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Hemling's avatar
Hemling
Explorer
Jun 06, 2016

limits of 1999 GMC suburban 1/2 ton

Hello, I have a 1999 GMC suburban half ton with towing package. This is the old body style with the Vortec 350 / 4L60E. It has factory tow package stuff like trans. cooler and 3.73 gears. I also have LT rated tires on it. I am looking at the Keystone Premier travel trailers. Specifically the larger ones (31BHPR), and put no stock at all in the salesperson´s ¨You CAN tow this¨ assurance. This trailer comes in at 6500 dry, which I know is unrealistic for real-world towing. I am concerned that I will be overloaded before even leaving the driveway. I am not averse to getting the TT I want and ´getting by´ with my half ton for a summer, but I also don´t want to be stupidly unsafe on the roads either. I have a host of questions, as this is my first TT buying experience. First, will my Suburban even be able to tow this trailer? Is it too unreasonable at all? I know that even if it can it will not be really happy about it, and I don´t need to set any speed records or anything, but is this even safe? Secondly, I am unable to finance my TT and a new TV this summer. I´m sure many of you have been in this position before. Should I put off the TT bug to get a decent rig first, or ´get by´ with my half-ton as long as I can and get the TT I want first?!? Thirdly, (finally!), I am fairly handy mechanically, and really like the ´96-´99 Vortec suburbans. If push comes to shove, I will likely look for a 454 3/4 ton suburban in the best condition I can find. Is this SUV too much of a dinosaur for today´s Travel Trailers? Assume I can keep it maintained and on the road and not be a hazard to others. Help!
Tow Vehicles

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  • mtofell1's avatar
    mtofell1
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2016
    Too much TT by a good bit IMO. You're at the truck's max with a dry trailer. For comparison sake a buddy has a 2003 Yukon with similar specs as yours and he got a 4000# dry trailer. It's probably 5000 loaded up and with his family in the TV it's a struggle. In a somewhat fortunate event his truck got totaled - no injuries, it doesn't take much to total a 13 year old truck. So, he'll be upgrading soon.

    I think you're on a good path looking out for a 3/4 ton Suburban. Ironically, same friend found one used and bought it temporarily until he could get his next vehicle. I think it's early to mid 2000s. He's selling it in the next few weeks but it's out here in Oregon.... not exactly convenient for you. PM me if you have any interest.
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer II
    Jun 06, 2016
    How many people and how much stuff will be in the Sub and the trailer? If it's just you and you pack light I'd do it even though you will be technically over the tow rating. If you're talking about putting a family of 4 plus a dog or two and all their stuff in the vehicle then I don't think I'd try it.
  • jerem0621's avatar
    jerem0621
    Explorer II
    Jun 06, 2016
    Your tow rating is 6,500 lbs with the half ton suburban and the 5.7L with the tow package and the 3.73 gears.

    Here is the source I got that information from.

    1999 Towing Guide Link

    I love older vehicles, and I am partial to the older square Suburbans like you have. I nearly bought a cream puff 1999 a few years ago myself.

    If you are committed to this trailer the only option I really see is to go with a 3/4 ton Sub with the 454 and get the 10,000 lb rating.

    Or... If you are a little flexible on your trailer there are options that would work well within the 6,500 lb tow rating. In particular the Apex 28bh looks like a great match. Here is a Link just as an example.


    Thanks!

    Jeremiah

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