We have 28 ft Keystone Outback, GVWR 7,000 lb that we have always pulled with our 1/2 Ton pickup. The pickup is set up for pulling with airbag assist suspension and a 6.2 engine and it does a great job. We need extra space to take our 4 grandkids on a trip so we are looking at using a 2011 suburban with a 5.3 engine, transmission cooler, but nothing extra on the suspension. The trailer has a Reese WD, anti-sway hitch. Do you feel that will be sufficient for our 1,500 mile trip? My only other option is for us to take two vehicles and my wife would follow me in the car. We'd like to avoid using two vehicles, but want to make sure the suburban will do the job. Thanks!

You need to look at the payload of the 'Burb. Most likely it's going to be a lot lower than the PU. With 4 kids in the truck and a potential 900# tongue weight you may not have enough CC. With the 5.3 I suspect you'll be right on the edge. And on a 1500 mile trip I don't think you'll enjoy the towing experience half as much as with your PU. Then again it'll make you really appreciate the PU. ;)

As Campfire said, you need to check your payload.However, the 5.3L is perfectly adequate towing that weight.Can you fit all 6 of you in the truck? I am assuming since you have a 6.2L, there is a center console and no seat in the front. But just want to verify.

The problem with the 1500 Suburban is lack of payload. Once you have bodies in the seats and some travel stuff they generally are right at max payload with little to no room for hitch weight. Now, if you could find a low mileage 2500 Suburban it could make a great tow vehicle.

Thanks for the responses. To answer some of the questions: no my pu doesn't have a bench seat in the front so we can only carry five with driver. Our grandkids are all under the age of 11 so their little bodies aren't going to add much wt. maybe 225 lbs total. Yes I would love to find a 3/4 ton suburban to rent but they are hard to come by. I've checked with all our local rent-a-car dealers and none will rent a tv, insurance reasons I guess. We will only be gone 5 days so don't need a pile of stuff. The campground has full hookups so wont carry extra water or waste when traveling.I would love to hear from someone that has towed with a suburban or similar vehicle. Thanks again for weighing in.

If mostly flat land then it will do fine. I am guessing your tongue weight will be around 800 pounds or so which will pretty much max you with 350 for passengers and 100 pounds for the WD hitch. Might be over the cargo capacity by a couple hundred. Biggest issue I see is the soft suspension on the Burb. If you get the weight distribution hitch set up well then it will be ok. Fairly long wheelbase so sway will be tolerable. Side winds will be pretty noticeable especially out there on the plains. It will be slow so just keep the overdrive off and take your time. It will not be a tow you will want to make all the time but will work for a one-off trip. It will make you appreciate your pick-up for sure.

suburban as a tv for first tme | Good Sam Community

4Kellys
Explorer
Jul 11, 2016
At 7200# your hitch weight would be 930# so that's under the hitch rating. Looks like your payload is around 1500# but I would weigh your vehicle loaded with gas, people and supplies and subtract that from its GVWR to see how close you are to that number and go from there! Good luck!
NavyVetBullet28
Explorer
Dec 04, 2016
This is somewhat off topic but I haven't been able to find info anywhere else. Do you have to extend the slide in order to load/unload gear from your TT? Also, how much walking room is there from the master Bedroom to the bathroom when the sofa couch is in use as a bed? Thank you and I hope you're enjoying your Bullet. If everything goes well, we'll be proud Bullet owners ourselves in a few months. Cheers!
falconbrother
Explorer II
Dec 05, 2016
Just a note, if you can find one I have observed that there's a lot of 2500/250 series vans out there that have a good tow weight rating and will offer you a lot of interior room. From what I have seen, just looking myself, the 2500 series vans all have a higher rating than the 1500 Suburbans.
rbpru
Explorer II
Dec 05, 2016
Tow rating easy.
Combined weights easy
Hitch rating easy.
Max cargo capacity is vehicle dependent, not so easy.

My F-150 can pull 9500 lbs. It can only carry 1411 lbs. Adults, dog and tongue weight use up most of that.

What is the suburban's max cargo capacity?
APT
Explorer
Dec 05, 2016
If you are used to how the 6.2L tows, the 5.3L may be frustrating. IF you do not have the Suburban already, then you may want to seek out a Yukon XL Denali, or even better a 2500 Suburban/Yuk XL.
jcgib81
Explorer
Dec 05, 2016
I towed my Keystone Bullet Premier with a 2007 Suburban 5.3. I did put airbags in the rear which helped. The 5.3 liter struggled. It towed but never felt comfortable.
Two years ago I switched to 2011 Yukon XL Denali with the 6.2. Night and day towing. Love it.

Pretty close to weights for the travel trailers. So yes you will be able but it will struggle.
Just my 2 cents.

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