Looking at options for a new TV that will also be a DD. Trying to avoid a 3/4 ton truck if possible, in favor of 1/2 ton or full size SUV. Would be towing a 30' TT - Dry weight 5500 lbs and we add about 1200 lbs to it in gear. Dry tongue weight is about 680 with batteries and propane.Looking at 2018 F150 with payload package and either 3.5 EcoBoost or 5.0L and a 2017 Yukon (not XL) with 6.2L. Yukon weighs more but has a shorter wheel base. Payload and towing capacity are sufficient on both and I think either would be fine. Payload is barely sufficient on Yukon. I know a 3/4 ton would be better, but again, I'm trying to avoid if possible. So, which of these options would result in a better and safer towing experience?

I think the 150 with longer wheel base would be best option. It should have heavier duty tires, with more firm sidewalls, which will help a lot with a trailer that length.Jerry

6700 pounds of TT pulled my Tahoe would be 700 hundred more than I’d do.

The most important feature is carrying capacity followed by towing capacity.

You already said payload is barely there on the Tahoe. That's your answer. Hands down the F150 will be a better choice. Dry weight is a myth. Even if you add the 1200# to your towing weight, have you considered the weight of the options? A/C, awning, TV, and sometimes even the spare tire are options. Look for a yellow sticker on the outside of the trailer and/or inside a cabinet door. It will show the "As shipped" weight. Use that number and then add your 1200#. I'm betting your actual weight will be closer to 7200# and tongue weight 930#.

Pickups are typically a lot better values than full size SUVs, so unless you need the third row I would always go for the pickup and throw on a pappy cap if you want the "trunk" enclosed and lockable. That said a SRW HD is the sweet spot for me. Similar price to a half ton in the same size footprint but a lot more capable. Not necessary for the trailer you're contemplating but it future-proofs you better.

More important in TV - Weight or Wheelbase | Good Sam Community

bjkb1f
Explorer
Mar 06, 2019
Campfire Time wrote:
You already said payload is barely there on the Tahoe. That's your answer. Hands down the F150 will be a better choice.

Dry weight is a myth. Even if you add the 1200# to your towing weight, have you considered the weight of the options? A/C, awning, TV, and sometimes even the spare tire are options. Look for a yellow sticker on the outside of the trailer and/or inside a cabinet door. It will show the "As shipped" weight. Use that number and then add your 1200#. I'm betting your actual weight will be closer to 7200# and tongue weight 930#.

You’re probably right about the tongue weight. Sounds like it’ll have to be a truck. Thanks all!
IdaD
Explorer
Mar 06, 2019
Pickups are typically a lot better values than full size SUVs, so unless you need the third row I would always go for the pickup and throw on a pappy cap if you want the "trunk" enclosed and lockable.

That said a SRW HD is the sweet spot for me. Similar price to a half ton in the same size footprint but a lot more capable. Not necessary for the trailer you're contemplating but it future-proofs you better.
Campfire_Time
Explorer
Mar 06, 2019
You already said payload is barely there on the Tahoe. That's your answer. Hands down the F150 will be a better choice.

Dry weight is a myth. Even if you add the 1200# to your towing weight, have you considered the weight of the options? A/C, awning, TV, and sometimes even the spare tire are options. Look for a yellow sticker on the outside of the trailer and/or inside a cabinet door. It will show the "As shipped" weight. Use that number and then add your 1200#. I'm betting your actual weight will be closer to 7200# and tongue weight 930#.
agesilaus
Explorer III
Mar 06, 2019
The most important feature is carrying capacity followed by towing capacity.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Mar 06, 2019
6700 pounds of TT pulled my Tahoe would be 700 hundred more than I’d do.
MFL
Nomad II
Mar 06, 2019
I think the 150 with longer wheel base would be best option. It should have heavier duty tires, with more firm sidewalls, which will help a lot with a trailer that length.

Jerry

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