I've just started looking into travel trailers and don't have a trailer or a tow vehicle at the moment (wife and I drive tiny Saturns!). I've looked at several trailers that would be contenders (Coachmen Freedom Express series) that have GVWR between 5,900 lbs - 7,500 lbs. So I would need a vehicle to tow said trailer, but since I am paying cash, I can't spend more than $6,000. I have found several clean 1999-2004 suburbans in that price range. I figured a suburban would be a little nicer for road trips (in regards to cargo) and they seemed to be in better shape than the trucks that are all dirty and used hard for work.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?

That's nearing the top end of it's rating and will most likely tow it but will struggle pulling the grades. If you are OK with that then go for it, slow and steady wins the race. If you have to be the first up the hill pulling a RV to make up for other shortcomings then you will need something else. Good luck Don

As a general rule of thumb, which has served me well over the past 20 years of towing, is I add 1,000 lbs to the stated weight of the TT and subtract 1,000 lbs from the stated max towing capabilities of the tow vehicle. This gives youa "safety" buffer to play with. There is nothing more frustrating (or dangerous) than towing with a vehicle which is on the limit.Another option for a TW is a full-size Van, I've used 4 different passenger vans, which allows me to carry "stuff" (securely locked up) and if comfortable. Take a look at the 3500 Express, you can find clean ones in your price range.Gerry

Not all Suburbans are the same. The 2000 was the GMT800 platform, which had the 5.3 and 4sp transmission. The 1999 was the GMT400 platform, and had the 5.7. The 2000-2006 came with a variety of rear axles. These determine the tow capacity. These also came in three-quarter ton series, with 6.0 and 8.1 engine, and 2 rear axle choices. These ranged from 7500lb to 12000lb ratings.

Many tt's are coming with more slides which means more weight, my brother just went from a 1500 to a 2500 to give hime more options while he was shopping for his new tt. I'd prefer more than enough truck as to cutting it very close. My buddy I camped with this past weekend was pulling his Rockwood tt with his 2005 Suburban 1500 for the last 8 years and just this weekend with his new Chevy Silverado 2500 gas with tow package ( larger sway bar, 4 something gears ) anyway, the Suburban did the job and he always knew it was back there..... Now pulls like a dream and when they look for something else they have many options including fw's

We have pulled a medium size (26' 4600lb UVW) trailer with a 99' Tahoe with a 5.7/3.73, a 2006 Tahoe with a 5.6/3.73, and a 2003, 2500 Suburban with the 6.0 and 4.10 rears. IMHO, a 1500 Suburban, from that era, is going to leave you one unhappy camper once you head into the 6000+UVW range. The best you will probably find is a 5.3/3.73 combo. and it will be very marginal, at best. The other thing we found is that there are a hundred 1500 Suburbans available on the used market, for every 2500 out there. When we narrowed it to a condition and price range, I found four within a few hundred miles of us. Good luck.

I'm confused - Suburban 1500 tow up to 7,500 lbs?

soren
Explorer
May 04, 2015
We have pulled a medium size (26' 4600lb UVW) trailer with a 99' Tahoe with a 5.7/3.73, a 2006 Tahoe with a 5.6/3.73, and a 2003, 2500 Suburban with the 6.0 and 4.10 rears. IMHO, a 1500 Suburban, from that era, is going to leave you one unhappy camper once you head into the 6000+UVW range. The best you will probably find is a 5.3/3.73 combo. and it will be very marginal, at best. The other thing we found is that there are a hundred 1500 Suburbans available on the used market, for every 2500 out there. When we narrowed it to a condition and price range, I found four within a few hundred miles of us. Good luck.
abc40kids
Explorer
May 04, 2015
Many tt's are coming with more slides which means more weight, my brother just went from a 1500 to a 2500 to give hime more options while he was shopping for his new tt.

I'd prefer more than enough truck as to cutting it very close. My buddy I camped with this past weekend was pulling his Rockwood tt with his 2005 Suburban 1500 for the last 8 years and just this weekend with his new Chevy Silverado 2500 gas with tow package ( larger sway bar, 4 something gears ) anyway, the Suburban did the job and he always knew it was back there..... Now pulls like a dream and when they look for something else they have many options including fw's
Dadoffourgirls
Explorer
May 04, 2015
Not all Suburbans are the same. The 2000 was the GMT800 platform, which had the 5.3 and 4sp transmission. The 1999 was the GMT400 platform, and had the 5.7.

The 2000-2006 came with a variety of rear axles. These determine the tow capacity. These also came in three-quarter ton series, with 6.0 and 8.1 engine, and 2 rear axle choices. These ranged from 7500lb to 12000lb ratings.
fitznj
Explorer
May 04, 2015
As a general rule of thumb, which has served me well over the past 20 years of towing, is I add 1,000 lbs to the stated weight of the TT and subtract 1,000 lbs from the stated max towing capabilities of the tow vehicle. This gives you
a "safety" buffer to play with. There is nothing more frustrating (or dangerous) than towing with a vehicle which is on the limit.

Another option for a TW is a full-size Van, I've used 4 different passenger vans, which allows me to carry "stuff" (securely locked up) and if comfortable. Take a look at the 3500 Express, you can find clean ones in your price range.

Gerry
Perrysburg_Dodg
Explorer
May 04, 2015
That's nearing the top end of it's rating and will most likely tow it but will struggle pulling the grades. If you are OK with that then go for it, slow and steady wins the race. If you have to be the first up the hill pulling a RV to make up for other shortcomings then you will need something else.

Good luck

Don

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I'm confused - Suburban 1500 tow up to 7,500 lbs?

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