a 2010 tahoe vs my durango? (116 vs 119)

For as much as we tow I'm happy enough with the durango and ours doesn't even have the towing rear end, so I don't need more towing ability. Just need something newer / reliable and wouldn't mind a better ride. Our durango seems to ride rough. I want to try to get as many mpg as I can so don't want "extra" towing. SUV style is more of what we need than a half ton so would like to stick with that style. The new engine coming in 15 for the Tahoe sounds great but would be more than I would want to spend.
Thanks.

We have a 2004 Durango 4x4 with 5.7L hemi and love it! Rides and handles great although the original stock shocks weren't the best. We towed a 5000lb TT for quite a few years much of which was in steep mountainous terrain. Now has 130,000 miles on it and looks and drives great. We bought it because there aren't many other mid sized SUV's with as stiff of frame and live axles that help with towing.

Sounds like you want something with a bigger engine and possibly a 3/4 or 1 ton. A full sized truck isn't an option?