Help Needed to pair new Tahoe w/ TT

DANSKIR wrote:
Hey Guys,
I'm a newbie here. Looking to purchase a TT and TV really soon. Given all the towing horror stories going around, I'm very apprehensive about subjecting my wife and 2 small kids to anything that might be dangerous. Of course, the dealerships and reps are all telling me I'm completely in the clear. I've read through countless posts trying to confirm this is a safe pairing but can't find anything completely on point. I could really use some expert advice on whether this pairing is a bad idea before I pull the trigger.

I'm looking to buy a 2017 Chevy Tahoe w/ Max Trailering package that comes with INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER.

Here are the Chevy Tahoe specs:
engine: 5.3L EcoTec3 V8
wheelbase: 116in
Towing capacity: 8,600 lbs.
length: 204in
rear axle ratio: 3.42
Gross Combined Weight Rating: 14,000 lbs.
Rear Axle Rating: 4300 lbs.
Actual unloaded weight (only driver and gas): 3408 lbs.
Dry Weight: 5356 lbs.


The TT we're looking at is the Forest River Wildcat Maxx lite T265BHX.
Here are the specs:
GVWR: 7828 lbs.
Hitch Weight: 828 lbs.
UVW: 6496 lbs.
CCC: 1332 lbs.
Exterior Length: 31' 8"

The TT dealership is talking about installing the Fastway E2 distribution hitch.

Whats the verdict? Anyone heard of that hitch? any recommendations to make it safer? Or, is this a dangerous pairing? Thanks so much for the help.

I had almost the same setup on my truck this is what I did to be able to pull my TT that is only 6,500lbs loaded.
1. Changed the gear ratio in the rear end from a 3.08 to 3.73 which also requires a tuner to correct the shift patterns.
2. Bought and installed a Super Tuner FlashPaq to correct shift points back to stock.
3. Installed an additional tranny cooler for a total of 3 all together. May be overkill but on a 6,000 mile trip through the west coast in summer tranny never got over 175 degrees.
4. Changed tires on TV to a heavier load rated set.
5. A good quality weight distribution hitch and sway controls.
6. installed break controller and installed fuse in fuse box to charge TT batteries while I am towing.
I did all that to tow just 6,500lbs and it did just fine but I would not pull anything heavier without going up to a bigger truck. In my honest opinion you are over loading your current TV and pushing its limitations. I think you should look into a smaller TT if you have not already bought.
And the previous poster is correct never listen to the dealers they just want you money and that is it. Most of the dealers I went to kept telling me I could tow up to a 7,000 lbs fifth wheel with my truck in its stock form. And when they informed me of this I always called them on it because we both knew they where full of ****.