looktotheson wrote:
I am getting many conflicting comments from people on the boards of whether or not this vehicle could pull this weight comfortably (or at all). However, from what I can see online, the suburbans should be able to tow around 8,800 lbs. We will be driving throughout the western US, so there will be some inclines/declines. On paper it looks like it would work, any reason it wouldn't?
When the vehicle manufacturers calculate max tow capacity, they do not leave room for any aftermarket accessories (step bars, roof racks, bed liners, floor mats, undercoating, etc), they do not leave room for any cargo in the tow vehicle, and they do not leave room for any passengers. That mythical tow rating is based on the vehicle having a driver only, and, a trailer that doesn't have high walls and up to 15 percent tongue weight.
In the real world, we're adding aftermarket goodies, bringing the family along, loading up coolers and snacks, car seats, luggage on the roof, and toys for the kids, etc. All of that weight reduces our tow capacity, pound for pound. If the vehicle is rated to tow 7500 lbs, and you add 800 lbs of people and cargo, it's tow rating is reduced to 6700 lbs.
The vehicle has max ratings for tow capacity (what it could pull under the right circumstances), payload (what it can carry), GVWR (max vehicle weight), GCVWR (max combined truck and trailer weight), axle weights (what they can carry), tire loads (what they can carry), and hitch receiver (what it can carry).
The actual max tow capacity of a specific vehicle is limited to the weakest link in it's overall ratings. Normally that weak link is payload.
It's not uncommon to see an SUV with 12 - 1300 lbs of payload. An 8000 lb travel trailer, could have 1200 lbs of tongue weight. Throw in a 100 lb weight distributing hitch, and all of the payload would be gone, before adding any people or cargo.
If you buy the trailer first, you'll need to shop for a tow vehicle that has the capacity to carry everything and everybody you want to put in it, plus 100 lb for the WD hitch, and up to fifteen percent of the loaded trailer's weight. Give yourself some room, as towing at max weight can be very unpleasant.
If you buy the tow vehicle first, find it's payload and towing numbers, then subtract the weight of all your people and cargo (from both numbers). Don't forget the 100 lbs for the hitch. What's left would be available to support loaded trailer tongue weight. Keyword "loaded". Some salespeople will try sell you a trailer with unloaded weight that fits your rating. Soon as you load it, you have a weight issue.
